The Gateway to Northern Namibia

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1The Gateway to Northern Namibia

Welcome to

The further north one travels through Namibia, the greener the countryside. Life on the vast plains of these essentially agricul-tural regions depends on the seasonal efundja, the floods that feed the rivers, and the flat, shallow depressions called “osha-nas”. The most spectacular sunsets and palm lined horizons can be found in this region.

The expansive flat plains of northern Namibia are character-ised by intermittent stands of tall, graceful Makalani palms, and large deciduous Marula trees with dense, spreading crowns. Both these trees fulfil a pivotal role in the subsistence, lifestyles and culture of the local communities. The majority of the inhabitants of the northern regions makes a living from subsistence farming. They are born traders who offer their goods in cuca shops and stalls along the side of the road, or in open markets.

Over the past few years, however, the northern towns have undergone immense growth in various sectors of the eco-nomy. You will find first-world shopping centres, sporting the trendiest international anchor tenants. Modern infrastructure and world-class amenities and services have found their way to the north and considering the fact that 80% of Namibia’s population live in the north of the country, it stands to reason that business investment and development will follow suit.

We hope this book inspires you to experience the cultures, traditions and people of the north. Furthermore, we aim to highlight investment potential of each area and to showcase existing businesses that are already involved in advancing this region to improved sustainability.

We hope to see you here soon!

“A shared journey lights the way”

Northern Namibia

DISCLAIMER: Extreme care has gone into supplying correct and accurate information for the publica-tion. However, no liability can be accepted by the publisher for any errors or omissions (E. & O.E) that may have occured. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means without the express written permission of the publisher. © Legends of Africa

2 The Gateway to Northern Namibia



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ContentsCContentsMagnet Bureau de Change Inside Front Cover

Namibia Airports Company Pg 2-3

The Four Owambo Regions Pg 6 - 14

Oshana Region Pg 16 - 20

Mayor’s Foreword Pg 21

Ongwediva Town Council Pg 22 - 27

Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair Pg 28 - 29

Ongwediva Accommodation Section: Pg 30 - 33

Ongwediva Commercial & Industrial Section: Pg 34 - 54

Oshakati Town Council Pg 56 - 57

Oshakati Accommodation Section: Pg 58

Oshakati Amenities & Services Section: Pg 59 - 61

Oshakati Commercial & Industrial Section: Pg 62 - 65

Ondangwa Town Council Pg 66 - 68

Ondangwa Accommodation Section: Pg 69 - 70

Ondangwa Amenities & Services Section: Pg 71 - 73

Ondangwa Commercial & Industrial Section: Pg 74 - 77


Contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . ...............

ContentsCContentsKunene Region Pg 78 - 83Scents of Namibia Pg 84 - 85Opuwo Town Council Pg 86 - 87Opuwo Accommodation Section: Pg 88Opuwo Amenities & Services Section: Pg 90 - 91

Omusati Region Pg 92 - 96Okahao Town Council Pg 98 - 99Omusati Accommodation Section: Pg 100-101

Ohangwena Region Pg 102-106Ohangwena Accommodation Section: Pg 108-110

Oshikoto Region Pg 112-116

Otjizondjupa Region: Accommodation Pg 117

Desert Air Pg 118-122

Categorical Listing....................................................................Pg 123Alphabetical Listing..................................................................Pg 124

Northern Map Fold out back flap

Back Flap - Peralin PaintsBack Cover - Pennypinchers TimbercityBookmark - Magnet Bureau de Change


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More than half of Namibia’s inhabitants live in the Ohan-

gwena, Omusati, Oshana and Oshikoto regions. The

largest of these, Oshikoto, contains what is arguably

Namibia’s top tourist destination, the internationally

famous Etosha National Park, and the two intriguing

‘bottomless’ lakes, Otjikoto and Guinas.

These regions are bordered in the north by the

Kunene River, with Angola on the other side; in the

west by the Hartmann and Baynes mountains and

the Skeleton Coast Park; in the south by the Kunene

Region, traditionally referred to as Kaokoland

and Damaraland; and in the east by the Kavango,

Caprivi and Otjizondjupa regions. After the capital

Windhoek, this region has the largest urban con-

centration of people in the country.

With a total surface area of just over 56 100 km2,

the major portion of these so-called Four O Regions

consists of communal farming land, that is land where

there is no individual ownership or boundary fences,

and where the majority of the inhabitants makes a liv-

ing from subsistence farming.

The best time of the year to visit the Owambo re-

gions is April and May, after the rains. By this time

the roads are suitable for driving on, the heat of

the summer has abated, and the wetlands still host

many water birds, such as cranes, storks, ducks, her-

ons and small waders.

INTRODUCTION

Lake Otjikoto


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Prior to independence in 1990, this part of the country

was called Ovamboland. Today it is loosely referred to

as Owambo. According to the 2011 population census,

the Omusati Region with 243,166 people had the larg-

est population; the Ohangwena Region with 228,384

the second largest; the Oshikoto Region with 181,973

the third largest; and Oshana with 176,674 the smallest.

While the majority of Namibia’s Owambo live in these

four so-called O regions, many have migrated south-

wards to other parts of the country.

Since 1870, following the advent of the Finnish Mission

in Owambo, and subsequently the Roman Catholic and

Anglican churches, Christianity has played a major role

in the lives of the Owambo people. Today more than

half of the population has some link with these denomi-

nations. The Finnish Mission Church developed into an

independent Owambo/Kavango Church, which also has

adherents among the Kavango people of the north-east.

In the pre-colonial structure of Owambo society there

was a king and headmen in each of the eight Owambo

groups. Judicial powers were vested in village and re-

gional courts, with the highest court being the Supreme

Court of the King, where the King is assisted by his

headmen. This system reflects influences from the great

mediaeval states of central Africa characterised by the

sacred king having almost unlimited power.

These days only three of the Owambo clans – the

Ndonga, Ngandjera and Kwaluudhi – still recognise

their kings and are ruled by chiefs-in-council. The others

have a system of senior headmen forming a council and

administering their tribes by joint action. An important

function of these officials is the regulation of the system

of land ownership. About a quarter of the Owambo re-

gions has been claimed by individual landowners, each

occupying farms of several thousand hectares.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND


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The expansive flat plains of Owambo are characte-

rised by intermittent stands of tall, graceful makalani

palms, and large deciduous marula trees with dense,

spreading crowns. Both these trees fulfil a pivotal

role in the subsistence, lifestyles and culture of the

local communities.

The makalani palm (Hyphaene petersiana) has large

fan-like leaves and fruits resembling spherical brown

nuts. Sap is tapped from the growing tip of the stems

of these palms and left to ferment into a potent drink

called palm wine. The fruit of the makalani palm

takes two years to mature, and has a white, bony

kernel. Referred to as vegetable ivory, its hard ker-

nel is suitable for carving small ornaments, such as

distinctive and decorative buttons. These are sold to

tourists as souvenirs by roadside vendors; to traders

to be featured in formal and informal jewellery; and

in functional items like key rings and bottle openers.

The carved nuts usually depict animals – elephant,

rhino, giraffe, gemsbok and springbok – or topical

themes such as the Namibian flag and domestic

scenes. They are also sold at craft markets such as

the Namibia Craft Centre in Tal Street in Windhoek,

and make attractive gifts for tourists to take home as

souvenirs.

TWO VALUABLE TREES

Makalani Palms


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The huge spreading marula, Sclerocarya birrea, is an

important fruit and shade tree for human and animals

alike. The fruit is nutritious and high in vitamin C. It is

eaten fresh, while the juice is drunk unfermented as a

beverage, or fermented to make wine, which may be

further distilled to make brandy. Oil expressed from

the kernel, which is edible, is protein-rich and eaten

with porridge, and also used for cooking, dressing

leather, in cosmetics and as an insecticide. The wood

is used for carvings, the branches for fire-sticks, and

the leaves and bark medicinally. Elephants are par-

ticularly partial to the bark and fruit of these trees.

THE LIFE-GIVING CUVELAI SYSTEMLife on the vast plains of these essentially agricultural

regions depends on the seasonal efundja, the floods

that feed the rivers, and the flat, shallow depressions

called oshanas. A memorable sight is when they light

up with copious growths of white lilies soon after the

rainy season has commenced. The origin of these wa-

ters is the highlands of Angola. After a long journey

southwards, the Cuvelai River disperses its contents

into many channels, covering the sandy flats of south-

ern Angola and spreading into northern Namibia to

form a large expansive delta of rivulets and oshanas.

These provide drinking water to humans and animals,

protein in the form of fish and a habitat that supports

large numbers of aquatic birds.

Marula Tree


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Having a common origin and culture, the people living

in central northern Namibia and southern Angola

migrated southwards from the Great Lakes in East Africa

to settle between the Kunene and Okavango rivers in

about 1550. Today four of these groups live in southern

Angola in the Cunene Province, and eight are spread

across northern Namibia.

Of the eight Owambo tribes, the Kwanyama is the lar-

gest. The others are the Ndonga, Kwambi, Ngandyela,

Kwaluudhi and Mbalanhu, and the two smaller ones,

the Nkolonkadhi and Unda. The Owambo languages,

which are closely related to one another and are Bantu

in origin, are commonly understood by Oshiwambo

speakers, with Kwanyama and Ndonga having been

developed into written languages.

The most striking feature of the traditional Owambo so-

cial system is the predominance of matrilineal descent,

which determines the laws of inheritance and succes-

sion, as well as post-marital residency. In recent years,

as a result of external factors such as the Christian doc-

trine, migrant labour and economic independence,

there has been a distinct shift towards a patrilineally

organised society.

OWAMBO TRIBAL AND SOCIAL STRUCTURE


OWAMBO TRIBAL AND SOCIAL STRUCTURE

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Traditionally Owambo houses are shaped like ronda-vels, usually encircled by palisades, and often con-nected by passages. The complex usually contains cattle kraals, and is surrounded by cultivated lands.

The Owambo practise a mixed economy of agriculture, cultivating mainly mahangu (a kind of pearl millet), sor-ghum and beans, and farming with livestock, mainly cattle, supplemented by fishing in the oshanas. They utilise traditional land according to the traditional right of occupation usually acquired by paying the ‘owner’ of the ward with cattle. Although subject to the laws of the people, grazing and utilisation of veld and bush pro-ducts are communal. As is borne out by the more than 10 000 stalls, cuca shops and locally-owned shopping complexes in the northern regions, the Owambos are born traders.

Many Owambo people work in other parts of the coun-try. For example, the workforces in today’s mining and fishing industries consist primarily of Owambo people. They are also well represented in the civil service and have always played an active role in politics. SWAPO (South West Africa People’s Organisation), started as a non-violent pressure group referred to as the Owambo People’s Organisation, and has been Namibia’s ruling

party since independence in 1990.

Nowadays Owambo women, who traditionally culti-vated the land and raised the children, are earning an income through home industries such as pottery, basketry, dressmaking and woodcarving, and are in-creasingly entering the labour market as nurses, clerks, shop assistants and teachers.

For many years they harvested the fruit of the marula tree, extracting the oil and using it as a taste enhancer in traditional chicken and mahangu dishes, and cosmeti-cally as a moisturiser for their skins. Today the oil of this traditional African food source is being processed and exported as a high-value ingredient for overseas cos-metic products. Namibia is the first Southern African country to export marula oil to Europe.

