Discover the Ohangwena Region
Accommodation in Ohangwena Region
The Ohangwena Region is a flat landscape in north-central Namibia, with a character that varies between eastern Kalahari vegetation and the western Cuvelai-Oshana network. It also has historical connections in Eenhana and Omhedi. To plan your trip, you can first consider whether you would primarily like to explore the landscape or the region’s history.
Cuvelai Basin and landscape
Ohangwena lies on a plain at an elevation of about 1,100 metres above sea level and is part of the Cuvelai Basin. Its very flat landscape comprises sediments of silt, clay and sandstone. The elevation, plain and underlying geology illustrate different aspects of the same natural environment: the elevation provides a general point of reference, while the sediments describe the composition of the basin.
Kalahari forests, shrubs and bushland shape the landscape in the east. In the west, the Cuvelai-Oshanas form a drainage network. This east-west distinction provides a concrete way to picture the region’s landscape: on one side are forests and bushland, and on the other are the Oshanas and their role in the flow of water.
The Oshanas carry water and sediment deposits from higher-lying areas of Angola. This links the western landscape to a wider natural system that extends beyond the region. By contrast, Kalahari forests, shrubs and bushland shape the landscape in the east. Both descriptions show that Ohangwena is characterised not only by its flat terrain but also by its varied vegetation and drainage features.
If the landscape is a factor in choosing where to stay, you can use these differences as a starting point: which aspect of the region’s natural environment interests you more—the vegetation in the east or the Oshana network in the west? This gives your search for a suitable holiday rental a specific focus, rather than relying on a general impression of the region.
Historical connections in Eenhana
Eenhana is the capital of the Ohangwena Region and an important historical point of reference. The Eenhana Shrine was designated a Heritage Place by the National Heritage Council of Namibia on 8 August 2011. The date and designation give the site a clearly identifiable place in the history of the region’s heritage.
Another historical name is the Eenhana Memorial Shrine. The government built it in 2008 to commemorate those who lost their lives in the liberation struggle.
Eenhana is also home to at least five mass graves of SWAPO resistance fighters from the Namibian War of Independence against South Africa. Together with the two references to shrines, this information shows how closely the town is connected with the remembrance of the conflict and the liberation struggle. Visitors interested in Namibian history will find several distinct historical points of reference here, which can be considered as a dedicated theme when planning a trip.
Omhedi: royal residence and tradition
Omhedi, too, connects the region with historical and cultural narratives. According to the Omhedi Eco Cultural Lodge, the royal residence of Queen Martha Mwandinomho yaKristian Nelumbu, the Ohamba of Oukwanyama, is located at the lodge.
The Omhedi Eco Cultural Lodge also describes Omhedi as a sacred place where King Mandume yaNdemufayo, Namibia’s national hero, made his last stand in 1917. This account complements the historical points of reference in Eenhana with a tradition associated with Omhedi. When choosing a focus for your visit to the region, you can therefore distinguish between the memorials in the capital and the royal and historical connections in Omhedi described by the lodge.
More ways to explore the region
If you would like to narrow down your search within the Ohangwena Region, you can also include the sub-region of Oshikango in your plans.
Discover more destinations: Omusati, Kunene, Caprivi, Otjozondjupa, Oshikoto, Hardap, Karas
For the main travel overview: Namibia.
