Things To Do
in Usakos
Usakos is a small town located in the Erongo region of Namibia. It is known for its picturesque setting surrounded by stunning rock formations and desert landscapes. The town has a rich history, with several historical buildings and cultural sites to explore.
Usakos serves as a gateway to nearby attractions such as the Spitzkoppe mountain and the Namib-Naukluft National Park.
- "Ombinda yange" - My name is
- "Wa kachikile" - How are you?
- "Tangi ningi" - Thank you
- "Omaanda" - Goodbye
- "Omahenje" - Please
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $40
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a brisk hike at the nearby Erongo Mountains, enjoying stunning views of the landscapes. Afterward, grab breakfast at a local café to fuel up for the day's adventures.
Visit the Usakos Railway Station to learn about the town's rich history and its role in Namibia's railway system. Explore local shops for some unique souvenirs.
Enjoy dinner at a traditional Namibian restaurant, savoring local dishes. After dinner, take a leisurely walk to enjoy the starry Namibian sky.
Head to the local craft market to witness artisans at work and shop for handmade crafts. Engage with the locals to learn more about their traditions and culture.
Visit the Usakos Community Museum to delve deeper into the area's history. Participate in a cultural workshop, such as pottery or weaving.
Dine at a local eatery, sampling traditional foods while listening to folk music. Take part in a community gathering or concert for a vibrant local experience.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and friendly community.
- Beautiful natural surroundings with opportunities for outdoor activities.
- Affordable cost of living compared to urban areas.
- Growing economic opportunities in agriculture and tourism.
- Access to local markets and fresh produce.
- Limited access to advanced healthcare and educational facilities.
- Infrequent public transportation options.
- Potential for unemployment and underemployment in certain sectors.
- Challenges related to infrastructure development.
- Variable availability of basic services like electricity and water.
Best Activities in Usakos
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning landscapes and rock formations of the Erongo Mountains with various hiking trails suitable for different skill levels.
Take a historical walk around the Usakos Railway Station, which has great significance to the region and offers insights into the railway history of Namibia.
Usakos provides opportunities for bird watching, where you can spot a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.
Enjoy a camping experience at the Guinas Waterhole, where you can immerse yourself in nature and possibly encounter wildlife.
Participate in photography tours in the surrounding areas to capture the beautiful landscapes, unique flora, and fauna of Namibia.
Tours
Uncover the best of Usakos with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Usakos
Visit one of these nice places.
An iconic historical site offering unique architectural features and great views of the surrounding landscape, perfect for capturing the essence of Usakos.
A stunning natural rock formation located just outside Usakos that provides panoramic views of the arid countryside, ideal for breathtaking photographs.
Known for its surreal topography and unique geological formations, this area offers dramatic vistas that are exceptional for photography, especially during sunrise or sunset.
A hiking trail that leads to the summit of Usakos Mountain where visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the Namib desert and the town of Usakos, perfect for adventure photography.
Offering breathtaking views of rugged mountain ranges and valleys, this location is ideal for capturing the natural beauty of Namibia.
Food in Usakos
Usakos Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Herero dish made with marinated game meat, typically beef or venison, and cooked with onions and tomatoes. Best enjoyed at local eateries such as Ongombo West Restaurant.
Must-Try!
A staple maize porridge served with various meat stews. Try it at Usakos Country Hotel or at small local eateries in town.
Thinly sliced, flame-grilled beef often seasoned with chili, onion, and tomato. Look for this popular street food at the Usakos town market.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Visit this vibrant market to explore a variety of fresh produce, homemade bread, and local snacks like dried fruit and roasted nuts. It's also an excellent spot to sample Kapana and interact with local vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Usakos, it is customary to greet people with a handshake or a nod. Address individuals with respect, using their titles if applicable. Greetings are an important social norm, and failing to greet someone can be considered impolite.
In Namibian culture, elders are highly respected. It is important to show deference to older individuals, whether in conversation or when making decisions. Listening to elder family members or community leaders is seen as a sign of respect.
Dress modestly when in public spaces, as Namibian culture tends to value modesty. While Usakos is a relatively small town, displaying proper attire is important, especially when visiting local gatherings or religious places.