Community-based tourism in the four north-central regions provides an opportunity to meet these friendly and courteous people. Here visitors can experience the local culture, taste the food and visit the traditional homesteads. Travelling through the area can be done with ease, as there is a comprehensive network of well-maintained tarred roads and accommodation facilities to suit all preferences and pockets.

ECONOMY AND LIFESTYLES


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The Himba, Tjimba and other Herero people who

inhabit Namibia’s remote north-western Kunene Re-

gion are also found living in scattered settlements in

the Four O Regions, especially Omusati, Oshana and

Ohangwena.

By tradition Himba are semi-nomadic pastoralists who

tend to trek from one watering place to another. They

seldom leave their home areas and maintain, even in

their dress, a tradition of their own, on which other

cultures have made little impression. They have lived

a relatively isolated existence for many centuries. Due

to their tall, slender and statuesque appearance, the

Himba have been much publicised in books and ma-

gazines, and are renowned for their proud yet friendly

bearing.

They live in simple, cone-shaped structures of sap-

lings, bound together with palm leaves, and plastered

with mud and dung. The men build the structures,

while the women mix the clay and do the plastering.

A fire burns in the headman’s hut day and night, to

keep away insects and provide light and heat. A family

may move from one home to another several times a

year to seek grazing for their goats and cattle.

The Himba IN OWAMBO


The Himba IN OWAMBO

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Himba men, women and children wear body adorn-

ments made from iron and shell beads. The women

especially are noted for their sculptural beauty, en-

hanced by intricate hairstyles and traditional adorn-

ments. A traditional Himba woman spends as much as

three hours a day on her toilette. After she has bathed,

she anoints herself with her own individually prepared

mixture of butterfat, herbs and ochre. This mixture not

only protects her skin from the harsh desert sun, but

also keeps insects away and prevents her body hair

from falling out. She uses another mixture of butterfat,

fresh herbs and black coals to rub on her hair, and

‘steams’ her clothes regularly over the permanent fire.

Himba women produce finely woven baskets with

beautiful sculptural shapes that were traditionally

used to store milk or fat. In many areas they are still

used for this purpose. Shapes vary from a bottle with

a neck and narrow mouth to a deep pail. Most have

a leather handle with iron-beaded decoration, which

are used to hang the baskets in their dwellings. Bowl-

shaped baskets are made and used for winnowing the

grass seeds collected from ants’ nests.

MAHANGU FESTIVAL ANDCHAMPIONSHIPThis annual festival, locally referred to as Oshipe, and

held after the harvest in August/September, is hosted in

the region of the Overall National Crown Champion,

which includes all the northern and north-eastern re-

gions, where mahangu (pearl millet) is the staple food

for many. The festival creates a platform for mahangu

farmers to share ideas, motivate each other, and en-

gage in healthy competition while showcasing their

products. Important topics of discussion include the

improvement and modernisation of mahangu produc-

tion by introducing new technologies and cultivation

methods, and by improving soil fertility. The festival is

organised by the Namibian Agronomic Board.

Typical Ovambo Rondavels


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As they have done for thousands of years, Himba men and women wear large numbers of necklaces and arm and leg bracelets made from ostrich eggshell beads, grass, cloth and copper. Iron-oxide powder with its shiny effect is worn like western glitter, while ochre mixed with fat is rubbed into the skin to give it a warm terracotta glow. The large white shell worn on the breast by Himba, Owambo and Herero women is called the ohumba.

The item that has become especially valued by collec-tors, crafters and jewellery manufacturers is the ekipa, an ornamental button made from ivory or bone. These interesting artefacts were worn by Owambo women in earlier times, displayed down their backs on two leather straps hanging from the waist. The number of ekipas worn gave an indication of the woman’s status and the wealth of her husband.

Ekipas were traditionally carved into oval, round, square, multi-cornered or oblong forms with a raised centre, resembling a tiny beehive or rounded pyramid. They were usually engraved with a border in different geometric patterns around the outer edge. Some were crafted from hippopotamus tooth or bone, and less frequently from vegetable ivory.

Today ekipas are sought-after items that have become intrinsically and unmistakably Namibian.

THE ORNAMENTAL EKIPA

Himba woman wearing an Ekipa


THE ORNAMENTAL EKIPA


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OOSHANA REGIONThe name of this region derives from its most promi-

nent landscape feature, the shallow, seasonally inun-

dated depressions referred to as oshanas, and which

underpin the local agro-ecological system. Although

communications are hindered during the rainy season,

the fish that breed in the oshanas provide an important

source of dietary protein.

The regional borders of Oshana are Ohangwena in the

north, Oshikoto in the east, Kunene in the south and

Omusati in the west. It is one of only three regions in

Namibia that have neither a coastline nor a foreign bor-

der. In 2011 the population in the Oshana Region was

counted as 176,674.

The two main centres of the Owambo regions, Oshakati

and Ondangwa, are in the Oshana Region, with

Oshakati regarded as the capital. The smaller town

of Ongwediva lies in between. Air Namibia conducts

flights to and from Ondangwa, twice daily, seven days

a week. The area is far more densely populated in the

north, which is linked to Tsumeb and other regions by

a high-quality trunk road. This also facilitates the trans-

portation of freight.

Mahangu is the principle staple crop grown in Oshana.

However, the soil is exhausted over much of the central

area and requires substantial fertilisation to maintain

reasonable productivity. Cattle do well here and herds

are extensive. The southern portion of Oshana is an ex-

tensive savannah plain stretching as far as the Etosha

Pan, but the generally high salinity of the soil and water

render it unsuitable for grazing or cultivation.

Maroela Mall


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The Oshakati-Ongwediva-Ondangwa complex has ex-

perienced dramatic urban growth in recent years and

forms an important commercial and potential industrial

focus. As a whole, it is home to the second-largest popu-

lation concentration in Namibia after Windhoek, but it

lacks basic infrastructure and most of the services and

facilities normally found in urban areas of this size. The

majority of businesses in northern Namibia are located

here, providing a significant amount of employment. The

complex plays an increasingly important commercial role

in the north and has considerable industrial potential.

Owambo’s two main centres, Oshakati and Ondan-

gwa, are bustling towns with the same informality and

happy-go-lucky character as urban centres throughout

much of Africa. Their main streets are lined with a hap-

hazard arrangement of residential houses and shops,

and the traffic varies from donkey carts to the latest in

luxury four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Both towns have airstrips that handle medium-sized

airplanes in daylight only and carry passengers as well

as air cargo. The establishment of a control tower may

contribute to the improvement of all-weather air and

transport. Reasonably good hospitals are situated at

Oshakati and Onjiipa, the latter supporting a num-

ber of clinics. Although both primary and secondary

schools are spread across the region, they are not suf-

ficient to service the population.

The Oshakati Omatala open market is the largest in

Namibia and a big tourist attraction in the north. The

Tulipamwe Sewing Project in the main street of

Oshakati – conspicuous due to the vibrant pink fabrics

on display – is an ideal place to learn about traditional

Oshiwambo attire and buy unique clothing.

The Ongwediva Trade Fair has been held annually

since 1995. In addition to an array of local stands, it

also hosts exhibitors from Botswana, South Africa,

Ghana, Kenya and Zimbabwe. Situated across the road

from Ongwediva Medi Park is Bennie’s Entertainment

Park and Lodge, a popular meeting place that provides

leisure activities in many forms. Ongwediva hosts two

modern shopping malls that feature an assortment of

retail outlets and fast-food restaurants.

OSHAKATI, ONDANGWA AND ONGWEDIVA


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Onyoka are traditional necklaces made from mussel-

shell beads. These artefacts play a prominent role

in the handcrafted ornamentation that Oshiwambo

women wear, especially on festive occasions. For ex-

ample, newborn babies are welcomed into the world

with a string of onyoka, and throughout their lives,

Oshiwambo women wear the necklaces when at-

tending occasions such as weddings, christenings and

funerals.

An innovative craft-making development established

relatively recently in the Oshana Region is the Ndili-

mani Pottery Group, managed by women who use

clay collected from the oshanas in the flood plains

close to this ingenious underground pottery studio.

The pots can be bought at the Tulongeni Craft Market

on the northern side of the Omuthiya village, 90 km

south of Ondangwa.

The Onankali-Omahangu Paper Project is located

some 55 km south-east of Ondangwa. Here well-craft-

ed and creatively decorated paper is hand-made by a

twelve-member co-operative, using stalks and leaves

of mahangu (pearl millet), a staple in north-central

Namibia. Recycled paper is added to give the paper

a lighter colour. Once the paper is made, it is silk-

screened with African designs by the San Ekoka artist

group. This exceptional product range includes book-

marks, cards, notebooks, conference folders, loose

sheets of paper and magnetised fridge notepads.

In Oniipa (just outside Ondangwa), craftspeople at

the Dorkambo Teppiche Co-operative produce hand-

woven carpets from 100% pure karakul sheep wool.

The town also hosts the historical Onandjokwe Lu-

theran Hospital, named after its first female nurse, and

built in 1911 by the Finnish Missionary Society. It is

still in use today, serving as the primary health-care

facility for the Onandjokwe District.

CRAFT-MAKING IN OSHANA


CRAFT-MAKING IN OSHANA


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In close proximity to Ondangwa, at Olukonda, is the

oldest building in northern Namibia, the Nakambale

Mission House. Built in the early 1870s by Finn-

ish missionary Martti Rautanen, the property also

houses the oldest church in the north, the Nakam-

bale Church, built in 1889, flanked by the Nakam-

bale Cemetery, where Rautanen, some of his family

members, and a number of traditional leaders were

laid to rest.

From Olukonda, excursions can be undertaken to

sites of interest such as Oponono Lake, Omandongo

Mission Station, Onoolongo Cattle Post and Ombagu

Grass Plains. Visitors are treated to traditional Owam-

bo food, music and dancing.

TUITION IN ENGLISH,MATHEMATICS AND BRAILLEThe Nghuoyepongo literacy programme, providing tu-

ition in English, mathematics and Braille, is presented

from a location just north of Ondangwa. Most mem-

bers who are part of the Nghuoyepongo programme

suffer from a disability. After classes, members of the

group weave baskets, which are sold at the annual

Ongwediva Trade Fair that takes place in August.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN OSHANA


TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN OSHANA

On behalf of all inhabitants of Ongwediva,

it is indeed an honor and privilege to wel-

come all our visitors and potential investors

to the investment destination, our beautiful

locale.

Those visiting Ongwediva for the first time, I

trust that you will greatly enjoy the hospitality

of the town and you will be presented with

many business opportunities. Ongwediva is

situated in the northern part of Namibia where

a large part of the population is concentrat-

ed, therefore giving access to a large market

size and purchasing power. Ongwediva is also

in close proximity to Southern Angola which

offers an attractive market for various goods

and services.

Ongwediva Town Council has an important

role to play in attracting and promoting busi-

ness development and Council has done so

by providing an enabling environment for

economic development, in which businesses

can thrive and visitors presented with the

sense of belonging.

With Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair taking place annually, during August, I am happy to invite you to

come and experience this great exhibition which provides both visitors and exhibitors with a platform

to network and produce lasting valuable relations being business or pleasure. Ongwediva Town will

always have something for everyone.

Once again, I welcome you to Ongwediva and enjoy the hospitality of our people, being it for a day

or for many years to come.

Jason AsinoMAYOR OF ONGWEDIVA


The town of Ongwediva is con-sidered the service hub of the Northern regions of Namibia. The town is situated in Oshana Region, 90 km south of Angola and 30 km from Ondangwa Airport. When you are travel-ling from Etosha it is a distance of 140km and a further 180 km to Ruacana Falls.

