Ondangwa

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Exploring Namibia is a thrilling and mesmerizing experience. It is a land of striking contrasts and enthralling landscapes, wind-swept ancient desert dunes, polished white plains, infinite spaces, abounding wildlife, diverse cultures and where awe-inspiring sunsets grips the senses with its spectacular beauty.

Situated to the north of Namibia, Ondangwa is the second largest town in the region and although not a usual tourist destination it offers a little window into the real lifestyle of the black Namibian people. Up-market malls and supermarkets nestle amid traditional roadside shops and bottle stores while the cattle graze leisurely along the busy road. Ondangwa is the perfect stop-over en-route to explore the dramatic beauty of the Kaoko and Damara regions as well as the nearby Etosha National Park. Ondangwa Rest Camp offers comfortable, fully developed camp sites and tents or for more up-scale accommodation stay in one of the fine hotels and lodges in the area.

Visit the informal markets stocked with meat and other interesting sources of protein such as the dried caterpillars, be daring and try the meat brews cooked up by the local woman using every bit of the cow, even the hoofs. Browse the multitude of second hand clothing markets and chat to the friendly Ovambo people. Take a tour to the informative and well presented Nakambale Museum, located just outside the town. Spend time in the traditional homestead next to the museum affording fascinating insight to the lifestyle of the Ovambo culture.

For a few weeks after heavy rains, Ondangwa is an oasis as the basins fill with water. Stunning white and pink lilies appear miraculously during this time, truly a visual pleasure, as well as attracting abounding bird species. Other places of interest to explore are the Ombuga Plain, Lake Oponono, and off course the wildlife wonderland of Etosha National Park. Ondangwa is a revelation, a pleasant surprise in its simple way of life and culture, living proof that within the vibrant and spirited essence lays the true beauty of this charming town.