Okahandja is best visited during the weekend, nearest to 23 August, when the Red Flag Herero people come to town to celebrate Maherero Day. The celebrations are held to honor their fallen chiefs and thousands of Herero women in traditional dresses and Herero men in military uniforms come together at the yard of the mission church. It is an extraordinary sight.

About 26 km southwest of Okahandja is the most popular hot springs resort in Namibia, called Grass Barmen. If you want to take a dip in one of the mineral baths you will have to book well in advance as it is very busy all year round.

There is a camp site at Gross Barmen, as well as hotel-accommodation and restaurants. Okahandja is in central Namibia, 70 km northwest of Windhoek. The city was founded at then end of the 18th century. Hotels and restaurants are available in town and there is also an interesting craft market.

Okahandja ©Rachel Beard

Okahandja ©Rachel Beard

Craft Market ©Mary Gillham

Craft Market ©Mary Gillham

Craft Market ©Mary Gillham