Ongwediva’s greenery reflects the warm and welcoming atti-tude of its people and it incor-porates an exclusive blend of urban- rural serenity and vibrant

town life. The different cultures are part of the rich diversity on offer within and around the surrounding boundaries of the town of Ongwediva.

Ongwediva was established in year 1992, by then most of the industrial and commercial op-portunities were already taken by neighboring towns. On-gwediva then settled to attract professional service providers to steer the town into becoming the service hub of the northern region for which the town has

come to be known. The town is home to a diversity of cultures with a vibrant life style as the town attracts young to middle age personalities through its different educational centers.

As a Local Authority, Ongwe-diva is mandated by the Local Authorities Act, Act No. 23 of 1992 (as amended) with the provision and maintenance of municipal services and the facilitation of economic de-velopment.


Our Vision: Ongwediva, the Attractive, Quality Town of Choice in Northern Namibia.

Our Mission: Ongwediva Town Council commits itself to:Promote the social & economic development of Ongwediva; creating a conducive environment for trade and investment; offering avenues of stra-tegic networking and efficient service delivery.

The town of Ongwediva has come to be known for the following Strengths;Good infrastructure, financially accountable, Teamwork, Well established Local Economic De-velopment Policies, Good relations with stakehol-ders; Stable political climate, Cultural diversity.

In our Strategic Plan the following Strategic Themes stand out;• Build Ongwediva Town Council Capacity • Build Relations• Develop the Community• Develop the Local Economy• Develop Physical Infrastructure • Create Sustainable Success & Impact

The Ongwediva Open Market:

Established in year 2000, the Ongwedi-

va Open Market provides a conducive

environment to traders with the fol-

lowing facilities; Lockable kiosks, braai

area, sitting facilities, display area,

paved floors, adequate ablution fa-

cilities. This contemporary market that

offers a wide variety of opportunities is

home to 51 tenants who offer traditio-

nal products. Namibian dishes as well

as Western cuisine and products are

also on display at this market. Council

has made provision to expand the mar-

ket in 2013/2014 financial year, and the

process to extend the market is under-

way.

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Ongwediva Town Council in its quest to develop and grow the town as the service hub of the

northern regions has availed land for the follow-

ing projects:

An eighteen (18) holes Golf Course & Estate •

development: This development targets the

up market residential development and it

contains 197 erven.

Extension 18: • This Extension is planned as a

high income residential area with 329 erven

Extension 19:• This extension is also planned

as a high income residential area with 270

erven

EfidiProper:• Planned as middle income resi-

dential area wit 324 erven

EfidiExtension1:• Planned as middle income

residential are with 321 erven

Oshiko Build Together:• Planned as low in-

come residential area with 250 erven

Expansion of Town lands • with an area of

3 100 HA.

STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN


•ONGWEDIVA SOCIAL HOUSING SCHEMEOngwediva Town Council has as an obligation to-

wards social empowerment and has developed

the Ongwediva Social Housing Scheme. These

are facilities provided for the public at a minimal

rental fee. So far twenty four (24) houses have

been completed at an amount of N$ 6, 970 000

which Council received from the Build Together

Programme.

•ONGWEDIVA RECREATIONAL PARKSituated on the eastern side of town, the recre-

ation site is a popular retreat for Ongwediva resi-

dents as well as tourists. Although not fully devel-

oped, this site offers a natural aroma where one

can listen to the birds and marvel at the tradi-

tional way of living just across the nearby village.

This park will be fully developed in the year 2017.

More recreational points are planned in the fu-

ture and they serve the purpose of unwind for the

residents and visitors to the town.

Coordinates: Country: Namibia

Administrative Division: Oshana

Area Total: 8 917,9341 Ha

Population: 19 300 (Namibia 2011 Census)

Time Zone: South African Standard

Time (UTC+1)

SOCIAL EMPOWERMENT

Ongwediva Social Housing Scheme

Ongwediva Recreational Park


•SAM NUJOMA MULTI PURPOSE CENTREOngwediva Town Council fully understands its so-

cial responsibility and has thus established the Sam

Nujoma Multi Purpose Centre as its social arm. At

this centre a number of programmes are carried

out that are to the benefit of the community.

Among the activities is the;

After school program – this program provides or-

phans and vulnerable children of Ongwediva with

free meals, psychosocial, care & educational sup-

port.

Behavior change and communication program;

with this program the community is provided with

information on behavior and diseases, alcohol

abuse and passion killing.

Community wellness and care; through this pro-

gram the center provides physical, emotional as

well as spiritual support to sick patients residing

in Ongwediva. The community also enjoys treat-

ment referral, clinical as well as hygienic support

through this program. The Center also offers rental

of office space, computer classes (these are free

to orphans) and it runs a sewing project for a

group of women who generate income through

their products.


STRATEGIES PURSUED

Ongwediva has tried and continue trying to

deliver and reach its desired position by pursu-

ing certain strategies. One such strategy was to

invest in proper town planning in terms of basic

services and road infrastructure which finally at-

tracted investments. Another strategy used was

to mould the well known Ongwediva Annual

Trade Fair which has aggressively marketed the

locality Ongwediva and its services. Ongwediva

Town Council has as part of its strategies attrac-

ted competent assets (personnel) who continue

to steer the town into a meaningful direction.

ONGWEDIVA OFFERS

Once you are in Ongwediva you are sure to en-

joy services from the following service providers:

Service stations, •

Shopping centers for your convenience, •

Medical facilities, •

Commercial banks,•

Primary and tertiary education facilities, •

Entertainment centres, etc. •

CONTACT DETAILSTel. +264 65 233725 | Fax. +264 230521 | [email protected]

www.ongwediva.com.na | P/Bag 5549, OngwedivaCrn of DR. Libertine Amathila and Mandume Ndemufuyo Street


Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair (OATF) is a leading

trade and exhibition event on the Namibian Busi-

ness Calendar. It is also the single biggest event

in Northern Namibia that draws exhibitors, busi-

ness personalities, government leaders and visitors

from all corners of the country as well as across the

boundaries of Namibia.

The first OATF was opened in the year 2000 by the

Founding President of the Republic of Namibia, His

Excellency Dr. Sam Nujoma. Since then, the fair

has grown in leaps and bounds with growing pres-

sure from all quarters for the expansion of the fa-

cilities, a project that has been vigorously pursued

over the past fourteen years.

The Trade Fair, as the name indicates, is annual-

ly held at the modern Ongwediva Trade Centre

which first hosted the WIB SADC Exhibition in 2000.

Ongwediva Trade Fair Centre, by virtue of its stra-

tegic location, excellent infrastructure, services

and facilities, offers a conducive environment for

national and international business forums and ex-

hibitions.

SALOME SHIDUTE ORRUTH UUSIKU

Tel +264 65 23 [email protected]

CONTACT:

ONGWEDIVA ANNUAL TRADE FAIR (OATF) - THE FLAGSHIP OF NAMIBIA’S EXHIBITION INDUSTRY


OATF is a great event to explore the full potential of trade, business and investment opportunities that Namibia and the rest of the SADC Region of-fers. The prospects of regional economic integra-tion, a subject of interest in the Region, call for pro-active initiatives to boost cross border investments and OATF therefore serves as an ideal platform to advance the regional objectives.

Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair is proudly sponsored by MTC.

Don’t miss out on the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair (OATF) during the last week of August every year.


Ongwediva Accommodation

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“YOUR FAR AWAY HOME”Looking for a place like home? Mango Guesthouse offer af-fordable single, double & family rooms. A scrumptious break-fast included for double & single rooms.• Tea and coffee• Restaurant and Bar - now fully operational!• Wireless internet• Swimming pool• Digital satellite television • Well ventilated and fully air-conditioned rooms

Tel:+264(0)65231688•Cell:+264(0)811245657/(0)811245434Fax:088631303•[email protected]

No4415LommelStreet,Ongwediva•www.mangoguesthouse.com


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Mazizi Lodge offers you the quiet country ambience and it is situated along the Ongwediva/Ondangwa road, 21km from Ondangwa and 6km from Ongwediva, Ohakweenyanga village. Ten standard rooms fully equipped with private toilet and shower, TV, fridge and air –conditioner plus five big family rooms fully equipped. Come and enjoy the personal touch in a family friendly atmosphere coupled with tranquility and bird life with lots of plants. Other services offered; catering service, landscaping & nursery. For event planning, you relax and we do the rest for you.

Tel:+264 (0)65 232 142 / Cell: +264 (0)81 245 5605 / Fax: +264 (0)65 230 529 E-mail: [email protected]

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At Pandu’s Bed & Breakfast we offer 14 self-catering units with air conditioning and television facilities. Each unit also contains a fully stocked bar fridge. We offer various types of rooms; not all units are thatched.

We are located on the Main Road between Ondangwa and Ongwediva, just after the UNAM HP Campus and just before the Select service station.

Tel:+264(0)85585889•Fax:+264(0)65232073Cell:+264(0)811422874•[email protected]

P.O. Box 8838, Ongwediva, Namibia

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Travelling to Ondangwa, Ongwediva and Oshakati can be a long and gruelling experience – especially by road. This is when one truly appreciates the quiet-cool-peacefulness of a cared-for garden with large shady trees and bright colour-ful flowers. Spacious en-suite single and double rooms each with TV, air-conditioner, mosquito net, fridge and coffee or tea waiting in the restful shade of the numerous large trees that fill the garden. You can also enjoy the wide variety of birds including guinea fowl and doves while having your breakfast or viewing the beautiful sunset.

Tel:+264(0)65231049•Cell:+264(0)811249109GPS:17°46’56.82”S•15°45’11.45”E

[email protected]•www.sevenvalleys.info

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Ongwediva Amenities & Services



























Ongwediva Commercial & Industrial















Mandate: Oshakati Town Council is being guided by the Mandate of Local Authority as provided in Section 30 of the Local Authority Act, (Act 23 of 1992) as amended subject to part VI up to part XII of 2000, which includes; provision of portable water, sewerage systems and drainage, cemeteries, streets and public places, housing schemes, immovable proper-ties of Local Authority Council, valuation of ratable and non-ratable properties within the local authority area.

Mission: Oshakati Town Council exists to offer quality and affordable services to the residents through integrity and honesty by ensuring that the town is habitable, prosperous and industri-alized in a sustainable manner.

Vision: To be the commercial and residential capital of the north, driven by quality service rendering and best customer service.

Local Economical Development: Oshakati is strategically located in the centre of the North. It is known by the name Oshakati shaNangombe and caters for the four north-ern regions and other neighbouring regions such as Kavango, Zambezi and Kunene.

Major development in the townOshakati has several shopping malls and • complexes - Game and Etango shopping mall. Yellow & Mvula M’nyango shopping complex among others.Magistrate and High Court• Financial institutions – First National Bank, • Standard Bank, Bank Windhoek, Nedbank, Agri-Bank and Bank of NamibiaGovernment institutions – different ministries• State Owned Enterprises- NBC, Road Au-• thority, Social Security Commision, GIPF, NHE among others.The town has the intermediate State Hos-• pital – OshakatiIntermediate Hospital which is referral • hospital for the northern regionsUniversity of Namibia – OSHAKATI CAMPUS•

Oshakati


Capital/Developmental Projects

Servicing of land for residential and busi-• ness purposesFormalization of informal settlements• New townships establishment• Upgrading of road, water and sewerage • networksCreation of recreation parks•

Mayor of Oshakati: His Worship Onesimus Shilunga

Deputy Mayor:Honourable Ndamononghenda Hamunjela

ChiefExecutiveOfficer:Mr Werner Iita

Contact DetailsTel: +264 (65) 229-500Fax:+264 (65) 220-435 Oshakati Town Council906 Sam Nujoma Road, Civic Center, Oshakati [email protected] | www.oshtc.na

Oshakati


A very warm welcome, to Namibia lodge 2000 & Safari, offering you pristine nature of Uukwangula ambi-ence. Come and enjoy remarkable & breathtaking viewing of the sunrise & sunset as well as ‘endless hori-zons’ of the Lutshetshete Pan. Our friendly staff will ensure that your stay with us is indeed worth your while. • Team building facilities • Dining out • Bar • Sleep in our spacious, private & comfortable rooms • Confer-ences: workshops / weddings / mini meetings • Photography & print • Business centre with wifi • Ice blocks • Meat cutting and many more • Private lounge and swimming pool.

