Ongula Traditional Homestead is situated in the heart of the Owambo region in the far north of the country (this regions is sometimes referred to as the 4 O's) . The first thing that strikes visitors to this part of Namibia is the abundance of people, unlike the rest of the country this is a densely populated region. People, livestock, shebeens (bars) and markets are everywhere, seemingly all existing harmoniously in unplanned chaos. Ondangwa is the closest town to the Ongula Homestead and mainly caters for the business community.

More and more visitors are enticed to the north of the country each year, so the value of Ongula's location has increased. It has become the ideal stopover for individual and self-drive tourists on their way to Oshakati, Ruacana Falls, Epupa Falls and Kaokoland. Etosha National Park's Nehale's Gate is a 2hr road trip away. Built alongside a real traditional homestead Ongula offers guests the opportunity to participate in local activities & chores (pounding mahangu meal, cattle herding, cooking on the open fire) as well as learn traditional crafts such as basket weaving & clay pot making and making traditional food and drinks.

The main lodge area offers a bar and restaurant as well as a boma with an open fire place which is ideal for social get-togethers before or after dinner. There are numerous activities on offer including day tours to the Nakambale Museum, open & craft markets and tribal houses. Those fortunate enough to time their visit to coincide with some of the seasonal events may get to attend the Marula Festival or traditional weddings. There can be no better way to end a busy day than enjoying a beer (either bottled or locally brewed) and making new Owambo speaking friends at a vibrant shebeen.

Accommodation is in 4 luxury rondavels, traditional African round huts. En-suite bathrooms (shower only), twin beds, mosquito nets, enclosed verandah, tea/coffee station, mosquito nets and sliding doors fitted with gauze netting are standard.

Ongula Traditional Homestead is the ideal location for those seeking a cultural experience while in Namibia.

Accommodation in Namibia

Traditional chores:

Pound mahangu and then cook it on an open fire. Participate in the preparation and making of local traditional drinks and meals and learn of other duties in and around the rondavel.

Cattle-herding:

Learn how to control the movement of these beasts which helps reduce stress in the animals and enables them to get to their feed quicker.

Basket making:

One of the homesteads experienced crafters will be on hand to assist in weaving your own basket. You can take your creation away with you.

The Potter Project:

Clay pots are made in an underground studio called an onzimbogo (pottery making cave) and are stored for around 2 weeks. They are then placed in a pit and covered in cow dung and tree bark. Once lit the pit is covered in sand until the baked pots are removed the following day. Please note this activity is only available after the rainy season when sufficient mud is available.

Day trips

Onankali Omahangu Paper Project:

Using mahangu stalks as the main ingredient, an attractive range of handmade paper products can be produced from combining craft with the remnants of the mahangu harvest. Bookmarks, cards, notebooks and magnetized fridge notepads can be purchased.

Nakambale Museum:

Martti Rautanen was one of the first Finnish missions in Owamboland. Nakambale was his given nickname from the locals.

Oonte Bottle Recycling Project:

A French financed project that has set up a house as a glass bottle recycling workshop. Several volunteers together with older trained orphans, assist vulnerable children who have younger relatives to support. They transform discarded glass bottles into works of art to be sold locally for the tourist industry.

Communal Court Proceedings:

The important role played by local courts in the administration of justice in the communities can be observed. Craft market: A tour to Ondangwa’s open craft market can be organized. Sundowner: Visit a local shebeen at the end of a day for a local beer.

Omagongo Festival:

This is an annual seasonal events that celebrates the first fruits of the marula tree (Scelerocarya birrea). The festival is usually held in February.

To make the booking process as user friendly as possible we offer 2 ways to make a booking from this website:

1. The book or enquire button allows you to add multiple properties to an enquiry & in conjunction with the interactive online Namibia map it can be used to plan and book your entire Namibian trip. Once added to the shopping cart / itinerary planner properties which have online availability can be paid for and booked immediately while those without online functionality will be sent to us for processing.
2. Use email us to send an old fashioned email enquiry.