A huge hollow Baobab tree that served as a post office, a chapel and a hiding place during tribal wars. Nowadays one can visit the tree, read about the tree’s role in local history and camp around the tree.
'Omukwa waaMbalantu', as the people of Ombalantu know their baobab tree, played a significant role in local history. The hollow trunk of this huge tree has, at various times, been used as a hideout, a post office and a chapel, and was integrated into the South African military base, prior to independence. Information displays in front of the tree's entrance give a short overview of the tree's diverse history, its role in the Owambo community and the struggle for independence from South Africa in North Central Namibia. The renovated 'Koffeehuys' (coffee shop), built and used by the South Africans during colonial times, is now in use as a kiosk with craft shop. The craft shop offers a wide range of wire products, from replicas of the baobab tree to wire giraffes, but also traditional Owambo baskets and clay pots. In the shadow of the baobab tree, you will find the ideal spot for a picnic at any time of the day. The kiosk offers barbeque grills for rent and wood for sale to have your own private 'braai' under the tree! For those who like to relax after a well prepared meal, they have the opportunity to pitch their tent at one of the four private camping sites, each having its own 'braai' place, water tap and shared ablution facilities. Prices Entrance fee: N$ 15.00 Picnic fee: N$ 25.00 Overnight fee: N$ 45.00 Location Located in Outapi town, opposite the town council, behind the open market, adjacent to the former South African military base. Outapi is situated in between Oshakati and Ruacana on the C46. How to get there From Oshakati: take the C46 main road to Ruacana. Outapi is a 90km drive over tar road from Oshakati. Turn left into town, turn left again circa 1km from the junction. The tree is located behind the open market. From Ruacana: take the C46 main road to Oshakati. Outapi is circa 100km from Ruacana. Turn right into town, turn left circa 1km from the junction. The tree is located behind the open market. From Tsandi: take the D3612 gravel road towards Outapi. Follow the tar road into town (1km before you reach the junction with the C46), the tree is located behind the traditional authority and open market complex.
Ombalantu Baobab Tree Tel +264 (0)65 251005 Fax +264 (0)65 251005 Cell + 264 (0)81 2923955 / 2270705 or Nacobta Booking Office P.O. Box 86099 Windhoek Namibia Tel +264 (0)61 255977 Fax +264 (0)61 222647 E-mail office.nacobta@iway.na |
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in Namibia |
06/04/2007 |
Created by: sun service |
