The Central North

The region ‘Central North’ formerly known as the Ovamboland includes the four political regions Oshikoto, Ohangwena, Omusati and Oshana. The population here consist mainly of the people from the Ovambo language group. About half of Namibia’s population lives in the Central North and compared to the rest of the country the population density is relatively high.

The Central North is bordered by the Etosha Pan in the south, by the Kaokoveld in the west, by Angola in the north and by the Kavango Region in the east.

Climate in the Central North

The Central North receives an annual rainfall between 350 – 550 mm. The Ovambo, of whom many still live of subsistence farming, make use of the water in the oshanas. Oshanas are shallow water ways that are filled during the rainy season with draining waters from the Angolan highlands. During the efundja (floods) the water eventually travels into the Etosha Pan were it forms a large temporary lake.

Flora and Fauna of the Central North

The soils of the Central North are mostly nutrient-poor. Only a sparse vegetation is found in the oshanas during dry season. Mopane trees and Makalani palms are growing along their fringes. During the efundja large parts of the Central North turn into wetlands and a rich bird life appears consisting of pelicans, storks, flamingos and many other species.  The waterways are filled with fish. Apart from that only very little wildlife is found in the area north of the Etosha National Park due to the high population density.

Highlights of the Central North

For the normal tourist who is rather interested broad and deserted landscapes and a rich wildlife, the Central North might not be the ideal destination. However, the interesting culture of the Ovambo people, the exciting history of the liberation struggle as well as some sights such as the Ombalantu Baobab, which is one of the largest Baobabs in Africa or the Olukonda Missionary Station including the Nakambale Museum is worth a visit.

More ...