Oshakati lies just over 700 kilometres north of Windhoek in Owamboland, not far from the Angolan border. With 58,656 residents at the 2023 census, it is one of the largest towns in the country. Ondangwa, 42 kilometres further east on the B1, had 30,364. You will not see many tourists here.
- residents in Oshakati, 2023 census
- 58,656
- from Windhoek via Tsumeb
- 715 km
- between Ondangwa and Oshakati
- 42 km
- Oshakati founded
- 1966
Oshakati is young, founded only in July 1966. During the Border War it was a base of the South African army, and it became a town in 1992, two years after independence. The name comes from Oshiwambo and means that which is in between. Today Oshakati is the capital of the Oshana Region and an economic centre of the north.
The Dr. Frans Aupa Indongo Open Market in Oshakati is worth a visit. Alongside groceries it sells dried fish and dried mopane worms, which are eaten across the north. Both towns have hotels, such as the Oshakati Country Lodge and the Protea Hotel in Ondangwa.
Getting there and moving on
From Tsumeb the B1 runs north via Ondangwa; Oshakati is 291 kilometres away. From Windhoek it is 715, a full day's drive and more. The railway line from Tsumeb also reaches Ondangwa.
Just over 150 kilometres west lies Ruacana on the Kunene, on the Angolan border, near the Ruacana Falls. From there the tarred C35 runs south to Kamanjab. That lets you drive the north as a loop between Etosha and the Kaokoveld.
Oshakati lies in the flat Cuvelai-Etosha Basin on the Okatana River. In the rainy season the town can flood; it was last hit by heavy floods in 2008. According to the German Foreign Office, the malaria risk in the north is high all year round.
Today, as of Oshakati has more than doubled since 2001: 28,255 residents at the 2001 census, 58,656 in 2023. Ondangwa grew from 22,822 in 2011 to 30,364. A 23-kilometre dike is planned to protect the town from floods.
- Time needed
- one night on a loop between Etosha and Ruacana
- From Windhoek
- 715 km, 535 minutes
Our tipSet aside an hour for the open market in Oshakati and try the dried mopane worms. And bring mosquito repellent: in the north the malaria risk is high all year round.
Places to stay in Oshakati and Ondangwa
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Ekuku retreat
Omupanda street, erf 200 ekuku 1st floor
- Kitchen
- Parking
- Air conditioning
- Wi-Fi
from €34per night on 23 November 2026
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Ongula Village Homestead Lodge
"Omulonga Constituency, Ongula Ya-Netanga Village "
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Parking
- Wi-Fi
from €161per night on 23 November 2026
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Rocha's Hotel
5005 Evululuko area, Oshakati Main Road
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Parking
from €38per night on 23 November 2026
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Protea Hotel by Marriott Ondangwa
Main Street
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Parking
from €102per night on 23 November 2026
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Hotel Oshakati Country Lodge
Robert Mugabe Avenue
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Parking
- Wi-Fi
from €56per night on 23 November 2026
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RY Courtyard
Erf 1186, Oshakati East Unit no.1;2;3
- Parking
- Air conditioning
- Wi-Fi
from €33per night on 23 November 2026
Check prices on trivagoOshakati and Ondangwa: frequently asked questions
Is Oshakati worth a detour?
Oshakati is more of an everyday town than a destination, but its open market with dried fish and mopane worms shows northern Namibia as few tourists see it. It works well as an overnight stop on a loop via Ruacana into the Kaokoveld.
How far is Oshakati from Ruacana?
From Oshakati to Ruacana on the Kunene, on the Angolan border, is just over 150 kilometres to the west. From Ruacana the tarred C35 runs south to Kamanjab.
Is there malaria in Oshakati?
According to the German Foreign Office, the malaria risk in northern Namibia, including Oshakati and Ondangwa, is high all year round. Ask your doctor about prevention before you travel.