There are a few things that make this destination special. One of them are the gorgeous granite boulders that make for interesting contrasts on the horizon. Cultures throughout history have prized certain rock types as ornamental stones, and granite is an example of this. The Great Pyramid of Giza is built from limestone, but the innermost King’s Chamber is clad with granite. It is a rock composed mostly of quartz, and it is believed to have balancing effects. It certainly has aesthetic properties, creating a glittering beauty all around Namibgrens.

The drive from the capital city, Windhoek, is short and easy, a combination of tar and gravel roads. Namibgrens is also a convenient stopover location, mere minutes from the breathtaking Spreegshogte Pass on your way to the Namib Desert.

We are welcomed by the sounds of farm animals and beautiful trees swaying in the breeze as well as the managers, Sandra and Kalf van Zyl. In 2019 this husband and wife duo closed their boutique delicatessen in Windhoek, Kaapse Tafel, to heed the call of living a simpler life in sync with the rhythms of nature. Being foodies with restaurant ownership experience, the arrival of Sandra and Kalf at Namibgrens has added a new dynamic to the farm – sensational food. It makes this destination even more special, and it was one of the top highlights of our visit.

Everything we sampled was scrumptious. It is also clear that whatever they don’t grow themselves in the farm garden, they source from neighbouring farms, thereby supporting small- scale producers in the area. You can taste this difference. There are so many flavoursome treats, such as the cold-pressed virgin olive oil from a neighbour who grows his own organic olives, or the organic lemons bursting with flavour.

Dishes made from wholesome ingredients woven together with love deliver a taste sensation at the border of the Namib Desert. Gemsbok steaks and slow-roasted vegetables for dinner, perfect French omelettes for breakfast, cheese platters with preserves and homemade bread. Oh, the bread! The pièce de résistance is the artisan bread.

The bread has become so famous that once a traveller made a detour of 300 kilometres to buy some Namibgrens bread. Kalf is an artisanal baker, and with the rising popularity of his bread he needed help. Enter Abed Hailonga. Abed worked for many years under Moose McGregor at the legendary Solitaire Bakery. After Moose’s passing, differences of opinion with the new owners forced Abed to leave. He was delighted when the opportunity to become a baker at Namibgrens presented itself.

Abed’s passion for his bread is visible when you meet him. He beams with pride. Kalf explains that Abed has such a talent for bread that he quickly became the primary baker at the farm. They use traditional methods, slower methods where nothing is premixed. That is the artisanal way. Whether a rosemary sourdough or the special recipe of fifty percent white flour mixed with fifty percent wholewheat – the bread is exceptional.

Another highlight of the dining experience at Namibgrens is that you can choose to dine in private and the team will bring your meal to your villa where you can enjoy the views of the setting sun along with your gourmet and local delicacies. Travelling as a family, we chose this option and it worked out extremely well. We had a feast delivered to our villa at the exact time we wanted. It was fine dining, but at home.