Oshakat West, 5km Okahao Road, en-route Omugulu-GwobasheTel:+264(0)65220853/Fax:+264(0)65220469•Cell:+264(0)812818722

[email protected]•www.namlodge.com

Oshakati Accommodation

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Oshakati Amenities & Services






Oshakati Commercial & Industrial


Oshakati Commercial & Industrial Oshakati Commercial & Industrial


Oshakati Commercial & Industrial


Oshakati Commercial & Industrial Oshakati Commercial & Industrial


Ondangwa is one of the oldest historic towns in the North Central regions of the country. The town was established as a missionary center in the 1800’s. After that it became known as an assembly point, as people flocked to Ondan-gwa to look for employment in the Southern towns, including South African mines in the late 1950’ and 1960’s. Due to its central location, the town was later used by the South African Army as their admi-nistrative centre up until Independence, and thus the only Airport of international standard in the entire North of the country is to be found here in Ondangwa. Ondangwa continued to be an administrative centre from independence until 1992 when the

new regional structure was designed by the current government, proclaiming it as a town in 1992 under the Ministry of Regional Local Government and Housing and becoming an autonomous town in 1998. Currently the town has seven elected councilors and between 60 full time staff members, headed by the Chief Executive Officer. Ondangwa is located in the Oshana Region which is the most populated area of the coun-try. This beautiful town is situated on the main road to and from the North, offering an airport and a train station and it is only 60 km away from the Namibian-Angolan border.

Ondangwa


Ondangwa town caters for more than half of the population of the Oshana and Oshikoto regions in terms of shopping and other vital services. The town has a population of about 30 000 residents, but this figures increases more than double during the day as many people do come for shopping and other services in town from the nearby villages.

The business and economic sector of Ondang-wa is still in its growing stage compared to other towns within the region. More than 50% of the economically active population is employed in the agricultural sector.

From the Council’s point of view, businesss op-portunities could be in the following sectors:

INDUSTRYThe industry sector of Ondangwa is underdeve-loped despite its location and and the close pro-ximity of the town to neighboring country Angola.

There are a few industrial developments in the town such as the Northern Tannery, manufactu-ring leather from hides and skins from local abat-toirs, Ondangwa Plastic Converters manufactu-ring plastic tanks and other plastic products India Namibia Plastic Technology offering advice and technical support for upcoming manufacturers in plastic technology, Namib Foam manufacturing mattresses and all other foam related products and many companies manufacturing building materials such as bricks, stones and concrete for construction purposes, Chem Paints manufactu-ring different kinds of paints.

The recent opening of Gwashamba Mall has cre-ated a great outlet and opportunity for shopping lovers and the retail industry as a whole.

Ondangwa


TOURISM, ART AND CULTURE Tourism is not yet fully developed in Ondangwa. The town is mainly providing accommodation establishments for local travellers. Although there are possibilities to develop tourist attrac-tions in Ondangwa, such as Eco Tourism, Culture Tourism and Art and Craft Centres, this has not yet been exploited.

HOTEL & ACCOMMODATIONOndangwa does have high traveler statistics from other parts of the country but very low fi-gures from travelers abroad that come and stay in and around town. Places such as Ekamuti Lodge, Ondangwa Town Lodge, Ondangwa Air-port Lodge and Ondangwa Rest Camp are a hit to local visitors. However, establishments need to adapt to more modern and market relevant pricing and marketing structures.

LEISURE, RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENTOndangwa, with its growing population of work-ing youth and young adults lacks entertainment facilities, clubs and restaurants. Young people mostly go to nearby towns for social engage-ment over weekends. Establishing more busi-nesses that host events on a regular basis could

tap a potential market that could provide good returns on investment.

VisionManagement and staff members of the OTC demonstrate their sense of purpose through their vision and wish to translate their mission into mean-ingful results using their vision listed hereunder. To become the an effective engine of sustainable development. Mission The mission statement of the OTC, defines the nature and core purpose of this town council:

To govern and administer local affairs of the in-habitants of Ondangwa town through planning, coordination and partnership in the delivery of urban services towards socio-economic deve-lopment and improved quality of life.

CONTACT US:Tel:+264 65 240101 | Fax:+264 65 240453Ondangwa Town CouncilPrivate Bag 2032, OndangwaE-mail: marketing @ondangwatown.comwww.ondangwatown.com

Ondangwa


Ekamuti Lodge and Conference Centre in Ondangwa, offers a new world of conference possibilities with

the state-of-art facilities. The lodge has an auditorium for 1200 delegates, convention space for 600 del-

egates, Wi-Fi internet access, a gym and a massage parlour. The lodge has 40 clean upmarket en-suite

bedrooms, with air conditioning and flatscreen TV. Enjoy a drink in one of our two bars after which you can

enjoy a delicious meal in our restaurant. We can’t wait to welcome you at Ekamuti Town Lodge!

Tel:+264(0)65246357•Fax:+264(0)65246311•Cell:+264(0)811272566Ondangwa•P.O.Box23128,Windhoek•[email protected]

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Ondangwa Accommodation


Ondangwa Accommodation

Koonyaka Guesthouse offers 23 air conditioned double rooms, all equipped with television sets. Furthermore we offer a public bar and VIP Bar and Lounge to relax and unwind after a busy day. Our conference facility can accommodate up to 150 people. Our restaurant and swimming pool are near completion.

We are located on the main road “Aakwenyanga” between Ondangwa and Ongwediva, about 2 km from the Oshiko road block.

Tel:065238094•Cell:0812926585/0814031351Ondangwa•[email protected]

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Ondangwa Amenities & Services






Ondangwa Commercial & Industrial








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KKUNENE REGIONThe Kunene Region in north-western Namibia is bor-

dered by the Kunene River in the north (forming the

boundary between Namibia and Angola); the Erongo

Region in the south; the Etosha National Park and

Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto and Otjozondjupa re-

gions in the north-east; and the Atlantic Ocean in the

west. The 2011 census enumerated the population in

the Kunene Region as 86,856. Opuwo is the largest

town in the region and serves as its capital.

The region is still commonly referred to by its pre-in-

dependence names of Kaokoland or Kaokoveld. Due

to the remote setting, inaccessibility of its mountain-

ous terrain, and the dry climate that significantly

hinders agriculture, it is one of the wildest and least

populated regions in Namibia. It is relatively under-

developed compared to the rest of the country.

The landscape in this rugged region varies from

mountain ranges, extensive valleys seasonally cov-

ered in undulating expanses of golden grass, dry riv-

er courses, and the coastal Namib Desert. It is much

sought-after by four-by-four enthusiasts because of

the rough terrain and for its spectacular scenic beau-

ty. Moreover, Kaokoland is home to the nomadic and

much-publicised Himba people and imposing fea-

tures such as the Epupa Falls.


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The Epupa Falls, known as the Monte Negro Falls in

Angola, are located 135 km (84 miles) downstream

on the border of Angola and Namibia. They are cha-

racterised by a series of drops, totalling some 60 me-

tres over a distance of about 1.5 km, with the greatest

single drop being 37 metres. The name ‘Epupa’ refers

to the spray from these gushing falls, and originates

from the language of the Himba people.

With impressive sunsets and a magnificent array of

bird life, visiting the Epupa Falls is a highlight when

exploring the Kunene Region. Spectacular rock for-

mations with rich textured colouring are set off by a

variety of trees, including the stately baobab. Birdlife

ranges from the African fish eagle to kingfishers. Due

to the specialised nature of this steep riverbank habi-

tat, the Epupa Falls harbours several endemic fish and

other aquatic species.

EPUPA FALLS


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The capital of the Kunene Region is Opuwo. During

the apartheid era when Namibia – referred to then as

South West Africa and administered by South Africa

as a mandate or Bantustan – Kaokoland was intended

to be a self-governing Himba homeland. However,

an actual government was never established. Never-

theless, like other homelands in the then South West

Africa, the Kaokoland Bantustan was abolished in

May 1989, at the beginning of the transition of Na-

mibia towards independence.

The name Opuwo was given to the settlement by the

legendary commissioner of Ondangwa, Hugo Hahn,

who came in search of land to build an office. Upon

his arrival, he asked local headmen to give him land

for this purpose. The headmen gave him a small plot,

and when they tried to give him more land, Mr Hahn

responded: “Opuwo (it’s enough for me). I don’t want

any more land.” The local residents of Opuwo called

it Otjihinamaparero at the time, and some still call

it that.

First-time travellers could well drive right through

Opuwo without even being aware they were dri-

ving through a town. For those who do stop, one of

the first things they are likely to notice is the large

number of churches, a characteristic of many towns

and settlements in Namibia. Another surprise would

be that Opuwo is not inhabited exclusively by Him-

bas, but is a melting pot in its own right, as it is also

home to Hereros, especially those belonging to the

Tjimba or ‘antbear’ tribe, Owambos, a smattering of

Portuguese (who trekked from Angola to Namibia in

search of a safer place to live during the civil unrest

of the mid-1970s), and even small communities of

former South Africans.

OPUWO


OPUWO

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Most people in Opuwo live on the outskirts of town

in informal dwellings they have built themselves.

A captivating feature of the town is the incidence

of locals dressed in traditional Himba attire, espe-

cially the women with their leather headdresses

and body adornments made from animal hide, iron

and shell beads. Herero women wearing their tra-

ditional ‘Victorian’ attire are also seen here, their

extraordinary headdresses with two curved exten-

sions on either side symbolising cattle horns. There

is usually a brooch between the ‘horns’, often with

matching brooches worn on their scarves.

Opuwo is a place that seems to have evolved at

random. The buildings and grounds are positioned

in a haphazard way between open spaces of arid

land amongst large irrigation ditches with no brid-

ges over them. One of these complexes, which now

functions as the school, was part of the defence

force basis during the war years.

South of Opuwo, near Warmquelle, the small set-

tlement of Sesfontein – its name derived from the

six fountains that have their source in the vicinity

– is well worth a visit for its historical significance.

Almost a hundred years after it was first built, the

historical monument, originally a police outpost,

was reconstructed and equipped to accommodate

tourists. The palm trees at the fort were planted by

the German police officers stationed at Sesfontein

to combat weapons smuggling and elephant and

rhino poaching.


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The well-known author and traveller Lawrence G

Green visited Kaokoveld and the Skeleton Coast

in the early 1950s with what was later to become

known as the Carp Expedition. He gives an account

of his experiences in his famous book, Lords of the

Last Frontier.

