Essentials
- City
- Oshakati, Oshana Region, Namibia
- Population
- Approximately 40,000
- Currency & Banking
- 1 NAD ≈ 1 ZAR, 1 USD ≈ 19.10 NAD. Both Namibian Dollar and South African Rand are legal tender.
- Tap Water
- Generally safe in urban areas, but bottled water (e.g., Aquasplosh) is recommended for long-term stays.
- Power
- 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type M (large 3-pin) and Type D sockets.
- SIM Card
- MTC (Aweh packages) or Telecom Namibia (TN Mobile). Tourist SIMs available at Oshakati Shopping Centre.
- Banking for Expats
- First National Bank (FNB), Standard Bank, and Nedbank; Visa/Mastercard widely accepted in malls.
- Accommodation
- Guesthouses and hotels; short-term options via Booking.com and local classifieds.
- Cashless Friendly
- Yes in supermarkets (Spar, Pick n Pay) and fuel stations; cash needed for local 'shebeens' and open markets.
- Short Term Rentals
- Oshakati Guest Hotel (NAD 850/night) or Airbnb apartments near the Game Shopping Centre.
- Budget Accommodation
- Mango Guesthouse (NAD 550 - 700/night) located near the main road.
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- Central Oshakati near the Oshakati Game Shopping Centre for convenience and security.
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- Ext 16 or nearby Ongwediva (7km away) for a quieter environment and better residential infrastructure.
- Internet Speed
- Average 15-30 Mbps; MTC Spectra (Fiber) offers up to 50 Mbps in central areas.
Working and Networking
- Best Coworking Space
- None dedicated; most nomads use the Business Lounge at Oshakati Guest Hotel or Protea Hotel Select Bennies.
- Networking Events
- Oshakati Totem Expo (annual) or events hosted by the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) North.
- Social Events for Expats
- Friday night mixers at Bennies Entertainment Park or local Rotary Club meetings.
- Best Cafe for Work
- Slowtown Coffee Roasters (Ongwediva branch, 10 mins away) - excellent Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- LEFA (works occasionally) or local 'shared' taxis (indicated by yellow numbers on lines, NAD 15 per drop).
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- Not widely available; private car rental via Hertz or Avis at Ondangwa Airport is recommended.
- Best Beach Nearby
- No beaches; Oshakati is inland. Closest coastal access is Swakopmund (approx. 800km away).
- Top Regional Airline
- FlyNamibia (Flights from Ondangwa Airport, 30km away, to Windhoek Eros).
- Top International Airline
- Airlink (to Johannesburg) or Ethiopian Airlines via Windhoek Hosea Kutako International.
- Highway Access
- B1 Highway connects Oshakati directly to Windhoek (South) and the Angola border (North).
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- Oshakati Bus Terminal (inter-city minibuses to Windhoek, approx. NAD 350).
- Public Transport Passes
- N/A; cash-only system for local shared taxis.
- Regional Travel
- Shuttle services like Sunshine Tours operate daily routes to Windhoek and Walvis Bay.
Health and Wellness
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- Wellness sessions often held at the Oshakati Country Lodge or private studios in Ongwediva.
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- The Gym (Ongwediva) or Physical Fitness Center at Oshakati Town Council.
- Laundry Services
- Sparkle Laundry and Dry Cleaners at the Oshakati Game Shopping Centre.
- Best Hospital
- Oshakati Intermediate Hospital (Public) or Ongwediva Medipark (Private, highly recommended).
Food and Drink
- Best Food Delivery App
- Tula (local delivery app) or direct ordering from Debonairs/Steers.
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Oshingali (bean purée) and Mahangu pap with Marathon Chicken (free-range).
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- Fruits and salads at Mugg & Bean (Ongwediva) or customized plates at Spar Deli.
- Best Dessert Spots
- Milkshakes and cakes at Wimpy or the bakery section in Checkers.
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- Oshakati Open Market (Omatala) for fresh produce and local meat/fish.
