Outjo is a bustling city surrounded by wildlife-rich desert, plains and grassland. The city is a gateway to Etosha National Park, where you can have up-close encounters with iconic African animals like lions, leopards, elephants and giraffes.
Things to do in Outjo
Outjo is a stone’s throw from Etosha National Park. The 20,000-square-kilometre park is enormous and offers some of the best wildlife-viewing opportunities in Africa. It’s dotted with water holes that attract iconic animals like elephants, lions, rhinos and zebras.
There’s always plenty of action on the Etosha Pan. For most of the year, this sprawling stretch of desert is covered with honey-coloured grass. It’s a great place to spot giraffes, wildebeest and hyenas. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of elusive animals like cheetahs and leopards. After rainfall, pelicans and flamingos flock to graze on the flooded salt pan.
The Cheetah Conservation Fund in the neighbouring city of Ojiwarongo gets you up close with the majestic big cats. You can learn about the work that goes into running the not-for-profit organisation and get to meet the resident cheetahs. The centre overlooks the beautiful Waterberg Plateau and features a restaurant where you can enjoy homemade dishes.
Learn about local history at the Franke Haus Museum. Small but engaging, the museum features exhibits on the city’s German heritage. Namibia Gemstones is another popular local attraction, where you can treat yourself to sparkling amethyst, aquamarine and topaz stones.
Vingerklip is perched on a hilltop and towers over the surrounding desert and plains. The vertical rock tower was formed by erosion and stands more than 35 metres tall. Hike up to the hilltop to see the monolith up close and enjoy sweeping views over the Ugab River Valley.
Getting around Outjo
Outjo is in the Kunene Region of Namibia, a three-hour drive from Windhoek. The city is relatively compact and walkable, or you can take taxis. Guided tours are the best way to visit Etosha National Park. Hosea Kutako International Airport is a 3.5-hour drive away.