Learn the set-up of a homestead. Learn about the importance of cultivating the lands (seasonal activity). Learn the use of many endemic trees and their use by the Owambo people Mahangu (Pear millet) – The staple food of the Owambo people; used in their traditional food and drinks – take part in the pounding of Mahangu Learn how to make Marula oil ‘Odjove’ in the local language Experience the local distillery and learn how they make ‘Ombike’ schnapps or grappa as called by many Learn how to cook at the open fire in the traditional kitchen known as ‘Epata’ or Elugo in Oshiwambo. Basket weaving and pottery – Join the Owambo woman as they demonstrate their weaving and pottery making skills

The Ongula Village Walk will usher you to different places in the community, have an insight look in local homesteads and learn how to pound mahangu and where the local people collect water and fire wood. Explore the wide range of trees, shrubs and their use in the community. Enjoy an atmospheric sundowner under a marula tree and listen to the voices in the surrounding. Village sun downer – at the local cuca shops; situated a stone thrown away from the lodge, you get a glimpse of the night life or social life of the locals as you chat to them or get to understand their local brews and the more modern drinks like beer and so forth.

Duration: Half day Morning back late afternoon Nakambale Museum – A legacy from the finnish missionaries who settled in the area in the 1800’s. Open Market – an opportunity for guests to buy Owambo souvenirs and see how the local do their trades. Ohanje Craft Centre – visit the local as they engage in making crafts from recycled materials. A stop over for a picnic lunch before proceeding. Oshigambo river – the tour is concluded with a visit to Oshigambo river as you learn the fauna and the amazing flora and the historical activity that took place in the 1800’s and 1900’s.

Music and dancing is deeply embedded in the Owambo culture. Major public holiday celebrations, events and festivals are always accompanied by a lot of dance, drums and vocals. Get a few impressions of this important part of the Owambo culture where you participate in a music lesson. Learn to drum, some dance moves and the meaning of different songs.

Owela game was traditionally played by old people, but increasingly it’s played by young and elders as a form of socializing and having fun. The game is played by oshiwambo-speaking population of Namibia and Angola. The variant of Owela which is played by other tribes is called “Hus”. Owela is played on a four- row board of at least eight holes per row, but no more than 32 and always an even number. Owela has been modernized by a graduate from a local university and is now a product like other pool table games. This innovation will ensure that the game will remain alive and all future generations will continue to learn/play it and preserve the traditions. If the game can be promoted even in school, it can keep young people busy and not shebeens, the latter is becoming an alternative socializing place as youth are bored in rural areas.