The base camp for the explorers was at Orupembe,

‘the place where the plains begin’, about 65 kilome-

tres from Rocky Point. From there the party went on

to meet the Tjimba people at Otjiu on the banks of

the Hoarusib. The Tjimba were impoverished Herero

who were no longer part of the large and wealthy

families and clans. They are said to have migrated to

the Kaokoveld from the north. They lost their cattle

and became hunter-gatherers of such food as they

could find. Because they dug for their food like ant-

bears, they became known as the Tjimba or ‘antbear’

people. Other Herero, who managed to retain their

cattle, moved further south and became known as the

Himba or ‘boasters’. The difference between the Tjim-

ba and the Himba is therefore one of possessions, the

Himba having the cattle with which to boast.

Green also visited Sesfontein, or Zessfontein, mean-

ing water from six fountains. Situated on the south-

ern border of Kaokoveld, it was the lost world of

‘Shangri-La’ of the Khoikhoi. In early days two

Khoikhoi groups, the Topnaar and Swartbooi, lived

at Sesfontein. The Topnaar were also called !Nara-

nin, after the !nara melon that was then their staple.

For this reason they were looked down upon as being

almost like hunter-gatherers.

THE PEOPLE OF THE REGION


THE PEOPLE OF THE REGION

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The most represented ethnic group in the Kunene Re-

gion is the Himba, a nomadic people who still live

according to ancient customs and traditions, eking

out an existence by farming with cattle and goats.

Visiting a Himba settlement to photograph these true

denizens of the desert has become one of the main

targets for visitors to the Kunene Region.

In the Himba social structure the women are respon-

sible for milking the cows, and taking care of the

children. They tend to perform more labour-intensive

work than men, such as carrying water to the village

and building homes. Men handle the political tasks

and legal trials, and herd and slaughter cattle for spe-

cial occasions.

Members of an extended family typically dwell in

small, circular hamlet of huts and work shelters that

surround the ancestral fire and a central livestock en-

closure. Both the fire and the livestock are closely

tied to the Himbas’ belief in worship of the ances-

tors, the fire representing ancestral protection and the

livestock allowing ‘proper relations between human

and ancestor’. Traditionally both men and women go

topless and wear skirts or loincloths made of animal

skins. Adult women wear beaded anklets to protect

their legs from venomous animal bites, and are fa-

mous for rich red colour of their skins. This is created

by the mixture of butterfat and ground red ochre that

they rub over their bodies as protection against the

rigours of the sun, symbolising earth’s richness and

the blood of life, and reflecting the Himba ideal of

beauty. Renowned for their tall, slender physique and

the beauty of their sculptural features, Himba women

are much sought-after by photographers and artists.

Himba hairstyles indicate age and social status. Chil-

dren have two plaits of braided hair. From the onset

of puberty the girls’ plaits are moved over their eyes,

and they can have more than two. Married women

wear headdresses with many streams of braided

hair that are coloured and shaped with the butterfat

mixture. Single men wear one plait down the back

of their necks, while married men wear a turban of

many butterfat-soaked plaits.

THE HIMBA


Opuwo


Opuwo


Opuwo is the capital of the Kunene Region. It has a popu-

lation of 15,000 people and is situated in the North-West of

Namibia, 720 km from Windhoek.

It is the gateway to the fascinating Himba people and the

famous Epupa Falls. The area is rich in mineral deposits and

boasts beautiful landscapes.

Opuwo was only officially declard as a town in November

2000. In the olden days the mail between Opuwo and Ondan-

gwa was delivered by a runner once a week and inhabitants

still used the old manual exchange telephones. The nearest

bank was 300 km away in Oshakati and only in the 1990’s

television, FM radio and automatic telephone systems were

introduced.

Nowadays Opuwo has modern communication systems, com-

mercial banks and shops as well as many tourist attractions.

Regional offices of most government ministries are also repre-

sented in Opuwo.

The annual Opuwo Trade Fair is an important event on the cal-

endar of Opuwo Town Council. Being held at the end of May,

this event has attracted over 100 exhibitors in the past and

provides an opportunity for economic growth of Opuwo by

attracting investors and new business ventures to the Kunene

Region.

Tel:+264(0)65273007•Fax:+26465273250•www.opuwo.info

Opuwo


• VISION: To be the leading and a well-developed town in Namibia with modern infrastructure and

skilled human resources, providing excellent services.

• MISSION: Opuwo Town Council is committed to meet and exceed its communities’, stakeholders’

and visitors’ expectations, within the constraint of resources and to allow full participation of all, with

the aim to unleash their potential in a responsive and environmentally friendly manner. We are the

gateway to the famous Epupa Falls, beautiful landscape, rich mineral deposits and boast a rich and

unique indigenous culture.

Mayor - Cllr Tuarungua Kavari (Swapo)

Deputy Mayor - Cllr Rebbeca Iipinge (Swapo)

Chairperson Management - Cllr Rex T. Sheehama (Swapo)

Dep Chair Management - Cllr Anna M Engombe (Swapo)

Member of Management - Cllr Licius Mupya (NUDO)

Additional member - Cllr Uaurikua C. Kakuva (DTA)

Additional member - Cllr Katahunda S Matundu (DTA)

CEO - Mr. Alphons Tjitombo

Mayor - Cllr Tuarungua Kavari

Deputy Mayor - Cllr Rebbeca Lipinge

Opuwo


The OHAKANE Guest House in Opuwo, Kaokoland offers you: • Luxury accommodation with air-conditioning • Full board and bar service in a relaxed atmosphere • Guided tours take you off the beaten track on excursions to Himba villages • Guided 4x4 camping trips • Transportation and tour-guide service for fly-in visitors • Our experienced guides will show you the harsch beauty of Kaokoland and its fragile environ-ment in fully equipped 4x4 vehicles.

Tel:+264(0)65273031•Fax:+264(0)65273025

[email protected]

The lodge is situated on a hilltop with breathtaking views overlooking a valley with magnificent sunsets and offering 360° view of the surrounding area. The lodge offers 21 luxury twins rooms, 1 luxury double room, 3 sets of twin inter leading rooms (6 rooms) and 12 standard twin rooms. Rooms have en-suite bathrooms and are fitted with air conditioners. The lodge have an excellent bar and restaurant where guests can enjoy mouth watering meals, a private lounge next to the wine cellar offers a relaxed atmosphere and place to enjoy an evening with friends. Opuwo Country lodge offers 12 large camping sites. All the camping sites have 220v electricity, ablution facilities with hot and cold water, barbeque area and wash up facilities.

ReservationsTel:+26464418661•ReservationsFax:+26464405596LodgeTel:+26465273461•LodgeFax:+26465273051•[email protected]

www.opuwolodge.com•GPS:18°2’40.2”Latitude,13°49’59.9”Longitude.

Opuwo Accommodation

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10



Opuwo Amenities & Services


Opuwo Amenities & Services


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OOMUSATI REGIONThe Omusati Region in north-western Namibia is

bordered by the Kunene River and Angola in the

north, the Kunene Region in the south and west,

the Oshana Region in the east and the Ohangwena

Region in the north-east. In the 2011 census, the

population in Omusati was counted as 243,166. The

region is characterised by the mopane tree, omusati,

after which it was named, and is home to the famous

Ruacana Falls.

ONE OF THE LARGEST FALLS IN AFRICASituated 135 km upstream from the Epupa Falls in

the Kunene Region, the Ruacana Falls is one of the

largest waterfalls in Africa, both by volume and by

width. It is 120 metres (390 feet) high and 700 me-

tres (2,300 feet) wide when in full flood. Shaped like

a wide semi-crescent, the falls straddle the border of

Angola and Namibia, and are listed as being within

Namibia due to the location of the primary view-

points. Since the volume of the Kunene River fluctu-

ates significantly from season to season, the actual

width and volume of this feature varies greatly. De-

pending on the time of year, visitors can choose to

participate in adventure activities such as white-wa-

ter rafting and canoeing, and, if really lucky, could

even spot a crocodile in the process.

The river has been harnessed for hydroelectric pro-

duction immediately above the falls. During the dry

season the water is syphoned off entirely and the falls

run dry. From roughly December to June, the annual

rains provide sufficient water for the hydroelectric

project, and in the remaining months of the year the

falls return to their impressive natural state.

The Kunene is suitable for white-water rafting and

canoeing – but beware of the crocodiles!


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Located on the banks of the Kunene River, Rua-

cana is known for the picturesque Ruacana Falls

nearby, and for its underground hydroelectric plant

that is linked to the nearby dam across the border

at Calueque in Angola. In 1988, during the Ango-

lan Civil War, the dam and pumping station were

bombed in a Cuban air strike. A few years later the

facility was partially repaired and today NamPow-

er operates three turbines producing a maximum of

240 megawatts.

Situated near Ruacana is the government-suppor-

ted irrigation scheme on the farm Etunda, extending

over 600 hectares (1,500 acres). It was established

in 1993. Half of the farm is commercial irrigation

land, while the other half is allocated to 82 small-

scale farmers. Maize, wheat, watermelons, bana-

nas and other crops are cultivated at Etunda.

RUACANA TOWN, DAM AND ETUNDA


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Samuel Daniel Shafiishuna Nujoma, the first Presi-

dent of Namibia, was born in the Omusati Region.

He led the South-West Africa People’s Organization

(SWAPO) in its long struggle against South African

rule and took office as President when Namibia ob-

tained independence on 21 March 1990.

Sam Nujoma was born on 12 May 1929 as the eldest

of eleven children from Helvi Mpingana Kondom-

bolo and her husband, Daniel Uutoni Nujoma, in

the Etunda village in the Ongandjera District, the

Omusati Region of today. He spent his early years

tending the family’s few cattle and goats. His primary

education began at night school, and he left school

at age 16 to become a railway dining-car steward.

After a fellow worker was sent home without com-

pensation following a serious injury, Nujoma tried to

form a trade union for railway men, but was then dis-

charged from the railways. He subsequently worked

as a clerk and a store assistant.

In the late 1950s he helped establish the Ovam-

boland People’s Organization, the forerunner of the

South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO).

He went into exile in 1960 and was named presi-

dent of SWAPO after it was founded on April 19 of

that year. In 1966, after several years of fruitlessly

petitioning the United Nations to compel South Af-

rica to release control of South West Africa, SWAPO

embarked on an armed struggle.

BIRTHPLACE OF NAMIBIA’S FOUNDING FATHER

Sam Nujoma


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While SWAPO’s guerrilla force, the People’s Libera-

tion Army of Namibia (PLAN), failed to liberate any

territory, it succeeded in focussing international at-

tention on Namibia. In 1973 the UN General Assem-

bly recognised SWAPO as the sole legitimate repre-

sentative of the Namibian people, and in 1978 the

Security Council adopted Resolution 435, which set

out terms for eventual Namibian independence. This

was finally accepted by South Africa in 1988. In Sep-

tember 1989, after nearly 30 years in exile, Nujoma

returned to Namibia to lead SWAPO to victory in the

UN-supervised November elections. On the day of

Namibia’s independence, March 21, 1990, Nujoma

was sworn in as president.

Although often accused of being a Marxist, Nujoma

professed himself drawn more to the pragmatism

of Scandinavian democratic socialism. In 1994 he

was re-elected president, and in 1998 the SWAPO-

controlled parliament agreed to amend the constitu-

tion, allowing Nujoma to run for a third term. The

move drew international and domestic criticism, but

Nujoma easily won re-election in 1999. He later

announced that he would not run for a fourth term,

and in 2005 stepped down from office, allowing for

a peaceful transfer of power to his democratically

elected successor, Hifikepunye Pohamba (SWAPO).

Nujoma bowed out as president of SWAPO in

2007.


