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Okahandja
Located in
Namibia :: North Namibia
:: Okahandja
Category:
Places :: Town Medium
OKAHANDJA IS A HISTORIC TOWN, founded around 1800 by two tribes, the Herero and the Nama. The name means ‘The place where two rivers join’, the two rivers being the Okakango and the Okumita, both of which only flow after good summer rains.
In 1827 the first European, a German pastor, visited and in 1844 two missionaries were permanently assigned here. After a long period of conflict between the local tribes, a big battle took place between the Herero and Nama groups in 1850 at what is today known as Moordkoppie (translation: murder hill). In 1872 the Rhenish Mission Society founded a mission station and a military post was established in Okahandja in 1894, which is recognized as the town’s official founding date.
Okahandja is an important town for the Herero people and the traditional burial place for their chiefs; Maharero day is celebrated annually at the end of August. On this day thousands of Hereros come to Okahandja to pay tribute to their fallen heroes. They make a grand procession, featuring brightly-coloured traditional dresses, military outfits and prancing horses.
Traveller DescriptionOkahandja is located at the junction of the B1 and B2 - the main route to Swakopmund and the coast. It is the business
centre for surrounding cattle and game farms and has a growing industrial area and excellent infrastructure. Many
travellers find Okahandja just the place to take a break on their travels, especially if they didn't stop at the capital city,
Windhoek.
Just 25km southwest of Okahandja is the Gross Barmen Hot Springs Resort, a popular tourist attraction. The Von Bach
Dam southeast of town is a popular resort for water sports, angling and bird-watching. The town is also an important
outlet for woodcarvers from the north, who sell their carvings at the craft markets on a co-operative basis, next to the main road at both entrances to Okahandja.
| Address : | Central Namibia, Namibia | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Cellphone Reception : | Good | Main Cellular Network : | MTC. LEO |
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| Police Telephone : | +264(0)62 503 013 |
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| Hospital Telephone : | +264(0)62 503 030 |
| Doctor Telephone : | +264(0) 62 501 078/ +264(0) 62 507 200/ +264(0) 62 502 599(Okahandja Medical Centre) |
| Towing Service Telephone : | +264(0)81 129 7490 (Mr Kotze - Polka Tow-In) / +264(0)62 500 132 / +264(0)62 504 250 |
| Petrol Type : | LRP/ULP |
|
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| Night Drives, Picnics, Camel Rides, Ostrich Showfarm, Golf, Snorkelling, Surfing, Water Skiing, Sailing, Scenic Flights |
| Closest Main Route : | B1 |
|---|
FUEL:
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. But generally credit cards are accepted at garages in bigger and touristy towns. Take extra cash with still in case!
GAS REFILL:
At the Agra.
SHOPS & SERVICES:
Major shops for travellers include Spar and Woolworths as well as Agra.
MECHANICAL REPAIRS:
A local backyard mechanic, Hannes, can help with tyre and mechanical repairs. Ask at the fuel station or contact him on +264(0)81 129 7490.
TOW-IN:
Try Hannes from Polka Transport and towing: +264(0)81 129 7490.
The Biltong Padstal, found as you enter on the B2 from Swakopmund, is worth a stop and is open all year round.
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