Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Owambo capital is an uninspiring commercial centre that is little more than a strip of
characterless development along the highway. But it's worth spending an hour or so at the
large covered market, which proffers everything from clothing and baskets to mopane
worms and glasses of freshly brewed
tambo
(beer).
If you're looking to apply for an Angolan visa, the
Angola Consulate
( 221799; Dr
Agostinho Neto Rd)
is currently the best place to submit an application.
If you get stuck here for the night,
Oshandira Lodge
( 220443;
oshandira@iway.na; s/d N$490/690; )
, next to the airstrip, offers simple but spacious
rooms that surround a landscaped pool and thatched open-air restaurant. A slightly more
upmarket option is the
Oshakati Country Lodge
( 222380; Robert Mugabe Rd; s/d
from N$550/800; )
, a favourite of visiting government dignitaries and business
people, though it's your best bet if you're a slave to modern comforts.
From the bus station at the market, combis leave frequently for destinations in the
north.
UUTAPI (OMBALANTU) & AROUND
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The area around Uutapi (also known as Ombalantu), which lies on the C46 between
Oshakati and Ruacana, is home to a number of widely revered national heritage sites, and
warrants a quick visit if you've got your own wheels and are passing through the area.
The most famous attraction in Uutapi is the former South African Defence Force
(SADF) base, which is dominated by an enormous baobab tree. This tree, known locally
as
omukwa,
was once used to shelter cattle from invaders, and later was used as a turret
from which to ambush invading tribes. It didn't work with the South African forces,
however, who invaded and used the tree for everything from a chapel to a coffeehouse.
To reach the fort, turn left at the police station 350m south of the petrol station and look
for an obscure grassy track winding between desultory buildings towards the conspicuous
baobab.
ONGULUMBASHE
The town of Ongulumbashe is regarded as the birthplace of modern Namibia. On 26
August 1966 the first shots of the war for Namibian independence were fired from this
patch of scrubland. The site is also where the People's Liberation Army of Namibia en-
joyed its first victory over the South African troops, who had been charged with rooting
out and quelling potential guerrilla activities. At the site, you can still see some recon-
structed bunkers and the 'needle' monument marking the battle. An etching on the reverse
