Outapi Accommodation

Outapi

Outapi is the capital of the Omusati region, which is situated on the northern border of Namibia and Angola. The town is also known as Uutapi and Ombalantu and was one of the smallest towns in Namibia in 2001, but with the large number of newly constructed government buildings and shops in the south of the town this has changed.

Outapi was a South African Defense Force base during South Africas occupation of Namibia and is well-known for the Omukwa Baobab Tree. Over the years the huge hollow trunk has had a number of various functions, these include its roles as a Post Office, a Chapel and even a prison. The site is currently home to a camping site owned and managed by the Ombalantu Baobab Tree Heritage Centre and Camp Site local community, and the tree itself is used as a craft shop.

Each year Outapi plays host to the Olufuko Festival, a festival that combines a business expo and cultural celebrations. Part of the cultural celebrations is the initiation ceremony that prepares teenage girls for womanhood. Namibia's first president and founding father, Sam Nujoma, is the patron of Olufuko Festival.

The town is home to the Outapi War Museum which is a non political and privately owned initiative that was c reated to preserve and exhibit artifacts as well as weapons of war that were used during the countries conflicts by all sides. It strives to respect the history and dignity of all those who were involved in the conflict.

Another one of the towns nearby attractions is the Uukwalauuishi Royal Homestead. Although the King lives in a modern house, the old residential complex has been kept and it is possible to visit it to learn more about the history of the region. For visitors wanting to have an audience with the king it is important to make this request well in advance.