OVAMBOLAND IS SITUATED north of Etosha National Park and is the Ovambo people’s homeland. This is one of the most densely populated parts of the country and is the gateway to Angola. Although it doesn’t really offer much in terms of tourist attractions, travellers passing through the larger towns of Ovamboland like Oshakati, Ondangwa and Oshikango can find just about all the services they might need for their trip further north.

The landscape is dotted with Makalani palm trees and enormous termite mounds. The Ovambo people weave baskets from the leaves and carve curios out of the palm nuts. The locals supplement their protein intake by fishing in the area’s many natural pans. In some places they dry the barbel (catfish) they’ve caught and sell it next to the road.

Driving the main road you’ll pass small villages every few kilometres between the big towns, these settlements give this region a real African feeling. Each village has a shebeen (bar), and each hut has its own kraal with goats and a patch of mealies (maize or corn). Be vigilant, dogs, donkeys, goats and cattle have right of way, even on the main roads through these villages.

Major Attractions:
Ruacana Falls are 120m high and 700m wide when in full flood.
The Ombalantu baobab in Outapi has a diameter of 26.5m and is estimated to be over 800 years old. It has served as a post office and a chapel in the past and is now preserved as a heritage site.
The hollow trunk of the Tsandi Baobab once served as the office of the king and is adjacent to the current royal residence.
The Nakambale Museum near Ondangwa displays the history and culture of the Ovambo tribe.

Petrol costs are from R8.99 to R9.79 per litre. (25-Aug-11). Take note: Garage or Petrol cards will no longer be accepted as a legal tender for purchase of fuel, spares or repairs in Namibia. Cash, Debit and Credit cards are legal payment instruments, but many fuel stations choose NOT to accept Debit and/or Credit cards. Therefore you are advised to either carry cash or ensure that the filling stations you intend to use will accept your Debit or Credit card. (Feb-2014).

Be the first to leave a comment.

Be the first to submit a link or media file

Be the first to submit a link