Namibia’s hot, dry climate grows slow, dense trees, and that is why Namibian wood is in demand: it burns clean, hot and long. The dry climate ensures that the wood is dense, has a low moisture percentage, and contains low residues or saps (which produce unpleasant smoke when ignited).
As Namibian trees do not retain much water, the openings (or veins) which carry water within the tree are very small, thereby increasing the density of the wood harvested. The higher the wood density, the heavier the wood and in turn, the longer-lasting and hotter the flames generated. Because of these properties, Namibian hardwoods can be used for braais, campfires and open fireplaces. Local woods like blackwattle and bloekom need proper seasoning to burn well, which is why ours are seasoned and kept under cover.
Types of Namibian Hardwoods
- Sekelbos / Sekeldoring / Sickle Bush/ Dichrostachys Cinerea
Sekelbos grows fast and spreads over farmland in Namibia (bush encroachment), so clearing it and using it as firewood helps the farmers. Sekelbos is best known for producing large, red hot flames that create a distinct bushveld aroma which may add delicious flavour to your meat. Sekelbos reliably generates hot fires and leaves long-lasting coals.
- Kameeldoring / Camelthorn/ Acacia Erioloba
The main difference between Sekeldoring and Kameeldoring is that, despite similar flame sizes, Kameeldoring is denser, which results in fires that burn longer (and can reach higher temperatures). Kameeldoring pieces are generally larger than Sekeldoring and are preferred by people that want a longer burning wood in bigger fires.Kameeldoring / Camelthorn wood may only be harvested from dead trees or fallen branches. Kameeldoring is well known for being a great all-purpose wood that adds great flavour to braai meat and burns well in open fireplaces: very dry and dense, it burns hot and long. For a closed-combustion unit we recommend bloekom or blackwattle. Always follow your unit’s manual.
Which Namibian Hardwood should I buy?
Fires made from any type of high-quality Namibian wood are likely to be successful. A good Namibian Hardwood mix or Sekeldoring is right for small to medium braais and open fireplaces. For medium to large open fireplaces and braais, we recommend a combination of Sekeldoring and Kameeldoring. If you prefer larger logs then we recommend just using Kameeldoring and also for BIG pieces you can buy our Namibian Hardwood Chunky – these chunky pieces burn slowly. We also stock Swarthaak, dense hardwood close to kameeldoring, in a 15kg bag, and Mopane for a long braai or a potjie. Not sure how many bags? Build my order for me.