- E-commerce/Online Store
- Namibia2Go or ordering from South African retailers via courier.
- Grocery Delivery
- Checkers Sixty60 (not yet available; use local personal shoppers found on Facebook).
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- Bennies Entertainment Park or various 'Shebeens' in the Sky district for a local vibe.
- Local Brewery
- Namibia Breweries Limited (Windhoek Lager/Draught available everywhere).
- Wine Bars
- The bar at Oshakati Country Lodge offers a curated South African wine list.
- Street Food Stalls
- Kapana (grilled beef) stalls at the Omatala Open Market.
- Popular International Cuisine
- Ocean Basket (Seafood) or Spur Steak Ranch at Mshasho Village.
Culture and Attractions
- Must-See Landmarks
- The 'Tree of Knowledge' and the Oshakati Totem Pillars.
- Museums & Art Venues
- Nakambale Museum (located in Olukonda, 40km away) for Ovambo history.
- Historical Sites
- The Old Finnish Mission House in nearby Oniipa.
- Religious Sites
- ELCIN (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia) - central to local social life.
- Annual Events
- Oshakati Totem Expo (May/June) celebrating local clans and traditions.
- Cultural Districts
- The Open Market area for authentic Oshiwambo cultural immersion.
- Theater Venues
- School halls or the University of Namibia (UNAM) Northern Campus auditorium.
- Local Markets
- Oshakati Open Market (Omatala) - the largest in the region.
- Music Scene
- Local Afro-pop and Kwaito music; live acts at Bennies or during the Totem Expo.
- Street Art
- Hand-painted murals on local shops and barber stalls.
- Cooking Classes
- Informal lessons can be arranged with local women at the Omatala market.
- Art Galleries
- Local crafts sold at the Cuca Shops or temporary exhibitions at UNAM.
- Historic Buildings
- Traditional homestead replicas found on the outskirts of the town.
- Local Heritage
- The 'Ondelela' (traditional pink/red striped fabric) worn during celebrations.
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- Cuvelai Basin 'Oshanas' (seasonal shallow floods) which transform the landscape.
- National Parks Nearby
- Etosha National Park (King Nehale Lya Mpingana Gate is approx. 100km away).
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- The flat terrain of the B1 pedestrian path between Oshakati and Ongwediva.
- Birdwatching Locations
- Seasonal pans around town attract pelicans and flamingos during high-water years.
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- Campsites at Etosha King Nehale or lodge barbecue areas.
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Viewing the sunset over the Oshanas along the main road.
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- NamPost or DHL (located in the Oshakati Shopping Centre).
- Tech Repair Services
- Incredible Connection at the Game Centre or local shops in the CBD.
- Table Tennis Spots
- UNAM Northern Campus student center.
- Language Classes
- Private tutors for Oshiwambo (Oshikwanyama or Oshindonga) via the University network.
- Libraries & Study Spots
- The Oshakati Public Library (near the regional council) or UNAM Campus Library.
- Community Centers
- Oshakati Town Multi-purpose Center.
- Gaming Lounges
- Small internet cafes in the CBD with basic gaming setups.
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- Limited to slot machines in local sports bars/hotels.
Business
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. NAD 12,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = NAD 500,000)
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. NAD 9,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = NAD 380,000)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. NAD 11,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = NAD 660,000)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. NAD 8,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = NAD 510,000)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. NAD 10,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = NAD 800,000)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. NAD 7,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = NAD 600,000)
- Corporate Tax
- 32% (Standard rate in Namibia)
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- 10% for non-residents
- Tax System
- Source-based tax system
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- 37% for income above NAD 1.5 million
- VAT
- 15%
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- No, Namibia does not currently have comprehensive CFC rules.
- Property Tax
- Yes, local municipal rates based on land and improvement value.
- Property Transaction Tax
- Transfer duties range from 0% to 12% (scaled by value), plus stamp duties.
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- Namibia Digital Nomad Visa allows tax-free foreign-sourced income for up to 6 months.