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Oshakati / Ondangwa
Four O Region
Namibia
 "Ovamboland", the former homeland of the Ovambo people north of the Etosha Pan, was divided up into the districts of Omusati, Ohangwena, Oshana and Oshikoto post Namibian independence and is nowadays known as the "Four O Region". More than half of the entire population, almost a million people, live here on just 6% of the Namibian territory. The Ovambo once came from East Africa to settle here in the 15th century. They are farmers and grow mainly vegetables, millet and maize while keeping cattle and goats.
The landscape is flat, monotonous and dotted with settlements. Mopane, Marula and Wild Fig trees turn up occassionally between the fields and the kraals and one can also find Makalani palm trees here (symbol of the Ovambo area). After heavy rains in the region, many little lakes and ponds form. The water comes from the Cuvelai river reaching from the north to the Etosha Pan.
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In the sixties and seventies, Ovamboland became the scene of severe fighting between SWAPO and the South African army. The Ovambo bore the brunt of Namibia's independence struggle and thousands of lives were lost. Since independence, the government has endevoured to settle industry in the north, create jobs and improve the poor infrastructure. Pre independence, tourists totally ignored the area but now, tourism is beginning to emerge.
The main route through the Four O Region is the National Road B1. However, crossing sheep and cattle can pose quite a hazard when driving. Coming from the south, the B1 first leads to Ondangwa, a typical African village with roadside restaurants, cooldrink shops in shacks and a lively market.
Some kilometres south of the town, in Olukonda, lies the Finnish mission station Nakambale. The thatched mission church built in the year 1889, is the oldest church in the north and is today a National Monument.
The biggest town in the Four O Region is Oshakati, 35 km north of Ondangwa. This town is still authentically African, with a huge open market on the Main Road.
Further information, travel advice and accommodation to be found on the INFO page.
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