Windhoek is the best place in Namibia to pick up crafts and souvenirs — the selection is wider than at any of the smaller towns, and prices are usually fairer than at lodge gift shops in the desert.
Post Street Mall, the pedestrianised stretch in the centre, has a long open-air craft market with wood carvings, beadwork, ostrich-egg jewelry, and printed cloth. Bargaining is expected; assume around 60-70 percent of the asking price.
Namibia Craft Centre, in the Old Breweries on Tal Street, gathers around 40 small producers under one roof — basketry from the Caprivi, San bushman crafts, contemporary jewelry, photography. Prices are fixed but quality is higher than the street markets. Excellent for serious gifts.
Penduka, on the edge of Goreangab Dam in Katutura, is a women's co-operative selling embroidery, baskets, and pottery. The setting is pleasant and the project trains and employs disadvantaged women from the township. A short taxi ride from the centre.
For everyday shopping, the Maerua Mall and the Wernhil Park Mall are full-service air-conditioned shopping centres with supermarkets and chain stores — useful for stocking up before a long road trip.