Things To Do
in Okahandja

A lively place for candid street photography, close-up shots of craftsmanship, colorful textiles and finished wood sculptures; best visited in the morning for good light and activity.

Old administrative and residential buildings show German colonial architecture—useful for architectural details and street scenes with local life.

Open landscapes with acacia and mopane trees, seasonal waterways and grazing livestock—good for wide-angle landscape shots at sunrise or sunset.

Dramatic cliffs and sweeping views offer excellent landscape and wildlife photography—early morning light and late afternoon give the best colors.

Street-style grilled beef or game, served hot with chili sauce and toppings; commonly sold at roadside stalls and markets—great for a casual, flavorful meal.

Must-Try!

Dried, spiced meat snack (beef or game) sold in markets and shops—perfect for travel and common throughout Namibia.

A staple side made from maize or millet flour; often served with stews or meat dishes and widely available in local eateries.

Slow-cooked stew made from local game meats—found at guesthouse restaurants and some market stalls.

The town’s main craft market also hosts food stalls and small cafés—try grilled meats, samosas, fresh fruit and biltong while you shop for carvings and textiles.

Scattered along the main road and near the market, these stalls serve freshly grilled meat and simple sides; great for an informal, local meal.

Polite, verbal greetings and a handshake are customary—asking about family or showing interest is appreciated. Use a respectful tone when addressing elders.

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in villages or markets. Some cultural events or memorials may require extra sensitivity.

Dress conservatively in public and when visiting cultural or religious sites; casual clothing is fine in town, but avoid overly revealing attire in villages.

Be aware of local customs around funerals and memorials, especially Herero cultural practices—observe respectfully and follow guidance from local hosts.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 5–10% in restaurants is common when service is good, small tips (NAD or USD equivalent) for guides, porters and taxi drivers are customary. For market purchases tipping is not expected but rounding up or leaving small change is polite.

Cash (Namibian Dollar, NAD; South African Rand widely accepted) is useful for markets and small vendors; larger establishments accept cards—bring cash for rural areas. ATMs are available in Okahandja but may be limited; withdraw in Windhoek if possible. Credit cards work in many hotels and restaurants, but check for card surcharges.

Hot and wet season: afternoons are warm to hot with occasional thunderstorms and localized heavy rain. Vegetation is green and birdlife increases—good for birding but some unpaved roads can become muddy or impassable after heavy rain.

Transition to dry season with warm days and cooler nights; clear skies and pleasant temperatures make it one of the best times for hiking, sightseeing and comfortable travel.

Dry and cool to cold nights, sunny days; low humidity and little rain—excellent for daytime outdoor activities but bring warm layers for mornings and evenings, as temperatures can drop sharply.

Warming up with occasional early rains later in the season; wildflowers may appear in some years and wildlife activity increases—good time for photography and game viewing before full summer heat.

Namibia’s main international airport east of Windhoek; approximately 70–110 km from Okahandja depending on route—most visitors transfer through Windhoek to reach Okahandja by road or shuttle.

Domestic airfield near central Windhoek handling regional flights and charters; useful if connecting to light aircraft services, then transfer by road to Okahandja (about an hour).

One of the prominent ethnic groups in and around Okahandja, with strong cultural traditions, dress and community events.

Indigenous groups present in the region with distinct languages and cultural practices.

People from northern Namibia (Ovambo) and other groups live and work in the town, contributing to a multicultural mix.

Descendants of colonial settlers and more recent residents who run businesses, farms and guesthouses—Afrikaans and German are commonly heard alongside English.