Namibian Hardwood UK

Namibian Hardwood UK: direct import of African firewood and charcoal for the British market

Namibian Hardwood UK LTD is the British subsidiary of Namibian Hardwood Pty Ltd., a group founded in 2005 by Phillip Kleinhans and dedicated to the import and distribution of Namibian hardwood firewood, lumpwood charcoal, and BBQ and braai accessories. The company presents itself as one of the largest wholesale suppliers of hardwood firewood in Southern Africa and operates with a workforce of more than 500 employees across Namibia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. Its main distribution centre is in Cape Town, from where export operations are coordinated.

The British branch operates as a family business run by Jeandré and Darren Gibbons, with the support of Phillip Kleinhans. Jeandré has worked alongside Kleinhans in the Cape Town offices since 2015 and has built up knowledge of the different varieties of firewood, charcoal, and braai wood. Darren handles deliveries and warehouse maintenance. The company has been exporting to the UK since 2006 and has steadily expanded its presence in the British and European markets.

Firewood and braai wood range

The company's range is built around Namibian hardwoods of different species, offered in bags, gift boxes, and bulk pallets or crates. The varieties sold include Thornwood mix, Sicklebush or Sekelbos, Camelthorn or Kameeldoring, and Mopane. Individual formats include 7 kg, 10 kg, and 12 kg bags, as well as premium 10 kg gift boxes. For larger orders, 480 kg pallets or crates are available, with options of 48 bags or 48 boxes depending on the presentation.

The company also sells premium heat logs for fireplaces and stoves, available in 10 kg bags and in 480 kg bulk pallets made up of 48 packs of 10 kg. The fuel range is completed by a 30 kg variety box that brings together three types of high-quality firewood and kindling, aimed at those who want to try different woods. The shop states that these products are suitable for home heating, indoor fireplaces, stoves, barbecues, and pizza ovens.

Charcoal, briquettes, and firelighters

In the charcoal and briquettes section, Namibian Hardwood UK offers premium lumpwood BBQ charcoal in 5 kg bags and in 480 kg bulk pallets, as well as premium charcoal briquettes in 4 kg bags and 480 kg pallets. It also has restaurant-grade lumpwood charcoal in 10 kg format, with pieces between 5 and 25 cm, aimed at professional use. The range is completed by Happy Kindling firelighters, made from sun-dried bluegum wood, with no additives and low smoke and ash, and by a line of BBQ, braai, and fireplace accessories and equipment that includes smoking wood and volcanic lava rocks.

Certification and shipping terms

The company states that all its wood products are Ready to Burn (Woodsure) certified, a British mark that confirms a moisture content suitable for use as fuel. The shop offers free shipping on orders over £175 to mainland UK, and also offers free shipping on all bulk orders. The site includes informative sections on recipes, tips and tricks, as well as a programme to become a distributor.

Sustainable origin and international structure

Namibian Hardwood UK LTD presents itself as a company committed to sustainable and ethical practices, with a supply chain that starts on its own farms in Namibia and continues through its processing and distribution teams. The company stresses that every bag is handled with care from its origin to delivery to the customer. In addition to firewood and charcoal, the parent group sells more than 300 different products, including game meat, biltong, BBQ accessories, and African crafts and decor, although the British operation focuses on fuels and braai items.