Ongula Village Homestead Lodge

Ongula Village Homestead is strategically situated between Ondangwa (one of the oldest towns in the northern region of Namibia) and Eenhana, alongside a traditional live Owambo Homestead (or Village).

Ongula is the first property in Namibia to offer visitors and travellers a realistic introduction to the centuries old lifestyle and culture of the Owambo people. Here guests will be shown, and can participate in, routine tasks such as harvesting and preparing grain, working with livestock or cooking on an open fire, and serving local traditional meals and drinks, gaining as they do so an intimate insight into life in this region.

There may also be opportunities to discover aspects of life beyond the daily chores – to witness local events and ceremonies such as a traditional wedding or court proceedings, to visit open-air markets or local small-scale business ventures where the changes brought about by the relentless march of technology can be seen in its impact on traditional customs, beliefs and quality of life. This is a unique opportunity to learn first-hand how ancient tribal life is coming to terms with the 21st century, and living successfully with it.

Accommodation

• 5 Luxury Rondavel’s (African style round thatched huts).
• 4 Rondawels, uniquely decorated, with twin beds, shower facilities, tea/coffee station, mains-powered electricity sockets.
• One Family Rondawel with lounge and two bedrooms, one with queen-size bed, the other twin beds. Shared en-suite shower facilities, separate entry and gauze sliding doors. Tea/coffee station and mains-powered electricity sockets.
• Five Campsites: Showers (cold), toilets, electricity, shades

Rates

Activities

• Homestead Tour
• Village Tour
• Donkey cart Sundowner Tour 
• Participation in the traditional chores such as pounding Mahangu; open-fire cooking; cattle-herding; basket weaving and clay-pot making.
• An experienced craftsman/woman will assist you to create a gift that you can take away with you.
• Learning about and participating in Owambo traditional chores around the homestead.

Day trips can be arranged to:

• Nakambale Museum – a legacy of the Finnish Missionaries who brought Christianity to Namibia.
• Onankali Mahangu ‘Pearl Millet’ Paper project.
• Oonte bottle recycling project for 450 orphaned and vulnerable children in the Ondangwa area. An ideal opportunity for Volunteer Tourism.
• Attend the communal court proceedings.
• Visit Ondangwa’s open craft market.
• Tour other villages in the neighborhood.
• Enjoy a sundowner at a local ‘shebeen’ (pub).