Safety
Tipping in Usakos
Ensure a smooth experience
In Usakos, Namibia, tipping is generally not a widespread practice, as service charges are often included in the overall bill at restaurants and hotels. However, in more informal settings or for exceptional service, patrons may leave a small tip as a token of appreciation. Tipping usually ranges from 5% to 10% of the bill.
Payment practices in Usakos predominantly involve cash transactions, as many local businesses may not have access to card payment systems. However, mobile money services are becoming increasingly popular, allowing residents to send and receive money digitally. It's common for shops and services to accept Namibian Dollars (NAD), and foreign currency may be accepted in some areas but is not widely promoted.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Summer in Usakos brings hot temperatures with averages ranging from 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F). It's the rainy season, so expect occasional thunderstorms. This is a good time to see the landscape in full bloom and experience the vibrant natural beauty, but be prepared for heat and possible rain.
Autumn offers pleasant weather with cooler temperatures, averaging between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F). This season sees less rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the surrounding areas. The sunsets are spectacular during this time.
Winter in Usakos is mild and dry, with daytime temperatures averaging 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) and cooler nights that can drop to around 0°C (32°F). This season is perfect for wildlife viewing, as animals are more active and the vegetation is less dense.
Spring brings warmer temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) and minimal rainfall. This is a vibrant time in Usakos, with blooming flowers and clear skies, making it an excellent time for travel and outdoor exploration.
Usakos at Night
Hiking in Usakos
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A stunning mountain range located near Usakos, perfect for hiking and exploring unique rock formations and wildlife.
A remarkable landscape with unique geological features, offering scenic hiking trails that allow you to enjoy the breathtaking views.
A vast national park known for its dramatic landscapes and diverse ecosystems. It offers various hiking trails suitable for all levels.
Famous for its iconic granite peaks, Spitzkoppe offers challenging hikes with spectacular views and the chance to see ancient rock art.
The highest mountain in Namibia, known for its varied flora and fauna, and offers several hiking routes to experience its stunning scenery.
Aiports
How to reach Usakos by plane.
Located near Windhoek, approximately 320 km from Usakos, this is the main international airport in Namibia.
Situated about 350 km from Usakos, this airport serves the coastal town of Walvis Bay and offers limited international flights.
Located around 900 km from Usakos, it is the airport that serves the Caprivi Strip in Namibia, providing access to international destinations.
About 550 km from Usakos, this airport serves the town of Lüderitz and offers regional flights, with limited international connections.
Located in Windhoek, approximately 325 km from Usakos, this airport primarily serves domestic flights but can connect to regional international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A sizable ethnic group in Namibia, primarily found in the northern regions, including Usakos.
An indigenous ethnic group known for their distinctive dress and cultural heritage.
The Damara people are an indigenous group associated with the northwest regions of Namibia.
The San people, often referred to as Bushmen, are among the earliest inhabitants of Southern Africa.
Descendants of Dutch settlers, some of whom reside in Usakos and contribute to the local culture.
A semi-nomadic group known for their unique culture and traditional way of life, found in various parts of Namibia.
Comprising various immigrants and residents, often engaged in trade and commerce.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is one of the most popular sports in Usakos, attracting many fans and players of all ages. Local teams participate in regional leagues and tournaments.
Rugby has a strong following in Usakos, with various clubs and schools promoting the sport. It is played at both amateur and competitive levels.
Cricket is another popular sport in Usakos, with a number of local teams participating in friendly matches and regional competitions.
Athletics, including running and field events, is actively promoted in Usakos, particularly among schools, helping young athletes to develop their talents.
Basketball is gaining popularity in Usakos, with local courts and teams forming to engage youth in the sport.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Usakos.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While meat-centric, many local eateries offer vegetable-based side dishes and salads. For specific vegetarian or vegan meals, it's advisable to request customized options directly from the chefs or owners.
Although gluten-free options may be limited, Oshifima made from pure maize meal can be a suitable choice. Communicate dietary needs clearly to ensure a safe and enjoyable dining experience.