Ombalantu Baobab Tree
If you are staying in Outapi area or haven't stood near a huge hollow Baobab tree,then visit a Ombalantu Baobab tree,a huge hallow Baobab tree which was served as a chapel,post office,house and a hiding site during the colonial time.Nowadays this tree has turned into a famous tourist attraction,where one can read about the history of the tree, the struggle ofNamibia independence and the role it plays in Owambo community,experience a range of wired products,clay pots as well as traditional Owambo baskets.
Ombalantu baobab tree(known also as a tree of life or omukwa-wambalantu) which has an estimation of 800 years old and 28 metres in height,is situated in Outapi town,behind the open market, 86 km from Oshakati on the C46, 121 km from Ondangwa airport and 200 km from Etosha National Park(which is a home to more than 3,000 species of birds and large animals, among them the elephant, giraffe, zebra, leopard, cheetah, lion, kudu, black-faced impala, black rhino and hyena).This baobab tree offers camping facilities,Braai facilities,a heritage centre and ablution block with toilets and shower.The renovated 'Koffeehuys' (coffee shop), built and used by the South Africans during colonial times, is now in use as a kiosk with craft shop. The For those who like picnics,they have an opportunity to find the ideal spot under the shadow of the Baobab tree.The Baobab tree has a door going onto it and can accomodate about 35 people.
why visit this massive tree
- A peaceful night away from the hassles of the bigger towns.
- The campsite is located at a former army base and is therefore rich in pre-independence history.
- The campsite is located in the centre of Outapi and provides an excellent stopover.
- The hollowed-out trunk of this tree has in the past been used as a post office and a chapel. It is worth learning more about how this could have been possible.
The Baobab tree is open all year, so lets visit this baobab tree to know the culture of Namibia