Accommodation is filling up, stallholders are preparing their wares and the quaint village of Lüderitz is getting all fired up in preparation for the annual Crayfish Festival to be held from 30th May to 1st June 2013

What’s all the fuss about? 

The festival is a smorgasbord of culinary delights with local produce, crafts and of course delectable crayfish dishes on display at the many stalls, which will be set up at the Lüderitz Waterfront. 

This is your chance to mingle with the local folk, sample delicious seafood and cheer on your favourite in the Crayfish Cooking Competition – all against a backdrop of stunning harbour views surrounded by fresh air, music and sunshine.  I

f that isn’t enough, extra entertainment includes a mini military tattoo and a music festival at the local stadium, and the proceeds got to various charitable beneficiaries.

What’s so special about crayfish?

The crayfish (Kreef in Afrikaans), or West Coast Rock Lobster (Jasus lalandii), is a sea dwelling delicacy which is best served steamed with a dash of lemon butter or barbecued straight from the sea. 

The firm and sweet tasting tails of these large crustaceans is enjoyed all over the world and it is said that those that hail from Namibia are some of the best to be had.

The extremely cold and turbulent conditions of the Atlantic Ocean are the perfect habitat for the nutrients and microorganisms favoured by Crayfish and the Benguela system off the coast of South West Africa produces more Phytoplankton and Zooplankton annually than any place on earth.  This is a veritable feast for the crayfish and you could assume that the Lüderitz crayfish ‘taste so good, ‘cos they eat so good!’.

Where to get yours

At the Crayfish festival, you can try out a wide range of crayfish dishes but if you prefer a sit-down affair, you can try the Penguin Restaurant, or the Nest Hotel in town.

Where to stay

Accommodation for The Crayfish Festival is at a premium, so book early or consult Namibia Tourism for a list of nearby places to stay.

Click here to return to all the posts appearing in the Travel Blog