Welcome to Omuthiya, the Capital of Oshikoto Region

1.1 Population and Geographical size

Omuthiya is the capital town for the Oshikoto Region in Namibia. The town has been proclaimed in October 2007 and the Omuthiya Town Council established in September 2008. The estimated current town population is 3 800 of which 2800 are female and about 1000 male, according to the 2011 census. The council however, predicts the current town population to be about 5 500.00 people. The location of Omuthiya is shown below. It is uniquely situated on the world famous Etosha Pan, between the main towns of Ondangwa in the north and Tsumeb in the south.

The town is servicing a surrounding community of approximately 80 000 people. A sharp increase for the community of the Town is expected with the development that is taking place, the business opportunities that are being created and the regional and municipal government jobs. The surface area of Omuthiya townlands covers 12,497 hectares (incl. part of the Etosha National Park).

The main road and railway line crosses the town, resulting in ribbon type urban settlement along the road. Away from the road, agriculture is the main economic activity with tourism becoming increasingly important with direct access from the Etosha National Park via the King Nehale Gate.

Tourism is an important industry and more and more international tourists include nature-based tourism into their trips. Hunting has become a growing industry.

• Name:Initially ‘Omuthiya gwIipundi’ – Camelthorn tree and resting benches. Omuthiya means Camelthorn tree – a resting place for travelers and trading place for traders. The original Omuthiya tree next to the main road fell down in 1976.Historically Mr Moses Eriki, a contractor, constructed a table and chairs under the tree to serve as a resting place for road users. It was also used as trading spot where villagers traded their goods (incl. food, weapons and crafts). Cattle herders also used the tree for resting and trading. After the mysterious falling of the tree, meetings and resting in Omuthiya town (the Big Tree) continued.
• Location: In the centre of the Oshikoto Region. On the edge of the Etosha Pan. Gateway to Etosha, but also a gateway to Ondangwa in the north and Tsumeb in the south – both by road and rail. Surrounded by the King Nehale Conservancy
• Identity: A new, growing, booming, vibrant town, capital / the heart of Oshikoto Region, in a valley, still rural character, but with a high rise building. Next to the Etosha Pan. Springs/Fountains.
• Image/Impression: Cultural diversity with different ethnic groups with tolerance to respect each other; selling everything / serious trading. Entrepreneurship. Hospitality.
• History and cultural heritage: It was founded by the San people. Later the cattle herders came. Now many tribes stay here. It is now well known as craft and business centre. It remains a place for social gathering and resting. Farmers were attracted to the water/pans on the communal farming area of Omuthiya.
• Economic activities: The San initially manufactured traditional weapons; it was also later used a military base for His Majesty King Nehale lya Mpingana warriors. Now it is a place for trading, crafts, agriculture and recently administration.
• Resources: Enough land, underground water sources, water springs/oasis (sweet tasting water sources south and north), hot springs, gigantic trees, wild animals, hunting grounds, agricultural products, good gravel materials.
• Facilities: Okashana Rural Development Centre, Craft centre
• Places of interest: