Ongula Village Homestead can be found located between two towns in the very far north of Namibia and is situated immediately adjacent a living, working traditional Owambo homestead.
Ongula Village Homestead is the very first lodge in Namibia to offer the visitor an opportunity to experience a realistic introduction to the centuries-old lifestyle and culture of the Owambo people, the largest tribe in Namibia.
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.
After establishing the Ongula Village Homestead in Ohangwena, the Nghiwere family decided that, as part of the lodge’s responsibility to the local community, they need to invest in the local youth, and break the shebeen culture that is prevalent in Namibia. The idea was spawned to start a skills-based development and technical education centre. Today Ongula Academy works under the slogan – going from Zero to Hero, breaking the Shebeen culture.The Academy offers courses in hospitality and tourism, tour guiding, agriculture and clothing production.
+264 (0)61 224 712
+264 (0)61 250 725
+264 (0)65 264 555
+264 (0)85 625 6551
