After returning the Mercedes to Windhoek, we’ve had a few days in Namibia’s captial city whilst we wait to pick-up the 4×4 and start our tour. We’ve made good use of the well-stocked supermarkets, fast internet and cafes in town, and relaxed in the sun at the hostel where we are camping. It was a welcome relief from the desert of the Trans-Kalahari Highway to bob about in an inflatable ring in the pool, complete with travel magazine and cuppa.

We were reliably informed by a number of locals that we hadn’t been to Windhoek unless we’d been to Joe’s Beer House, so last night we treated ourselves to the experience. Due to the reported dangers of the city at night, we took a cab which turned out to be a Yoko-mobile – there are loads of VW campervans here, must be due to the old German influence on the city. They look very out of place amongst the hunking Toyota 4x4s.

It’s hard to describe Joe’s. Some say it’s like a more individual TGI Fridays or Hard Rock Cafe, but it’s much more atmospheric than that. It’s a huge place with lots of adjoining spaces, big candle-lit tables and tonnes of artefacts from around Africa. Despite its size and our early arrival, we were told the restaurant was fully booked. After a little begging, we were accommodated at the bar where we ordered a cheap pink sparkling wine to toast our trip so far. I chose a light dinner, leaving room for the widely recommended chocolate mousse, which was delicious. Dave, after enjoying the Oryx steak at Zelda’s, furthered his game tasting and ordered Springbok, served the Namibian Way and reports that it was even better than the Oryx.

A lovely night was had by all and on our way out we met an English Aussie who said she’d put us up for a few nights in Perth when we finally arrive there – you never know who you’re going to meet next.

[Show as slideshow]