Outjo: Gateway to Adventure in Namibia

• HelloHallo
  [ha-lo]
• GoodbyeTotsiens
  [to-tsi-ens]
• YesJa
  [ya]
• NoNee
  [nee]
• Please/You're welcomeAsseblief
  [as-se-bleef]
• Thank youDankie
  [dan-ki]
• Excuse me/SorryJammer
  [ya-mer]
• How are you?Hoe gaan dit?
  [hu guan dit]
• Fine. And you?Goed. En jy?
  [good. en y]
• Do you speak English?Praat jy Engels?
  [prat y engels]
• I don't understandEk verstaan nie
  [ek verstahn nee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEk wil asseblief die spyskaart sien
  [ek vil as-se-bleef dee spays-kart seen]
• I don't eat meatEk eet nie vleis nie
  [ek eet nee flies nee]
• Cheers!Gesondheid!
  [guh-sont-hate]
• I would like to pay, pleaseEk wil asseblief betaal
  [ek vil as-se-bleef buh-tahl]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Gaan weg!
  [gahn vekh]
• Call the Police!Bel die Polisie!
  [bel dee poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Bel 'n dokter!
  [bel un dohk-tuhr]
• I'm lostEk is verlore
  [ek is fuhr-loh-ruh]
• I'm illEk is siek
  [ek is seek]

• I'd like to buy...Ek wil koop...
  [ek vil kohp]
• I'm just lookingEk kyk net
  [ek kik net]
• How much is it?Hoeveel kos dit?
  [hu-vayl kohs dit]
• That's too expensiveDit is te duur
  [dit is tuh doo-er]
• Can you lower the price?Kan jy die prys verlaag?
  [kahn y dee prays fuhr-lahg]

• What time is it?Hoe laat is dit?
  [hu laht is dit]
• It's one o'clockDit is een uur
  [dit is een uhr]
• Half past (10)Half tien
  [hahlf teeyn]
• MorningOggend
  [oh-khent]
• AfternoonMiddag
  [mid-ahg]
• EveningAand
  [ahnt]
• YesterdayGister
  [gih-stuhr]
• TodayVandag
  [fun-dahg]
• TomorrowMôre
  [moh-ruh]
• 1Een
  [een]
• 2Twee
  [twee]
• 3Drie
  [dree]
• 4Vier
  [feer]
• 5Vyf
  [fayf]
• 6Ses
  [sehs]
• 7Sewe
  [seh-weh]
• 8Agt
  [ahgt]
• 9Nege
  [nay-guh]
• 10Tien
  [teeyn]

• Where's a/the...?Waar is 'n/die...?
  [vahr is un/dee]
• What's the address?Wat is die adres?
  [vut is dee uh-dres]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kan jy my wys (op die kaart)?
  [kahn y may vays (op dee kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wanneer is die volgende (bus)?
  [vuhn-neer is dee fuhl-guhn-deh (buhs)]
• A ticket (to ....)'n Kaartjie (na ....)
  [un kart-see-uh (nah)]

The region around Outjo has been inhabited for thousands of years, primarily by the San (Bushmen) and later by the Herero people. These indigenous tribes lived as hunter-gatherers and pastoralists, respectively, and their rich cultural heritage is still evident in the area. Rock paintings and engravings found in the vicinity provide a glimpse into their ancient way of life.

Outjo's modern history began in the late 19th century during the German colonial period. The town was officially founded in 1897 as a military post by the German Schutztruppe, who were responsible for maintaining order in the colony of German South West Africa. The name 'Outjo' is derived from the Herero word 'outjo', meaning 'small hills'. The German influence is still visible in some of the town's architecture and layout.

Between 1904 and 1908, the Herero and Namaqua genocide occurred, one of the darkest chapters in Namibia's history. The German colonial government launched a brutal campaign against the Herero and Nama people, resulting in the death of tens of thousands. Outjo served as a strategic base during this period, and the tragic events have left a lasting impact on the region's collective memory.

After World War I, Namibia came under South African administration as a League of Nations mandate. Outjo continued to develop as an important agricultural and trading center during this time. The town's population grew, and infrastructure improved, though tensions between the colonial authorities and indigenous populations persisted.

Namibia gained independence from South Africa in 1990, ushering in a new era for Outjo. The town has since seen significant development and modernization, while still retaining its historical charm. Outjo today is a vibrant community that serves as a gateway to the Etosha National Park, attracting tourists from around the world.

Outjo is a melting pot of cultures, with a diverse population that includes Herero, Damara, and Afrikaans-speaking communities. The town hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year, celebrating its rich heritage. One of the most notable is the annual Outjo Wildsfees, a festival that showcases local music, dance, and culinary traditions.

Outjo boasts several historical buildings that reflect its colonial past. The Outjo Museum, housed in a former German colonial residence, offers visitors a glimpse into the town's history. The St. Martin's Church, built in the early 20th century, is another architectural gem, blending German colonial and African influences.

Outjo is located in the Kunene Region of Namibia. The nearest major airport is Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek, approximately 400 kilometers away. From Windhoek, you can rent a car and drive to Outjo, which takes about 4 to 5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a domestic flight to Eros Airport in Windhoek and then drive or take a shuttle service to Outjo. There are also bus services that operate between Windhoek and Outjo.

Outjo is a relatively small town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local taxis are available and reasonably priced. Car rentals are a popular option for tourists looking to explore the region at their own pace. There are also shuttle services and tour operators that offer transportation to nearby attractions such as Etosha National Park.

The official currency in Namibia is the Namibian Dollar (NAD), which is pegged to the South African Rand (ZAR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller purchases and in rural areas. ATMs are available in Outjo for cash withdrawals.

Outjo is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Outjo does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 10111 for police assistance and 10177 for medical emergencies. Outjo has a local police station and a hospital equipped to handle most medical situations. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. There are also pharmacies in town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress in lightweight and breathable clothing due to the hot climate. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing, especially in more conservative settings. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches or religious sites, dress modestly. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t be disruptive or loud on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly handshake. A smile and maintaining eye contact are also appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Outjo like a local, visit the Outjo Bakery for fresh pastries and bread, a favorite among residents. Engage with locals at the Outjo Market where you can buy fresh produce and traditional crafts. Spend some time at the Outjo Museum to learn about the town’s history and culture. Don’t miss the chance to take a day trip to Etosha National Park, a renowned wildlife sanctuary nearby.