Discover Usakos

Usakos tells the story of a time when the railway shaped the town’s economic growth. At the same time, the history of the former Old Location neighbourhood and the natural world in the wider Erongo travel destination offer different perspectives on a trip. If you’re looking for a holiday rental in Usakos, these topics can help you decide which interests to focus on during your stay.

Railway history and change

Between 1920 and 1960, Usakos was one of Namibia’s most important railway hubs and experienced steady economic growth. This historic period gives the town a special connection to railway history: Usakos was not merely a backdrop, but an important centre of railway traffic at the time. Those interested in the development of towns and their economic history will find a concrete starting point here for reflecting on Namibia’s transformation in the 20th century.

Old Location and photographic memories

The history of Old Location is also part of Usakos’ past. From the start of apartheid in the early 1960s, the former neighbourhood of “coloured” and “black” residents was affected by segregation policies and forced removals. The area is now called Old Location. This historical perspective sits alongside the railway history and draws attention to the living conditions and political upheavals that also shaped the town.

The range of Usakos photographs spans studio portraits and class portraits, posed people, buildings and landscapes. The different subjects bring personal and community perspectives together with the built and natural environment. Along with the history of Old Location, they offer another way to explore the many aspects of life and change in a place.

Spitzkoppe and nature in the Erongo region

Spitzkoppe lies west of Usakos. The area around Spitzkoppe, west of Usakos, is home to interesting plants, birds and other wildlife. The surroundings of Spitzkoppe combine flora and fauna with a striking rocky landscape, offering nature enthusiasts a different perspective from the town’s history. Spitzkoppe is often called the “Matterhorn of Namibia” and is almost 700 million years old. Its highest point reaches 1,784 metres above sea level and stands about 700 metres above the surrounding plain.

The Cape Cross Seal Reserve also forms part of the wider Erongo perspective. The reserve is home to the world’s largest breeding colony of Cape fur seals. During the breeding season in November and December, up to 210,000 animals gather there; this peak figure is an estimate and can vary from year to year. A boardwalk makes it easier to observe the seals. As the condition of a facility can change, it is advisable to check it before your trip.

Which perspective suits your trip?

The topics offer different points of focus: Usakos provides historical connections through its railway history and Old Location; the area around Spitzkoppe, west of Usakos, adds a regional nature perspective to these local topics. Cape Cross adds a seasonal seal colony to the Erongo perspective. The local history of Usakos and the nature examples from the area around Spitzkoppe and the wider Erongo travel destination represent different geographical levels, not features of one and the same place.

When choosing a holiday rental in Usakos, you can first consider whether you’re especially interested in local history, photographic subjects or nature. Usakos’ railway history and Old Location are local topics. Nature takes you further afield, to the area around Spitzkoppe, west of Usakos, and to Cape Cross in the wider Erongo travel destination.

Discover more destinations: Uis, Omaruru, Henties Bay, Karibib, Swakopmund, Cape Cross, Rossing, Uigaran.

Back to the wider travel overview: Erongo.