Politically spoken the Omaheke forms one of the 14 administration regions of Namibia. This website extends the Omaheke Region as geographical boundary between the Kalahari Region in the south and the Kavango Region in the north, fully aware of the fact that the Omaheke is part of the Kalahari.
The Omaheke Region includes vast parts of eastern Namibia, from the region around the town Gobabis in the south up to the Khaudom National Park in the north. The region is inhabited by many different language groups. Historically it is home to the San (Bushmen), who are the indigenous people of Namibia, and the Herero, who moved down from the Kaokoveld and inhabited the area around the 18th century.
Climate in the Omaheke
Like in the more southern Kalahari extreme climatic fluctuations can occur in the Omaheke. During summer temperatures of 40°C can easily be reached, whilst in winter night frost can be expected. Rainfalls of 300 mm – 500 mm annually can be expected, which is quite a lot compared to the western parts of Namibia.
Flora and Fauna of the Omaheke
The Omaheke is characterised by its savanna landscape, mix of bush land (dry and thorn bush savanna) and thick woodland. Parts of the Omaheke suffers from bush encroachment. Especially in the Tsumkwe area, the capital of the San, the region is very divers in flora and fauna. In the Khaudom area more than 230 bird species are found and about 90 mammal species. These include elephant, African wild dog, lion, leopard, roan antelope and giraffe – just to mention a few of them.
Highlights in the Omaheke region
Here we provide an overview of activities, highlights and sights of the omaheke region., the large "Sand veld" in the east of Namibia. The wild Kaudom National Park offers a remote top class 4x4 adventure. The Livin gMuseums of the San are great destinations for people with an interest in indigenous people. The Wildlife Foundation is a sanctuary for wild animals.
Communal camping south of the Kaudum National Park
Next to the Living Hunter's Museum of the Ju/'Hoansi there is a ‚wild’ camp site, situated on a beautiful clearing with water supply but without electricity. There are two campsites available, both with dry toilette and bucket shower. Wood can be purchased at 10 N$ per bundle.
Goba Lodge is situated in Gobabis and is an owner-run lodge with a friendly atmosphere. The lodge provides 14 rooms, 3 campsites, conference facilities, a popular family restaurant, a tennis court and a swimming pool. Ostrich, oryx, blesbuck and springbuck can be observed in the close-by game camp.
Gobabis Guesthouse is situated in the town of Gobabis in eastern Namibia, only 110 km from the Botswana border. The guesthouse is owner-run thus offering a very personal service. It is ideal for guests travelling to or from Botswana.
Communal camping at the Living Museum of the Ju/'Hoansi
The Grashoek camp site is a communal camp site managed by the Ju/'Hoansi-San (Bushmen) of the small village Grashoek. The camp site offers 3 basic but beautiful sites, each equipped with a shower (bring your own water along) and a dry toilet. Close by is the Living Museum of the Ju/'Hoansi. 4x4 only! Nature pure!
Harnas Guest Lodge offers 11 rooms and 4 campsites. Main attraction is the Wildlife Resort and the several activities focused on learning about wild animals like cheetah, lion, leopard, wild dog, just to name a few. Another project of the Harnas Wildlife Foundation is to help the local San community.
Kalahari Bush Breaks is a personal owner-run lodge situated in the Kalahari, east of Gobabis and close to the border to Botswana. The lodge offers 8 tastefully decorated rooms and 10 luxury campsites with modern ablution blocks.
Khaudum Campsite was privatized and completely renovated in 2015 and offers 6 campsite under shady trees. The campsites have to be prebooked. The Campsite is located close to the Xaudum Lodge. Each campsite offers a braai area and private ablutions.
Nhoma Safari Camp is situated in the former Bushmenland, about 80 km north-west of Tsumkwe bordering the Nyae Nyae and N/a Jaqna concervancies. It's main attraction are the diverse activities offered with the Ju/'hoansi, who demonstrate their traditional lifestyle including traditional hunting practices.
Sikereti is the only functional camp in southern part the Khaudom Game Park. Nevertheless it hasn't been maintained or renovated for a long time and thus has the character of a wild bush camp. Camping is for free.
The Tucsin Tsumkwe Lodge is situated in Tsumkwe, a small town in the Nyae Nyae Conservancy. The lodge offers 25 rooms, 5 camp sites, a swimming pool, a restaurant with bar and a curio shop with crafts of the San. Activities include visits of traditional San villages, tours to the “Hollow Tree”, one of the largest Baobab trees in the world and excursions to the Khaudom Game Reserve.
West nest Lodge is situated in the eastern part of Namibia. The lodge accommodates guests in 6 Chalets, 12 Tented Camps and 4 Campsites. Activities include hiking trails, bird watching and paintball (on request).
Restcamp, self-catering and camping west of Gobabis
Xain Quaz is a rest camp about 10 km west of Gobabis. The rest camp offers affordable accommodation in 4 rooms and 2 self-catering chalets. Its also a good opportunity for camping in the Gobabis region.
Zelda Game and Guestfarm is a guestfarm situated 25 km west of the Botswana border post. At Zelda the visitor finds 16 rooms and 10 camp sites, a restaurant, a bar and a swimming pool. Resident Nharo San families introduce the guests into their traditional culture.