Ondangwa, also spelled Ondangua, settlement, northern Namibia, about 335 miles (540 km) north of Windhoek, the capital. In 1870, Onandjokue, near Ondangwa, was the site of the first Christian (Finnish Lutheran) mission in Owambo. The mission introduced Western health and educational institutions and trained the local populace in crafts such as bricklaying and carpentry. Martii Rautanen, an early missionary living in Ondangwa, created a system for writing a local Owambo language. Formerly the residence of the Owambo commissioner general (more recently relocated at Oshakati, 18 miles [29 km] to the northwest), Ondangwa remains an important transit point for Owambo contract workers going to or coming from the copper- and lead-mining town of Tsumeb, 170 miles (274 km) southeast. Pop. (2001) 8,870.
Transport
In 2001, planning started on a railway line to link Tsumeb with Ondangwa, with extensions to Angola planned to follow. The rail line had its first official service on 11 May 2006. The passenger train Omugulugwombashe Star traveled once a week back and forth between Windhoek and Ondangwa before it broke down due to climatic conditions.
The town shares an airport with Oshakati. Ondangwa is linked to Oshakati and Oshikango by a tarred road. Rental car services are also available for tourists. Residents and car owners cars are often extra cautious and careful ,mostly when crossing and driving in the town, because livestock permission in town are not strictly regulated by the government therefore cattle and goats roam around especially at night.
Ondangwa and Oshakati
Constituting two of the four major towns north of Etosha, these two have almost grown into one during the past years. The result is a mini-metropolis full of activity. Together you'll find modern shopping centers, banks, hotels and stadiums with numerous roadside kitchens, stands and African markets selling meat, mopane worms, dried chilies and anything else you can imagine. Another feature of this region are the cuca shops – brightly painted bars with even more colorful names. In all, the entire region focuses more on commerce, not so much tourism. But with the recent opening of the new northern gate from Etosha, things could change.
ONDANGWA AIRPORT Car Rental
Operating Hours
Monday 08h00 - 17h00
Tuesday 08h00 - 17h00
Wednesday 08h00 - 17h00
Thursday 08h00 - 17h00
Friday 08h00 - 17h00
Saturday 09h00 - 11h00
Sunday Closed
Public Holidays: Open
Public Holidays
01 January, 21 March, 01 May, 03 May, 25 May, 26 August, 10 December, 25 December, 26 December |