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A good opportunity to learn about Owambo culture

firsthand is by visiting the Uukwaluudhi Traditional

Homestead and Museum at Tsandi. Uukwaluudhi,

one of very few traditional kingdoms still in exis-

tence, is the former home of King Josia Shikongo

Taapopi, which falls within the Uukwaluudhi Con-

servancy. Worlds apart from European palaces, the

royal homestead is a typical Owambo homestead,

surrounded by a mopane-pole palisade. This African-

style palace offers a comprehensive cultural experi-

ence, incorporating the customs, beliefs and accom-

modation style of the Oshiwambo-speaking people

into the royal residence. Local crafts of the area can

be bought at a craft shop.

From here, visits can be arranged to the historical

Omuguluwombase, where the guerrilla warfare

waged by SWAPO forces for Namibia’s indepen-

dence was launched.

The main attraction at the Ombalantu Baobab Heri-

tage Centre is the huge baobab tree estimated to be

around 800 years old that served as a post office,

chapel and hiding place during tribal wars. The site,

located in Outapi, also offers the Ombalantu Baobab

Tree Campsite laid out under the tree, and a small

kiosk, craft centre and facilities

for day visitors.

UUKWALUUDHI, OMUGULUWOMBASE ANDOMBALANTU



Okahao Town’s vision is to be an economically and

socially stable town.

Proclaimed as a town in 2005, Okahao town is locat-

ed at about 75km west of Oshakati (Oshana region),

25km east of Tsandi and 55km south of Outapi.Oka-

hao is an emerging small town that is indeed a strate-

gically located urban centre with various economic

development potentials. Okahao is the commercial

centre for the entire Okahao and Otamanzi constitu-

encies with a combined population of about 31 000

people, making it the preferred centre for modern

commercial and administrative services.

Okahao town stands in the shortest route from the

north-eastern towns to the Kunene region, via Os-

hakati – Okahao – Omakange – Opuwo roads. In ad-

dition, access to Outapi (Omusati region’s commer-

cial and administrative capital) is eased by a 55km

tarred road via Tsandi and a direct 40km gravel road.

Relative to its age and size, Okahao town boasts

various economic activities comprising of formal

and informal trading, transportation, technical work-

shops and construction businesses. The majority of

the working class however is employed by various

ministries and public institutions in town such

as the district hospital, schools and other

government agencies. Banking services are

provided for by two commercial banks namely: First

National Bank and Standard Bank. Two fuel filling sta-

tions cater for the transport industry in and around

town.

Okahao Town is looking forward to various new

upcoming developments including private clinics,

medical centre, schools, a hotel, a guesthouse, ser-

vice station, business complexes and various gov-

ernment institutions.However, a wide range of un-

tapped investment opportunities still exist in Okahao,

ranging from Furniture retail businesses, Commercial

banks, Industrial related businesses, Vocational Train-

ing Centres, Supermarket chains, Fitness and Health,

Information and Communication

Technology businesses,

and many others.


Education and HealthOkahao town has one primary school, one junior

secondary school (privately owned), a combined

school and two secondary schools with both junior

and secondary school phases. In addition to its gov-

ernment owned district hospital, the town also has a

private medical practice and pharmacy. The hos-

pital serves a wide community range in the entire

constituency and beyond.

Tourism and HospitalityOkahao is home to one of the National Heritage

sites in the region, the Okahao Baobab Heritage

Site. This huge tree was previously used as a tortur-

ing place for locals by the South African colonial

troops, the history that led to its national recogni-

tion. Notwithstanding the history of the tree, the site

is one of the best developed National heritage sites

in the area. In its naturally welcoming environment,

the site features various structures. There is a restau-

rant, a craft shop, braai area, camping area and

ablution facilities. The site is therefore without doubt,

a must visit.

Other interesting sites to visit in town are Ombupupu

magic pond and Okandambo. The magic pond is

historically attached to the Ongandjera kings’ lin-

eage, and in the past believed to possess supernat-

ural powers that required certain rituals to be per-

formed before fetching water from it. Okandambo

is a small well where, according to Ongandjera his-

tory, activities and proceedings of electing a new

king used to take place in the olden days. Even

though it has lost its original appearance, Okan-

dambo is still visible and interesting to visit. Accom-

modation in Okahao is currently catered for by two

establishments:

Ongozi Guest Lodge

and King Uushona

Bed & Breakfast.

CONTACT US:

Tel. 065 252204/5

Fax. 065 252201

[email protected]

www.okahaotc.com.na

Like us on Facebook:

Okahao Town Council


Uukwaluudhi Safari Lodge, north of Etosha National Park in the arid Kunene region, offers travellers a chance to follow Black Rhino on foot, and see the wildlife of the Kaokoland. Accommodation… include eight well-appointed Meru tented units, all en-suite with views over the Uukwaluudhi plains, accommoda-tion includes breakfast and dinner. Activities... the lodge offers early morning sunrise game drives, Rhino tracking on foot, guided hikes, afternoon sundowner game drives, hot air balloon flights at sunrise over the beautiful Uukwaluudhi reserve. Facilities... restaurant with individual tables, bar, lounge, small curio shop and swimming pool, all in perfect harmony with the natural surroundings.

Reservations:Tel:+26464418661•Fax:+26464405596•Lodge:Tel:+264065273504or273Cell:+264813196585•[email protected]•www.uukwaluudhi-safarilodge.com

Omusati Accommodation

11


Tel:+264(0)65271500•Fax:+264(0)65270095POBox62,Ruacana,Namibia•[email protected]•www.ruacanaehalodge.com.na

Ruacana Eha Lodge in northern Namibia is a natural gateway to the wonders of the Kaokoveld, the Etosha

National Park, the Epupa falls and the vibrant African culture of the Omusati, Oshana, Ohangwena and

Oshikoto regions. This glittering oasis in the rugged landscapes, offers relaxation, conferencing and oppor-

tunity to come face-to-face with forgotten Africa.

• 21 Double en-suite air-conditioned rooms • 1 Family suite • Tea & coffee facilities • Restaurant • Lounge

with bar • Swimming pool • Gym • Volleyball & squash courts • Landing strip with transfers • Campsites with

own braai facilities. Hot water, electricity, showers & toilets.

Ruacana Accommodation

12


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OOHANGWENA REGIONThis region is bordered in the north by Angola (the

Cunene Province in the west and the Cuando Cu-

bango Province in the far north-east); in the east by

the Kavango Region; in the south by the Oshikoto

Region; in the south-west by the Oshana Region;

and in the west by the Omusati Region. It extends

over 10,706 km2, and according to the 2011 census,

is populated by 245,446 people. The town Eenhana

serves as its capital.

The northern and western parts of the region are the

most densely populated. The predominant activities

practised by the people in Ohangwena are essen-

tially a subsistence form of agriculture, comprising

cattle farming and the small-scale cultivation of ma-

hangu, a kind of pearl millet. Although the inhab-

itants of the region depend on rain-fed agriculture,

other crops could be established here under inten-

sive cultivation.

The main settlements in Ohangwena straddle the

well-maintained paved road from the Angolan

border to Ondangwa, where it joins the Oshakati-

Tsumeb trunk road. The eastern part enjoys good

grazing land, but the shortage of water and poor

communications render it uninhabitable. A recently

completed tarred road from Onhuno to Okongo has

increased the agricultural potential of the area.


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The Eenhana Heroes’ Memorial Shrine represents a

monument to the history of Namibia’s liberation strug-

gle. It acknowledges the courage of the combatants

that made up PLAN – the People’s Liberation Army of

Namibia (PLAN), which comprised Namibians from

different parts of the country – and of the civilians

who supported them.

A mass grave pertaining to Namibia’s liberation strug-gle unearthed at Eenhana is one of the largest to be discovered in the country. Following independence in 1990, the Namibian Government resolved to build a shrine here, so that the remains of fallen sons and

daughters of Namibia could be reburied in a dignified

and respectful manner.

In 2007 on Heroes’ Day – a public holiday that is cel-

ebrated annually on 26 August to mark the beginning

of the armed struggle in the Namibian War of Inde-

pendence – the Eenhana Heroes’ Memorial Shrine

was inaugurated by the incumbent President of Na-

mibia, Hifikepunye Pohamba.

THE HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF EENHANA


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“The remains we have buried here today belong to

sons and daughters from different parts of Namibia

who fought under the banner of SWAPO. I believe

that the shrine we have built here at Eenhana should

be seen as representing the reburial of the remains of

our fallen comrades from all over Namibia.

“The armed struggle for Namibia’s freedom and inde-

pendence was at the centre of our strategy to termi-

nate the foreign occupation of our motherland. We

knew that we were fighting a vicious enemy that had

no regard for the laws of warfare, human rights or hu-

man dignity. Throughout the armed liberation strug-

gle, South Africa’s apartheid regime disregarded all

international protocols and conventions regarding the

conduct of warfare. To them, the Geneva Conventions

of 1949 and their protocols regulating the conduct of

warfare – especially the Third Convention relative to

the Treatment of Prisoners of War and the Fourth Con-

vention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in

Time of War – were simply non-existent.

“As a result, they committed heinous war crimes

against our people, regardless of whether they were

armed combatants or civilians, men or women. Our

people were murdered, tortured, held in solitary con-

finement and injected with poison. Some were simply

thrown into the Atlantic Ocean after they had been in-

jected with poisonous chemicals. Those heinous acts

of abuse of human rights were carried out among oth-

ers, by the notorious architect of chemical warfare for

the apartheid regime, Wouter Basson, who became

known as Dr Death, and his cohorts.

PRESIDENT POHAMBA’S INAUGURAL ADDRESS

Ongula Village Honestead Lodge


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“Unlike the apartheid regime, which disregarded inter-

national conventions and protocols, SWAPO and the

cadres of PLAN conducted the war efforts according to

the provisions of international law. The enemy soldiers

who were captured by PLAN combatants were treated

humanely. One such case involved an enemy soldier

by the name of Johan van der Mecht who was cap-

tured at Elundu on 18 February 1987. The discovery of

the mass graves here at Eenhana and elsewhere further

highlights the brutality of the apartheid regime, which

the people of Namibia fought against for 24 years.

“Today we are confronted, once again, by the hor-

rors perpetrated against our people at the hands of the

apartheid regime. Many sons and daughters of Namib-

ia, cadres of PLAN, today lie in unmarked graves. It is

even more painful to note that some of those who fell

in battle were not buried; their remains are still lying

somewhere in the valleys, forests and hills within Na-

mibia as well as beyond its borders. We are, however,

consoled by the fact that today we have carried out a

dignified reburial of our heroes and heroines whose re-

mains were discovered in mass graves here at Eenhana

and in surrounding villages.

“I believe that the shrine we have built here at should

be seen as representing the reburial of the remains of

our fallen comrades from all parts of Namibia. The

shrine should therefore not be regarded as a regional

project. Consequently a decision was also taken that,

should further remains of our heroes and heroines of

the liberation struggle be discovered in future, such

remains would also be reburied at the locality where

they were found.


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of the country, the Omauni Community Campsite

provides a simple base and overnight option. Situ-

ated in the north-eastern corner of the Ohangwena

Region, it lies approximately 70 km from Okongo

and 240 km from Rundu, accessible from the C45

gravel road linking the north-central and Kavango

regions.

The Community Forest at Omauni covers an area of

750 km2, with a campsite located in the Centre for

Sustainable Forest Management. Rustic furniture is

manufactured and sold at the centre.

