The town of Okahandja has always lived in the shadow of Namibia’s capital, Windhoek and is just a place in passing for many motorists. Yet, the quaint town close to the Swakop River with its huge trees, the characteristic Okahandja Koppies on the other side of the river, its mix of modern and historic architecture has a lot to offer. Not only its rich history linked to the Herero and Nama peoples and important happenings during German colonial rule and the activities of many missionaries make Okahandja so interesting.

It is an attractive location for small and medium industries that have established themselves there. Quite a few erstwhile Windhoekers relocated their homes to Okahandja because they prefer the tranquillity of a country atmosphere compared to the hustle and bustle of Windhoek City. Its rates and taxes are also cheaper than in Windhoek. Last but not least, outdoor activities like horse riding make Okahandja attractive. On the tourism front, the place boasts several outlets to have a cup of coffee and the inevitable Brötchen filled with cheese or salami. Okakango Gardens and the Ombo Farm are worth a visit. The latter has tame ostrich and even crocodiles to be viewed from nearby. A comfortable lodge on the northern outskirts and a lovely little rest camp at the town’s southern end cater for all tastes and travellers’ needs.

Its architecture form German colonial times, houses of former missio-naries like Dr Heinrich Vedder, the old fortress in the middle of town or the museum in the western outskirts, the dignified graves of the Herero chiefs, various cemeteries to visit provide ample opportunities for visitors and locals alike, to discover more and more about Okahandja, which once was the capital of the Herero tribal area in the past.

It was here where impor-tant negotiations took place among chiefs and the occu-pational German forces, where missionaries tried to prevent bloodshed and where a school for black children was established. During the German colonial times, Okahandja boasted an experimental tobacco plant, a nursery, and large vegetable gardens.

The most important day in the calendar for Okahandja is the colourful celebration of Herero Day, usually the third Sunday in August. On 23 August 1923 the coffin of late Chief Samuel Mahahero, who died in Botswana in exile, was brought back to Okahandja and laid to rest in the gravesite for Herero Chiefs. This was exactly 80 years ago. The event was the largest gathering of Herero people since the end of German colonial rule. This year on 24 August, Herero Day will be celebrated again.