History
Some of the first humans in Africa lived within the dusty boundaries of Namibia. Ancient nomadic tribes such as the Owambo and San people still traverse the sandy plains today.
Hidden in the baking back country of northern Namibia – a place where history and tradition blaze on – Ondangwa offers a gateway to exploring one of the most intriguing landscapes in Africa. Ondangwa is the oldest town in the Oshana region and is home to over 32,000 people. Attractions include Ongula Cultural Village, Nakambale Museum and Onandjokwe Medical Museum.
Immerse yourself in the magical world of surreal desert landscapes, ancient traditions and curious homemade brews with cheap flights to Ondangwa. Ondangwa is home to Ondangwa Airport (OND). Ondangwa Airport is an easy 10-minute drive from the centre of town and serves Air Namibia. Popular flights to Ondangwa depart from Cape Town and Johannesburg. Flight duration from Johannesburg to Ondangwa is approximately 6 hours 35 minutes.
| Flight Route | Airline | Trip Type | Travel Dates | Searched | Price From |
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Some of the first humans in Africa lived within the dusty boundaries of Namibia. Ancient nomadic tribes such as the Owambo and San people still traverse the sandy plains today.
Duck into one of these rustic roadside bars where locals socialise, conduct business, deal with family affairs, and try traditional local brews such as epwaka, ombike, oshikundo and otombo.
With its seemingly endless stretches of amber and cedar hues and curious Jurassic trees, the landscape of Namibia evokes scintillating visions of surrealism. Inspiration lurks in every corner.
Essential details you need to know before your trip
| Country | Namibia |
|---|---|
| Currency | Namibian Dollar |
| Exchange Rate | 1 ZAR = 1 NAD |
| Language | English / Afrikaans |
| Hub Airport | Ondangwa Airport |
| Time Zone | GMT +1 |
| Travel Adaptor | Standard type D & M |
Namibia has a subtropical climate made up of dry winters and wet summers. It is a country of extremes. This can be felt in the temperatures, which soar into the 30 and 40 degrees Celsius region during summer and drop below freezing in winter. The dry season (winter) spans May to October. Humidity is low during these months, with little or no rainfall. Daytime temperatures typically hover in the high 20s and 30s, but reaches peaks of 40 degrees Celsius in the desert areas. Animals emerge in winter . The wet season (summer) lasts from November to April. Temperatures rise during these months, usually lingering in the 30s and low 40s. The first rain usually descends in December. Heat, humidity and afternoon downpours are recurring for the rest of the season. This is the best time for birding.
Average temperature (°C) & rainfall (mm) per month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low °C | 19°C | 19°C | 18°C | 17°C | 13°C | 7°C | 6°C | 8°C | 13°C | 16°C | 18°C | 19°C |
| High °C | 27°C | 29°C | 33°C | 34°C | 33°C | 32°C | 27°C | 29°C | 33°C | 34°C | 33°C | 32°C |
| Rainfall (mm) | 107 | 99 | 97 | 29 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 12 | 45 | 41 |
Namibia is a country of extremes. The coast is a dazzling canvas of intense mint water and honey gold beaches, dotted with ancient whalebone graveyards and spectral shipwrecks. The interior sheds the gentle shimmer for the blazing dunes of Sossusvlei and heaving silvery plains of Etosha National Park.
The Namib is the oldest desert in the world and home to the elusive San - descendants of the very first humans. The glowing savannah and rippling dunes are also home to the Himba, Nama, Damara, Kavango, Herero, Owambo, Tswana, Caprivian and Baster people.
Ondangwa is a modest sprawl in the heart of this mesmerising landscape. It offers a gateway to this beautiful and fascinating country and the diversity that dwells within its glimmering boundaries.
Compare several airlines and book cheap flights to Ondangwa online at Travelstart!
South African passport holders do not require a visa when travelling to Ondangwa, Namibia. However you will have to ensure your passport has three blank pages for entry stamps and has a validity of at least six months.
The South African Embassy is situated in Windhoek. Corner Nelson Mandela Avenue and Jan Jonker Street. Phone: +264 61 205 7111
Ondangwa is a tiny town and considered quite safe. However, crime does happen, so it is advisable to take certain precautions and maintain vigilance as you would in any other unfamiliar city. Travel insurance to cover theft and medical expenses is highly recommended.
Avoid driving into the desert area at night as the local wildlife emerges and are known to wander onto roads. Carrying a copy of identification is recommended. Avoid carrying around large sums of cash, valuables and important documents, as pick-pocketing and bag snatching can happen.
Malaria is a risk in the northern parts of Namibia, particularly from November to June. Anti-malarial medication should be taken before, during and after your trip. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are travelling from a yellow fever endemic area. Other routine and recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A & B, typhoid and rabies.
| Item | Cape Town | Johannesburg | Ondangwa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive restaurant) | R 100.00 | R 100.00 | R 180.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) | R 25.00 | R 25.00 | R 16.00 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | R 22.51 | R 22.35 | R 25.00 |
| Taxi 1km (normal tariff) | R 10.00 | R 10.00 | - |
| Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) | R 38.00 | R 38.00 | R 36.00 |
Ondangwa offers a modest selection of charming and intimate accommodation ranging from guest houses, town lodges and hotels.
Accommodation is concentrated in the peaceful suburbs just off the main road running through town.
Although accommodation is limited, small town charm pervades, so personalised service and warm hospitality are guaranteed to make your stay in Ondangwa a memorable experience.
Exploring Ondangwa on foot is a great way to meet locals and experience the local culture. And because of its modest size, it is possible to explore Ondangwa entirely on foot. However, if you would like to venture out of town, kombi taxis run up and down the B1 frequently. Fares can range from less than N$40 to more than N$200 depending on where you are going.
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