Essentials
- City
- Henties Bay, Erongo Region, Namibia
- Population
- Approximately 6,500 (swells to 40,000 during December holidays)
- Internet Speed
- Average 10-20 Mbps via Paratus or Telecom Namibia 4G; fiber is limited to specific newer developments.
- Currency & Banking
- Namibian Dollar (NAD), pegged 1:1 with South African Rand (ZAR). 1 USD ≈ 19.10 NAD.
- Tap Water
- Safe to drink, sourced from the Omaruru Delta, though highly mineralized; many prefer filtered water.
- Power
- 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type M (large 3-pin) is standard; Type C/F adapters occasionally needed.
- SIM Card
- MTC Namibia (Aweh packages for 40-70 NAD/week) and Telecom Namibia (TN Mobile).
- Banking for Expats
- First National Bank (FNB) and Bank Windhoek; Revolut/Wise work for ATM withdrawals.
- Accommodation
- Primarily self-catering holiday homes and guesthouses; very few traditional apartments.
- Cashless Friendly
- Yes, cards accepted at Spar and filling stations; cash required for local fish markets.
- Short Term Rentals
- Airbnb and local agencies like Henties Bay Estates; expect 800 - 1,500 NAD per night.
- Budget Accommodation
- Buck's Camping Lodge (approx. 250 NAD for camping, 700 NAD for basic chalets).
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- South Dune (Suid-Duin) for ocean views and proximity to the main beach.
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- North Dune (Noord-Duin) or the Town Centre for more stable utility connections and proximity to the Spar center.
Working and Networking
- Best Coworking Space
- None officially; most nomads use the library or remote setups in high-end rentals like Desert Rose.
- Best Cafe for Work
- Fishy Corner (Main Road) - quiet during weekday mornings with decent signal.
- Networking Events
- Informal; local 'Braai' culture at the Henties Bay Golf Club is where business happens.
- Social Events for Expats
- The Henties Bay Squash Club and the Henties Bay Tourism Association events.
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- No apps (Uber/LeFA not available); use local numbers for 'taxis' (approx. 20-40 NAD within town).
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- Not readily available; walking or a 4x4 vehicle is essential for the terrain.
- Best Beach Nearby
- The 'Gallows' beach or Solitude for quiet work sessions and shore fishing.
- Top Regional Airline
- Air Connect Namibia (FlyNamibia) flying from Walvis Bay (WVB) to Windhoek (ERS).
- Top International Airline
- Lufthansa (Eurowings Discover) via Windhoek Hosea Kutako International (WDH).
- Highway Access
- The C34 (Salt Road) connects South to Swakopmund and North to Torra Bay.
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- Swakopmund Railway Station (75km south) for TransNamib services.
- Public Transport Passes
- None; private shuttles (inter-city) to Windhoek cost approx. 350-450 NAD.
- Regional Travel
- Inter-town shuttles (Town Hoppers) to Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.
Health and Wellness
- Best Hospital
- Henties Bay State Clinic for basics; private emergencies require travel to Welwitschia Hospital in Walvis Bay.
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- Private sessions at De Duine Hotel or informal groups at the beach.
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- Henties Bay Fitness Centre near the municipal offices.
- Laundry Services
- Bubble & Squeak Laundromat located in the town center.
Food and Drink
- Best Food Delivery App
- None; order directly from restaurants for pickup or use local WhatsApp delivery groups.
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Freshly caught Steenbras or Galjoen (shore-fishing staples) and Biltong.
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- Desert Rose Restaurant offers salad bars and vegetable platters; options are limited.
- Best Dessert Spots
- Skubbe Bar (for traditional milk tart) and local home-industry stalls.
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- Spar Henties Bay (Main hub for groceries and supplies).
- E-commerce/Online Store
- Takealot (via courier from SA/Windhoek) or local Namibian site NamSoko.
- Grocery Delivery
- Spar offers phone-in delivery for a small fee for residents.
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- Pirates Bar and the Skubbe Bar (usually lively with local fishermen).
- Local Brewery
- None in town; Swakopmund Brewing Company (75km away) is the closest producer.
- Wine Bars
- De Duine Hotel Restaurant has the most extensive wine list in town.
- Street Food Stalls
- Biltong stalls along the C34 entrance and the Fish Market near the beach.
- Popular International Cuisine
- Gallows Grill (Steaks and seafood with a South African influence).
Culture and Attractions
- Must-See Landmarks
- The 'Gallows' (symbolic landmark) and the Jakkalsputz area.
- Museums & Art Venues
- Local history displays at the Henties Bay Tourism Office.
- Historical Sites
- The 1960s 'Hangman's' tree (reproduction) and the Old Harbour remains.
- Religious Sites
- Dutch Reformed Church (NG Kerk) - iconic architecture on the skyline.
- Annual Events
- Henties Bay Fish Festival (Henties Visfees) held annually in August.
- Cultural Districts
- Omdel (the township area) for authentic local vibes and kapana meat.
- Theater Venues
- Local school halls or community centers for occasional plays.
- Local Markets
- The Henties Bay Open Market in Omdel.
- Music Scene
- Live music at Pirates Bar during peak holiday seasons.
- Street Art
- Minimal; some nautical-themed murals on local businesses.
- Cooking Classes
- Informal workshops on pickling fish or making biltong at local guesthouses.
- Art Galleries
- Small craft shops selling Namibian curio art in the town center.
- Historic Buildings
- The 'Dead End' house, one of the oldest residential structures.
- Local Heritage
- The deep-sea angling culture that founded the town in 1929.
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- Dorob National Park surrounding the town; the Omaruru River Mouth.
- National Parks Nearby
- Cape Cross Seal Reserve (60km North) hosting one of the world's largest Cape Fur Seal colonies.
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- The 'Walk of Fame' along the dunes toward the North Dune.
- Scenic Viewpoints
- The cliffs at Eagle's Nest overlooking the Atlantic.
- Birdwatching Locations
- The Omaruru Riverbed for endemic desert species and Damara Terns.
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- Jakkalsputz camping area allows beach braais in designated spots.
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- NamPost (Namibia Post) for general mail; DHL for international courier.
- Tech Repair Services
- Nifty Tech (occasional visits) or travel to Swakopmund for specialized repairs.
- Table Tennis Spots
- Henties Bay Golf Club recreation room.
- Language Classes
- Private Afrikaans or Oshiwambo tutoring can be arranged via the library.
- Libraries & Study Spots
- Henties Bay Public Library on Nickey Iyambo Road.
- Community Centers
- Henties Bay Community Hall for municipal meetings and social gatherings.
- Gaming Lounges
- None; localized betting shops available for sports.
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- Desert Rose Resort has a small selection of slot machines.
Business
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. 18,000 NAD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 720,000 NAD).
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. 12,000 NAD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 480,000 NAD).
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. 16,500 NAD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 990,000 NAD).
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. 11,000 NAD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 660,000 NAD).
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. 15,000 NAD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 1,200,000 NAD).
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. 10,000 NAD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 800,000 NAD).
- Corporate Tax
- 32% (standard rate for non-mining companies).
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- 10% for non-residents.
- Tax System
- Source-based tax system; income from a Namibian source is taxable.
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- 37% for income over 1.5 million NAD per annum.
- VAT
- 15% on most goods and services.
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- No specific CFC rules, but anti-avoidance measures exist.
- Property Tax
- Yes, monthly rates and taxes paid to the Henties Bay Municipality.
- Property Transaction Tax
- Transfer duty on a sliding scale from 0% to 12% for individuals.
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- Namibia Digital Nomad Visa allows 6 months of residency with no tax on foreign-sourced income.