Situated at the Lutheran church grounds of the old

Finnish mission in Engela, about 50 km north of

Ondangwa in the Oshana Region, is Nghuoyepon-

go, a basket-weaving group that involves mainly

people who are visually impaired. The activities

of the group are centred on a literacy programme,

where members learn Braille, English and mathe-

matics. When the lesson is over, they weave baskets,

which are sold at the annual Ongwediva Trade Fair

presented in Ongwediva in the Oshana Region.

COMMUNITY PROJECTS IN OHANGWENA

Ongula Village Craft Shop



Monte Carlo Guesthouse Eenhana offers a combination of luxury accommodation at affordable prices. Accommodation consists of single rooms, double rooms and family rooms each with en-suite bathroom/showers. Rooms are equipped with air-conditions, television ,Dstv, fridge and work tables. Breakfast is included in all our rates. We offer conference facilities. There is secure parking and 24 hour security. For a warm experience where nature meets modernity visit Monte Carlo Guesthouse. Our friendly team is prepared to welcome you. Visit us to see what makes us unique.

Tel:+26465221541•Fax:+26465222255•Cell:+264812304915•Cell:[email protected]•Eenhana

Eenhana Accommodation

13


Oshikango Country Lodge is a 10 roomed thatch-roofed es-tablishement offering comfortable, accommodation, excel-lent cuisine, an indoor and large outdoor lapa-bar, swimming pool as well as regular night time entertainment. All our air-conditioned rooms are en-suite and include television with DSTV and Angolan channels. A beautiful atmosphere to wine and dine, food is A la carte with Portuguese cuisine with dash Greek flavors. With excellent wine consisting of different type of Portuguese and South African wines of your selection. Situated on the main road of Oshikango about 1 km to the border.

Tel:+264(0)65264650•Fax:+264(0)[email protected] www.oshikangocountrylodge.com

Oshikango Accommodation

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Situated in the heart of Owamboland, a stone throw from Ondangwa north of Etosha National Park, you are

invited to experience our local traditions! Built alongside a live homestead, 4 luxury Rondawels (African-style

round huts) accommodates 8 guests offering exclusivity and the luxury of home, while participating in local

chores, delighting in local culinary dishes and drinks and learning local arts and crafts. This is your introduction

to our world and life-style! Ongula Village Homestead Lodge is dawn of tourism in the North – Central Region

beyond Dunes and Wild-life.

Reservations+264(0)61250725•Lodge+264(0)65264555/+264264565

Cell:+264856256551•GPS:17º44’43”S16º8’33”E

[email protected]•[email protected]•www.ongula.com

Ongula Accommodation

15


Ongula Accommodation


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OOSHIKOTO REGIONThe Oshikoto Region in north-central Namibia is best

known for the scenic beauty and abundance of game

that can be viewed in the internationally famous

Etosha National Park, while two intriguing features,

Lake Otjikoto and Lake Guinas, are found in the area

south-east of Etosha.

With Omuthiya as its regional administrative cen-

tre, Oshikoto borders on the Ohangwena, Oshana,

Kunene, Otjozondjupa, and Kavango regions. In 2011

the population counted in the Oshikoto Region was

181,973.

Cattle farming and mining are the major source of live-

lihood for the people living in this region. It is home

to the Ndonga people, who are known for produc-

ing rings and other tools made of copper. In terms of

agriculture, Oshikoto is divided into the northern and

southern areas. In the north agriculture is the main

focus and source of the economy, while in the south

economic activities include mining and cattle rearing.

The two areas have important cultural and historical

links in that the Ndonga people have extracted copper

at Tsumeb since the earliest times. A trunk road con-

nects these two areas.

Tsumeb was the main city in the Oshikoto Region un-

til 2008, when Omuthiya was instated as its capital.

The Eenhena, Ondangwa, Oshakati, N’ giva and On-

giva airports service Omuthiya. Tsumeb is neverthe-

less considered as the gateway to northern Namibia,

especially because of its proximity to the famous Eto-

sha National Park.

The Nakambale Museum is a community-based tour-

ism institution established at Olukonda in 1995 by

the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN).

It offers exhibitions on the premises of the National

Monument, where the Nakambale Church was built

in 1870 when the first Finnish missionaries settled in

Owambo.


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Mahangu (pearl millet) is the principle crop in the

north of the region, while cattle are reared in the

Mangetti and the Tsumeb districts.

Although the Tsumeb Mine has only a limited life

span, combined with the associated support indus-

tries and services, it provides a boost for the commu-

nal areas of the region.

Communications are good in much of the region,

with a paved trunk road running across, linking it to

the south and north of the country. While the national

microwave network terminates at Tsumeb, telecom-

munications are now carried across the region and as

far as Oshakati by means of a newly laid fibre-optical

cable.

ECONOMY AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Nakambale Museum


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As part of an area that extended westwards to the At-

lantic coast, today’s Etosha National Park was origi-

nally proclaimed in 1907 as Game Reserve No 2 by

the then German Governor Frederich von Lindequist.

With subsequent additions it became the largest game

reserve in the world, covering a vast area of ±80 000

km2. For political considerations its size was progres-

sively diminished, until by 1975 it had been reduced

by 77% to its present surface area of 22 912 km2. Yet it

is still one of the largest game reserves in Africa. In Sep-

tember 2007 the centennial of the Etosha National Park

was celebrated at Namutoni, the easternmost resort.

Etosha owes its unique landscape to the Etosha Pan, a

vast shallow depression of approximately 5 000 km2

consisting of saline desert, savannah and woodlands,

a feature that forms the heart of the park. Once part

of a large inland lake fed by rivers from the north and

east, it dried up 120 million years ago as continental

drift changed the slope of the land and the course of

the tributaries. For the greater part of the year the pan

is a bleak expanse of white, cracked mud that shim-

mers with mirages on most days. Seeing vast herds of

game against this eerie backdrop, referred to in the lo-

cal vernacular as the ‘great white place of dry water’,

makes the Etosha game-viewing experience unique.

A series of waterholes along the southern edge of

the pan guarantee rewarding and often spectacular

game viewing. In good rain years the pan fills with

water draining southwards from Angola via a delta-

like system of shallow rivers and oshanas, drying out

in the winter to become an austere expanse of white

cracked mud, shimmering with mirages and upward-

spiralling dust devils.

No less than 114 mammals species are found in Eto-

sha. Of these several are rare and endangered, such

as black rhino and cheetah, and the lesser-known

black-faced impala, which is endemic to north-wes-

tern Namibia and south-western Angola. Other large

mammals in the park include elephant, giraffe, blue

wildebeest, mountain and plains zebra, hyaena and

the trio of ‘big cats’ – lion, cheetah and leopard. Ante-

lope species range from kudu, gemsbok and the large

and stately eland, to the diminutive Damara dik-dik.

Smaller mammals include jackal, bat-eared fox, honey

badger, warthog and the endearing ground squirrel.

THE ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK


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Of the 340 bird species that occur in Etosha, about

one third are migratory, including the European bee-

eater and several species of wader. Larger birds are

ostrich, kori bustard and greater and lesser flamingo,

tens of thousands of which congregate on the pan to

breed during a good rainy season. Ten of Etosha’s 35

raptor species are migratory. The ones most common-

ly seen are lappet-faced, white-backed and hooded

vultures, while sightings of Cape, Egyptian and palm-

nut vultures have been recorded. The eight species of

owl include four species of nightjar, the pearl-spotted

owlet and the southern white-faced scops-owl.

In the dry season, which extends over the greater part

of the year, Etosha’s animals and birds are dependent

on about 30 springs and waterholes. These provide

excellent game-viewing and photographic opportuni-

ties. Before setting out it is advisable to enquire from

camp officials about present game movements. Dur-

ing the rainy season, especially, the bird life at the

main pan and Fischer’s Pan provides a top viewing

experience. The regulation that visitors – once outside

the rest camps – may not leave their vehicles, is strictly

enforced. Etosha’s vegetation varies from dwarf shrub

savannah and grasslands, which occur around the pan,

to thorn-bush and woodland savannah throughout the

park. Eighty per cent of all Etosha’s trees are mopane.

West of Okaukuejo is the well-known Sprokieswoud,

Phantom or Fairy Forest, the only location where the

African moringa tree, Moringa ovalifolia, grows in a

flat area.

Etosha is open throughout the year and is accessible

by tarred roads via the Andersson Gate on the C38

from Outjo, the Von Lindequist Gate in the east from

Tsumeb on the B1, the Galton Gate in the west from

Kowares on the C35, and the King Nehale Gate loca-

ted on the Andoni plains just north of the Andoni wa-

terhole, which provides access from the north-central

Owambo regions on the B1 from Onyati.

All gates are open from sunrise to sunset and traffic in

and out of the King Nehale Gate is managed on the

same basis as at the Andersson and Von Lindequist

gates, although visitors staying within the park need to

plan ahead to reach their accommodation establish-

ments before sunset.


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Olukonda, the place of the first missionary station for

the Owambo people, was founded in 1870 by Finnish

missionaries, and was referred to as ‘the capital of the

north’ in colonial times. In the 1880s Martti Rautanen,

nicknamed Nakambale, became missionary at Olu-

konda and initiated the building of a church in 1889,

and a missionary house in 1893. Both the church and

the mission station buildings are still existent, and

were declared as the Olukonda National Monument

in 1992. The church, although no longer in regular

use, is occasionally used for wedding ceremonies.

Rauttanen and his family are buried nearby. Close to

the National Monument there is a rest camp, which

was financed by the Government of Finland.

OTJIKOTO AND GUINAS LAKESVisitors to Namibia who are qualified divers can join

club members on a journey of underwater exploration

to view these two subterranean lakes. A rare, mouth-

breeding species of tilapia or dwarf bream is found in

both these interesting curiosities.

A unique underwater dumping site located 24 km

north-west of Tsumeb in the Oshikoto Region had

its origins in 1915 when retreating German forces

dumped their military equipment into Lake Otjikoto

during the South West Africa Campaign. Many years

later it was discovered by members of the Windhoek

Underwater Club, who realised that the armaments

and weaponry dated back to the First World War.

What’s left of these interesting relics can be inspected

by qualified divers. Today the majority of the arma-

ments are on display in the Tsumeb Museum.

The 130 metre-deep Lake Guinas, which lies north-

west of Otjikoto, is noted for its beautiful setting and

the dark inky-blue colour of its water. However, since

it is on a farm, permission to view it needs to be ob-

tained from the owner.

OLUKONDA

Lake Otjikoto


We offer you reasonably priced accommodation consist-ing of 48 Standard and Luxury rooms, 2 refreshing swimming pools with surrounding thatched roofs, a restaurant, bar, 2 conference venues, internet facilities and a campsite for our adventurous guests. Peace Garden Lodge offers a typical Namibian and African decor, styled with thatched roofs and well spaced rooms to give you a more private stay. All our rooms are suited with: En-suite bathrooms • Air Conditioner • Satellite TV (DSTV) • Fridge • Coffee facilities • Telephone

Tel:+264(0)67243648•Fax:+264(0)67243749Located 7km before the town of Grootfontein

[email protected]•www.peacegardenlodge.info

Otjizondjupa Accommodation

16


11 January 2013. The mercury is touching the 34°C

mark on the thermometer. Almost no wind… One of

our Aero Commanders, a Cessna Caravan and two

Cessna 210’s are fuelled up, and ready for the day that

lies ahead. Passengers, however, have just phoned our

office to notify that they might be a little bit late. No

problem for the pilots, as a quick phone call to the

Tower will extend our flight plans for another 30mins.

