Okahandja
Okahandja, Namibia
Known as the “Garden Town of Namibia,” this historic community of 24,000 residents makes a good home base for travelers seeking an alternative to Windhoek. There’s a laid-back, small-town feel here, as well as a craft market overflowing with vivid artwork by local woodcarvers, whose sculptures depict wildlife from fish to rhinoceroses.
The basics
There’s not a single traffic light among Okahandja’s compact grid of streets—it’s an easygoing place where locals don’t hurry. The Okahandja Mbangura Woodcarvers Craft Market is the town’s top attraction, but there are plenty of nearby conveniences that make visiting worthwhile. A golf club and several shopping centers are within city limits, and just 15 miles (25 kilometers) outside the city is Gross Barmen Hot Springs, developed thermal pools on the banks of the Swakop River.
Things to know before you go
Bring an extra bag: this is one of the best places in Namibia to shop for souvenirs.
Don’t forget to stock up on cash if you’re shopping for sculptures.
Good infrastructure makes this a nice spot to find supplies before road trips.
How to get there
Okahandja is 43 miles (73 kilometers) north of Windhoek, a straightforward drive along the B1 national highway. Buses leave Windhoek station for Okahandja several days a week. (While the town lies on the TransNamib train route from Windhoek to Walvis Bay, rail service was suspended in recent years.)
When to get there
The best time to visit Namibia is between May and October, a season of mild temperatures and clear, dry skies; this time of year also draws wildlife to watering holes, ensuring great game viewing during these popular travel months. The wet season from November through April can bring downpours, but also means lower prices and uncrowded parks.
Shopping for wood carvings in Okahandja
The Okahandja Mbangura Woodcarvers Craft Market is a great place to pick up unique souvenirs. With so many vendors in one place, it’s easy to compare pieces alongside style, quality, and size. Keep in mind that a little friendly haggling is all part of the fun. Come ready to bargain for the pieces you love, and don’t be afraid to move on if you encounter overly assertive sellers.
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