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Oshakati
ℹ️Practical info — Oshakati
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit the open market on Mondays or Fridays for the widest variety of seasonal goods from surrounding villages.
- Learn a few basic greetings in Oshiwambo; it goes a long way in building rapport with the local market vendors.
- Always carry cash (NAD or ZAR), as most vendors at the open market do not accept credit cards.
- Apply high-SPF sunscreen regularly; the northern Namibian sun is intense and shade is limited in public areas.
- Bargaining is expected at the craft stalls, but always remain respectful and fair to the artisans.
🍽 Food
Grilled beef prepared right before your eyes at the open market; try it with the signature spice mix.
A traditional pearl millet (mahangu) porridge that is a staple accompaniment to most local meals.
Widely considered the best sit-down dining spot in town, offering both traditional and international dishes.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
The town's centerpiece and best place for woven baskets, pottery, and colorful traditional fabrics.
Look for the distinctive dark clay pots handmade by local Ovambo artisans in the market area.
A modern shopping hub for international brands and essential travel supplies.
A green oasis in the town center, excellent for a quiet morning picnic on the grass.
A lush garden oasis specifically designed for quiet relaxation and nature-focused socializing.
Visit the shoreline at sunset for a peaceful walk and striking reflections of the sky on the water.
Water temperature…
Oshakati is the capital of the Oshana Region and serves as the primary economic and administrative hub of northern Namibia. The town was founded in 1966 during the South African administration and originally functioned as a strategic military base during the Namibian War of Independence. Today, Oshakati is part of a rapidly growing urban agglomeration that includes the neighboring towns of Ongwediva and Ondangwa. The city features modern infrastructure, including hospitals, shopping centers, and a campus of the University of Namibia (UNAM). Geographically, it is situated in the Cuvelai-Etosha basin, characterized by a system of shallow channels called 'oshanas' that flood periodically during the rainy season. These hydrological conditions significantly influence urban planning and local agriculture. As a commercial center, Oshakati links northern Namibia with the bordering regions of Angola.
- Location: Namibia
- Nearby: Ongwediva (7 km)
- Population: ~43.309 (2026)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 26 | 26 | 24 | 21 | 18 | 17 | 21 | 24 | 28 | 28 | 28 |
| Rain mm | 99 | 103 | 87 | 24 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 11 | 30 | 60 |
Geography
Facts
- Oshakati was officially established as a town in July 1966.
- The city is located approximately 720 kilometers north of Windhoek.
- The name Oshakati means 'that which is in between' in the Oshiwambo language.
- The town hosts the largest state hospital in northern Namibia.
- The annual rainy season often results in the filling of the surrounding oshanas.
- The official coat of arms of the city features a fish eagle and a catfish.
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Sights in the town Oshakati (1)
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