Plizio Visual Lab
Namibia Breweries Limited
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Industrial site
Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) is the country's premier brewing company, headquartered in Windhoek and regarded as a flagship of Namibian industrial excellence. Established in 1920 as 'South West Breweries', the company maintains deep historical ties to German brewing traditions. NBL is distinguished by its strict adherence to the Reinheitsgebot of 1516, the German Purity Law which mandates that beer be brewed using only malted barley, hops, and water. Its flagship brands, Windhoek Lager and Tafel Lager, are household names in Namibia and are exported to over 20 countries globally, including South Africa and various European markets. As a major employer, NBL plays a vital role in the national economy and is a leader in corporate social responsibility. In 2023, the global brewing giant Heineken acquired a majority stake in NBL, paving the way for further international growth while committing to maintaining local production standards.
- Location: Namibia
- Top sights: KCAC Arena · Katutura Community Arts Centre · John Muafangejo Art Centre
- Nearby: Gross Barmen (57 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep–Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 24 | 23 | 22 | 19 | 16 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 20 | 23 | 23 | 24 |
| Rain mm | 90 | 91 | 84 | 57 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 21 | 34 | 53 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
Namibia Breweries Limited is a modern brewery in Windhoek, brewing internationally award-winning beer according to the Reinheitsgebot. It is a significant economic player and exporter.
Visiting
The brewery may offer guided tours, but these are not guaranteed. From the outside, the modern building is clearly visible in Windhoek's industrial area.
Where to view it
The best spot is the street in front of the brewery's main entrance. From there, one can see the delivery of raw materials and the bottling halls.
Local products
The brewery produces well-known beer brands such as Windhoek Lager and Tafel Lager. These are available in shops and restaurants across Namibia.
Active season
Beer production runs year-round. In summer (Namibian winter), demand for beer is highest, increasing the plant's activity.
Nearby
A visit can be combined with a guided tour of Windhoek. Nearby are the National Botanical Garden and other attractions.
Geography
Facts
- Established in 1920 as South West Breweries.
- Adheres strictly to the 1516 Purity Law.
- Windhoek Lager is exported to 20+ countries.
- Modern brewery complex is located in Windhoek.
- Acquired by Heineken in a major 2023 deal.
- Frequent winner of international DLG gold awards.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Namibia Breweries Limited (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Namibia Breweries Limited?
Namibia's largest brewery, known for its beer brewed according to the purity law.
Where can one find their beer?
Everywhere in Namibia in every supermarket, restaurant, and bar.
Is their beer known worldwide?
Yes, they successfully export their brands to many countries, especially South Africa.
How is the quality?
Very high, as they consistently brew according to the German Purity Law of 1516.
Are there brewery tours?
Occasionally for groups on request, but not as a daily public event.
Namibia Breweries Limited: where is it located?
Namibia Breweries Limited is located in Namibia.
Namibia Breweries Limited: what is there to see?
Highlights include KCAC Arena, Katutura Community Arts Centre, John Muafangejo Art Centre.
Namibia Breweries Limited: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep, Nov.
Namibia Breweries Limited: why is it worth visiting?
Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) is the country's premier brewing company, headquartered in Windhoek and regarded as a flagship of Namibian industrial excellence.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Namibia →
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
Katutura State Hospital
A massive and prominent health complex in the Katutura township that plays a crucial role in providing medical care to the residents of W…
Sam Nujoma Stadium
A modern sports stadium in the Katutura suburb of Windhoek, named after Namibia's first president and used for major football matches.
Trans-Namib Transport Museum
A historic Cape Dutch style building of the Windhoek railway station, now exhibiting the history of the Namibian railways.
Owambo Campaign Memorial
A stone memorial next to the Christ Church in Windhoek commemorating British and South African soldiers who died during the First World War.
Turnhalle Building
Originally built as a gymnasium for sports clubs, the building gained historical significance through the Turnhalle Constitutional Confer…
Tintenpalast
The seat of both chambers of the Namibian legislature in Windhoek, surrounded by beautiful gardens and named for the high ink consumption…
Christ Church (Windhoek)
A historic Lutheran church in Windhoek, built in 1910 from quartz sandstone, considered the most famous landmark of the city.
Independence Memorial Museum
A striking building in Windhoek dedicated to the history of the anti-colonial resistance and the national liberation struggle of Namibia.
More places
Meatco Factory Windhoek
The main meat processing facility in Namibia, producing high-quality beef for export.
Van Eck Power Station
A coal-fired power station in Windhoek serving to stabilize the national power grid.
Windhoek Children's Park
A popular place for families and children in the capital.
Turnhalle Windhoek
A historic building that gave its name to the Turnhalle Constitutional Conference, an important step toward Namibia's independence.
NamWater Headquarters
The headquarters of the national water supplier, managing vital water infrastructure across Namibia.
Christ Church (Windhoek)
Windhoek's landmark, a Lutheran church in neo-Romanesque and Art Nouveau styles from the German colonial era.
Namdia Diamond Trade
The state-owned company for trading and evaluating Namibian diamonds on the global market.
Heroes' Acre
An official war memorial south of Windhoek, dedicated to the Namibian freedom fighters.