Today many historical places and buildings, which have been received very well, remind one of the rich and wide-ranging history of Okahandja, which mostly revolves around the Herero- and Nama peoples, but also around the German colonial time.
In pre-colonial times, Herero-people used the area of Okahandja as pastureland for their cattle. But then this area was bought up piece by piece by German settlers.
In 1850, the “Bloodbath of Oka-handja”, a battle between the Nama and Herero speaking people took place. This place is today known as the “Blood-Mountain” which is located behind the town’s school.The Rhenish Mission
Society founded a mission in Okahandja in 1872 and established the first school in Okahandja.  The “Missions-kirche” was consecrated in 1876. In the next few years, more and more settlers came to Okahandja and also business flourished. The first store, Wecke & Voigts was estab-lished in 1892 but burnt down some years later. At the original location, corner of Bahnhof street and Voortrekker road, Wecke & Voigts which has been rebuild is still situated today.
In 1894 Okahandja became a military base of the Germans. Two years later the first post office was established and is still situated in the main street.
On 12 January 1904 the Herero-uprising against the German colonial power, which struck German settlers absolutely unsuspected started in Okahandja and spred to the west and north of the country.
Okahandja still is the administrative centre, but more than this the emotional tribal centre of the Herero-people. The graves of Herero-chiefs Tjamuaha, Maharero, the great leader of the Herero-people, Samuel Maharero, Hosea Kutako and Clemens Kapuuo are located near the “Missionskirche”.
In honour of their ancestors and to pay tribute to their former chiefs, thousands of Herero-people come to Okahandja every year on the last Sunday in August, to celebrate the Herero-Day. At this amazing ritual Herero woman wear colourful dresses in Victorian style, made by 4 to 5 meters of material und a special triangular head dress which looks similar to bovine horns. The men wear imaginative compositions of military uniforms. This year, the admirable event will take place from Friday 25 August till Sunday 27 August.
Many big companies, like Meatco or Namgem are situated in Okahandja today.
But also a lot of smaller and medium companies, like 24hr petrol stations, car repairs or computer services, are located in Okahandja.
In addition to this you can find a great variety of lodges, lovely guesthouses, like Sylvanette’s Guesthouse, restaurants and bed & breakfast establishments cater for all wishes of tourists.
Along the main road, a variety of small shops, like Maureen’s clothing and Unisex Saloon, are situated and invite for a shopping trip.
After shopping, the bakery “Dekker” invites the visitor to enjoy a cup coffee or cake. Another culinary delight is the great variety of Biltong, offered at two biltong stores, Closwa-Biltong and Piet’s Biltong.
A real attraction for tourists are the wood carvers who sell their handmade products on two big markets, located at the southern and northern end of town. There some exceptional and curious gifts can be found.
Some well known hunting farms, especially for Oryx and Kudu, are situated near the town.
In the northern part of Okahandja the riding club of Okahandja, founded in 1958 is located. The old clubhouse reminds one of colonial times. In fact the first mayor Dr. Fock resided in this building (1909).