Our office quickly notifies the destination’s pick up

to let them know that there has been a slight delay.

Pilots are ready and all-too-eager to meet the new pas-

sengers. The possibility is always there that after this

meeting and flight, a friendship will start that will lead

to a lot of fond memories, a Namibian adventure that

will never be forgotten and an experience that will be

spoken of for many years to come!

Upon the arrival of the passengers, they are greeted

with a big smile and their pilots are eager to give them

a hand with their luggage. A detailed pre-take-off brief-

ing is given on all the exciting scenery they might see

on their way to Opuwo. The routing for today, after a

visit to the Himba’s at Opuwo, a fly-over past the Rua-

cana Falls, a quick fuel stop at Ondangwa, and then a

final visit at Oshivelo. Weather in Nambia has got a

mind of its own and no matter what the forecast says,

the Met office rarely seems to get it right. We have load-

ed extra fuel, just in case the weather deteriorates and

we need to divert to the planned alternate.

Desert Air


With engines coming to a roaring start, we are cleared for taxi to the runway in use. Keeping the density al-titude in mind, little wind and the weight that was loaded on board; we push the throttle to unleash every stallion in the engine to pull the weight that forces the nose of the aircraft to point towards the blue skies. The Cessna’s climb out at a graceful angle, giving a view of Windhoek that only a lucky few have seen before. The Aero Commanders shoot past at steady climb of 2000 feet per minute, reaching 28 000 feet above sea level in no time at all.

The whole flight is calm, the sun warm from the east and there is not a cloud in sight. The earth below is green and lush, the Omaruru riverbed creates a distinct line from North East to South West, the Brandberg is a glowing red to the west of track and to the far north, one can begin to make out the Groot Berge with their flat tops. Breath taking… The sounds of camera shut-ters fill the cabin and the cool air coming out of the air vents brings a soothing respite to the heat. As a pi-

lot, one cannot help but worry about the width of the doors upon exiting the aircraft after landing, because the smiles are too wide to fit through the doors.

Arriving at Opuwo, a “runway inspection” is done to ensure that there are no animals on the runway. The locals around the airfield also understand that this means they have to stand clear and assist in getting the animals off the runway, as this manoeuvre indicates to the people on the ground that we are coming in for landing. With the vehicles waiting on the ground to transfer the passengers to the local Himba kraals, the aircrafts come to a halt in perfect formation, making sure that the propellers are stopped over a clean, hard patch of ground to ensure there will not be any propel-ler damage from stones being picked up due to propel-ler vortices on shutdown. The cabin doors swing open, filling the cabin with the smells of the African bush. Slowly, the “Opuwo fog” (dust) dissipates, exposing the mountains that, just a few minutes ago looked so small from the sky.


The passengers are greeted with an ice cold refresh-ment and a firm, friendly handshake. They are then helped into the cool, air-conditioned bus and taken to meet the mysterious tribe that not many people have encountered. They will see their day-to-day struggles and way of life, untouched by the pressures of the rest of the world and with no inclination to change their habits to fit in with the rest of us. Peace-ful and friendly people, living their entire lives with purely that which Mother Nature throws at them.

After a quick scrumptious lunch at a lodge close by, the next leg will mainly consist of a low level flight over the Ruacana falls and then setting course South East to Ondangwa where we will fill up our aircraft for the legs that still lie ahead. For this time of year, it is the rainy season in Namibia and this means that the Ruacana falls should be a very impressive sight – even more so, from where the birds fly free. Because the flight is now conducted at midday, we will fly at reduced power settings to ensure that the

“potholes” we go through will not be as noticeable as when flying at “maximum cruise power settings”. As we approach Ruacana, you will see – almost like a mini Victoria Falls – the water splashing up and creating a light fog cloud over Nampower’s Hydro Electric facility. A comfortable turn is flown over the Ruacana Falls to show our passengers just how big the wall, over which the water flows, is. A full 360 is done to ensure the best pictures to show the friends and family when they are home again. After thumbs up from all the passengers, the nose is pointed to the East, South East towards Ondangwa and a little bit of altitude is gained to get to cooler air.

Landing at Ondangwa’s almost-3km-long asphalt runway is a breeze and halfway down the runway, power is actually added, to get to the end of the runway as the Aero Commander, Caravan and 210’s are capable of landing much shorter. The runway is vacated and the aircraft taxied straight to the fuel bays where the Aero Commander and


Caravan will quench their thirst with JetA-1 and the Cessna 210, Avgas. At the terminal, a quick visit to the loo and then back to the aircraft. Walking past the new terminal which is being built, one cannot help but think that this building will be spectacular once completed.

With aircraft refuelled, taxi clearance is given to take off from runway 08, right hand out and then straight to Oshivelo. Oshivelo’s runway is situated just to the north of Mokuti and to the east of the Etosha Pans. This runway was a very busy airfield in the Border War and was built to last for many lifetimes. Unfortu-nately, the vegetation has other ideas and the runway is quickly overgrown - and with vegetation, comes animals. The pilots are well aware of the hazards and are trained to handle anything that Africa can throw at them. Upon arrival, the Aero Commander does a low runway inspection to clear off animals that could possibly be close to the runway, and be-cause he is much faster than the other aircraft, he

calls his fellow aviators on the radio to tell them that the runway is clear for landing. Runway inspection

done, a “tear drop” pattern is flown, gear out, flaps

out and the passengers are informed that they will be

touching down in less than a minute. Safety belts are

tightened and the approach for landing is stable and

smooth. On touch down, the propeller blade angles

are changed so that instead of “pulling” the aircraft

forward, they now create a “push force” that causes

everyone to be pushed into their safety belts and al-

lows the Aero Commander to come to a stop in a

very short distance. This is a capability of the Aero

Commander that will make any aviator’s jaw drop.

Runway is vacated on the eastern side and everyone

gets out, camera in hand so that the landings that

follow can be recorded so that later tonight around

the camp fire with a cold beer in hand, one can have

a good giggle at the landing of no.3 which seemed

to be very bouncy. And a new nick name is given to

that pilot – Captain Kangaroo.


Every runway and flight over the Namibian soil has a story to tell, something to remember and a sense of “home” when thinking back to that time when

you flew there. Only a few people in the world have been lucky enough to experience it: a truly amazing adventure. The questions is: Are you ready for it?


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Listing of Categories

Hut No. Accommodation Page

7 Ekamuti Town Lodge 69

1 Etuna Guest House & Tours 30-31

8 Koonyaka Guest House 70

2 Mango Guest House 32

5 Mazizi Lodge 32

13 Monte Carlo 108

6 Namibia Lodge 2000 & Safari 58

9 Ohakane Guest House 88

15 Ongula Village & Homestead Lodge 110

10 Opuwo Country Lodge 88

14 Oshikango Country Lodge 109

3 Pandu’s Bed & Breakfast Pensaõ 33

16 Peace Garden Lodge 117

12 Ruacana Eha Lodge 101

4 Seven Valleys Guesthouse, The 33

11 Uukwaluudhi Safari Lodge 100

Amenities & ServicesAdos Accountants 59

Bank Windhoek 47

Desert Air 118-122

Development Bank of Namibia 34

Family Optometrist 59

Far North Namibia & Cheetah Car Hire 35

FNB Namibia 15

Formula Courier Services 59

Kaokoland Butchery 90

Kaokoland Cell & Electronics 90

Kaokoland Restaurant 90

Kapia Optics 71

Magnet Bureau De Change Pty Ltd FIC / 36-37

Makalani Real Estate 38

Maroela Mall 39

Multichoice Namibia 40-41

Namibia Airports Company 2/3/73

Namibia Breweries 91

Northcote Private School 72

OATF 28-29

Page

Okahao Town Council 98-99

Ondangwa Town Council 66-68

Ongwediva Medipark 42

Ongwediva Town Coucil 22-27

Optic Exclusive Ondangwa 71

Optic Exclusive Ongwediva 42

Opuwo Town Council 86-87

Oshakati Pharmacy 60

Oshakati Town Council 56-57

Rennies Travel Namibia 44

Silver Wolf Spur 44

SME Bank 45

Torga Optical 61

University of Namibia 46

Yap Gym / Yap Health & Fitness 47

Industrial/CommercialAuas Motors Ongwediva 48

Build It Ondangwa 75

Build It Oshana 52

Direct Auto Parts 62

Erongo Commercial Vehicles 48

Fanny’s Motor Repairs 49

Global Glass Aluminium & Hardware 49

Greg’s Motor Spares 63

M & Z Motors 76

Millenium Refrigeration & Electrical Services 50

Omhalanga Mills 51

Omudhingoloko Refrigeration Supplies 77

Ozzy’s Auto Repairs 64

Pennypinchers Timbercity 53/BC

Peralin Paints (PTY) Ltd 54/BF

PRC Tuning 50

Professional Vehicle Repairs 51

Trans Namib Holdings Ltd 74

Water Engineering Africa 64

Windhoek Hire Sales & Services 65


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alphabetical listing

Ados Accountants 59

Auas Motors Ongwediva 48

Bank Windhoek 47

Build It Ondangwa 75

Build It Oshana 52

Desert Air 118-122

Development Bank of Namibia 34

Direct Auto Parts 62

Ekamuti Town Lodge 69

Erongo Commercial Vehicles 48

Etuna Guest House & Tours 30-31

Family Optometrist 59

Fanny’s Motor Repairs 49

Far North Namibia & Cheetah Car Hire 35

FNB Namibia 15

Formula Courier Services 59

Global Glass Aluminium & Hardware 49

Greg’s Motor Spares 63

Kaokoland Butchery 90

Kaokoland Cell & Electronics 90

Kaokoland Restaurant 90

Kapia Optics 71

Koonyaka Guest House 70

M & Z Motors 76

Magnet Bureau De Change Pty Ltd FIC / 36-37

Makalani Real Estate 38

Mango Guest House 32

Maroela Mall 39

Mazizi Lodge 32

Millenium Refrigeration & Electrical Services 50

Monte Carlo 108

Multichoice Namibia 40-41

Namibia Airports Company 2/3/73

Namibia Breweries 91

Namibia Lodge 2000 & Safari 58

Northcote Private School 72

OATF 28-29

Ohakane Guest House 88

Okahao Town Council 98-99

Omhalanga Mills 51

Omudhingoloko Refrigeration Supplies 77

Ondangwa Town Council 66-68

Ongula Village & Homestead Lodge 110

Ongwediva Medipark 42

Ongwediva Town Coucil 22-27

Optic Exclusive Ondangwa 71

Optic Exclusive Ongwediva 42

Opuwo Country Lodge 88

Opuwo Town Council 86-87

Oshakati Pharmacy 60

Oshakati Town Council 56-57

Oshikango Country Lodge 109

Ozzy’s Auto Repair 64

Pandu’s Bed & Breakfast Pensao 33

Peace Garden Lodge 117

Pennypinchers Timbercity 53/BC

Peralin Paints (PTY) Ltd 54/BF

PRC Tuning 50

Professional Vehicle Repairs 51

Rennies Travel Namibia 44

Ruacana Eha Lodge 101

Seven Valleys Guesthouse, The 33

Silver Wolf Spur 44

SME Bank 45

Torga Optical 61

Trans Namib Holdings Ltd 74

University of Namibia 46

Uukwaluudhi Safari Lodge 100

Water Engineering Africa 64

Windhoek Hire Sales & Services 65

Yap Gym / Yap Health & Fitness CC 47

Page Page


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