Oshakati

Understand

The town is in the Owambo heartland. This region contains the greatest population centres in Namibia, but draws few tourists. Oshakati (popularly known as 'Otshakati tsha Nangombe' by the native Kwambi people) is within the Kwambi traditional authority.

Climate Oshakati has a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and relatively mild winters (with warm days and cool nights). The annual average precipitation is 472 mm, with most of the precipitation occurring during the summer.

Getting there

Oshakati is on the B1, Namibia's main highway, which stretches from South Africa through the capital Windhoek and on to the Angolan border.

Getting around

Shared taxis are numerous through Oshakati and most trips within one town will cost N$12 per passenger. A shared taxi ride from Ondangwa to Oshakati is also inexpensive.

Do

The annual Oshakati Totem Expo combines the celebration of local traditions with a modern business exhibition. It takes place annually for a period of four days in the months of June or July.

Buy

There are many shops like Jet, Mr Price, furniture stores, shoes stores, pharmacies, etc. Dr. Frans Aupa Indongo Open Market consists of seasonal market spaces, formal fresh food markets, formal cooked food markets.

Eat

Rocha's Hotel (see Sleep) serves a wide selection of Portuguese and Angolan dishes.

Sleep

Rocha's Hotel, 5005 Evululuko area, Oshakati Main Road (on the main highway (B1)). 24-hour front desk, air conditioning, room service, free WiFi. (Most cab drivers will understand where to go if pronounced "Russias".) N$470. (updated May 2021)