Main Tourist Attractions in Owambo

Tourism in this vast flat region, typified by oshanas, makalani palms and herds of cattle, used to be virtually non-existent. However, these days it is steadily increasing. The area has a rich and interesting cultural and historical tradition, which can be explored by visiting some of the sites in the surroundings.

The town of Oniipa hosts the Onandjokwe Medical Museum in the grounds of the Onandjokwe Hospital. Built by the Finnish Mission Society in 1911, Onandjokwe was the first hospital in Owambo.

The Eenhana Heroes’ Memorial Shrine depicts the history of the liberation struggle and acknowledges the courage of the combatants of the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) and the civilians who supported them.

The main attraction at the Ombalantu Baobab Heritage Centre is a huge Baobab tree estimated to be around 700750 years old. During tribal wars the tree served as a hiding place and was later also used as a post office and a chapel. The centre, located in Outapi, also offers camping sites laid out under the tree, as well as a small kiosk, a craft centre and facilities for day visitors.

OTJIKOTO AND GUINAS LAKES

Lake Otjikoto, located 24 km northwest of Tsumeb in the Oshikoto Region, was used as a unique underwater dumping site in 1915 when retreating German forces disposed of their military equipment during the South West Africa Campaign. South African divers of the Ministry of Works recovered armaments in January 1916 while several more pieces of armaments were brought to the surface during subsequent diving expeditions. What’s left in the lake can be inspected by qualified divers. The majority of the armaments are on display in the Tsumeb Museum.

The 130 metre-deep Lake Guinas, which lies northwest 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 obtained from the farmer.

Visitors to Namibia who are qualified divers are welcome to join club members on a journey of underwater exploration to view these two geological curiosities.

A rare, mouth-breeding species of tilapia or dwarf bream is found in both of these sinkhole lakes.

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