Ozohere Camp Site is
located 40 km north of town
Uis, of main road to
Twyfelfontein. Name Ozohere
is the Herero word meaning rock dassie. Activities include desert elephant
tours, traditional performances at local Herero and
Himba villages, hiking.
The campsite is located
on the banks of the Ugab River. Ozohere Camp is located in and around huge
boulders under shady African trees. The name Ozohere is the Herero word
meaning "rock dassie". Although very basic, it is a great spot to get away
from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It's a no frills, peaceful
stopover.
YouTube
video: Swakopmund - Epupa Falls flight to Himba village:
GPS Co ordinates: S
18.76446 E 13.48058
The Ugab River is an
ephemeral river that only flows above the surface of its sandy bed a few days
each year, but even during much of the dry winter season, pools of water
remain in certain places. The river provides water for the rare desert
elephant as well as giraffe, mountain zebra and the largest population of free
roaming black rhinoceroses in the world.
As the local name of the
campsite suggests, rock dassies are found in abundance in this area and they
are regular guests.
There are 5 carefully
selected camp sites and every campsite has its own braai facilities as well as
water point. There is a communal ablution block with basic warm water showers
and flush toilets. Ozohere offers a restaurant where cool drinks, tea/coffee
and meals are available, but otherwise campers must be completely
self-sufficient. Day visitors are welcome for meals and refreshments.
Flora:
Quite a few plants grow around the campsite, although much of the visible
vegetation is confined to the exotic wild tobacco, (Nicotiana glauca).
Indigenous plants found there include stunted acacia trees, !Nara bushes, (Acanthosicyos
horridus), with their (almost leafless) spiky green stems, and improbable
large, spiky melons.
Flora:
Quite a few plants grow around the campsite, although much of the visible
vegetation is confined to the exotic wild tobacco, (Nicotiana glauca).
Indigenous plants found there include stunted acacia trees, !Nara bushes, (Acanthosicyos
horridus), with their (almost leafless) spiky green stems, and improbable
large, spiky melons.
ACTIVITIES:
1. Owner Venice Kambongarera has 4 of her own cows that graze around the area.
If you fancy something utterly different, then she'll be only too happy to let
you milk her cows!
2. Trips to see the world famous desert-adapted elephants can be arranged.
They roam the dry Ugab River bed freely and occasionally stride pass the
campsite! There is also a picturesque fountain not far from the site, well
worth the effort.
3. Traditional performances: It is possible to visit a local Herero or Himba
village and learn of their customs and way of life. Inquire about the
traditional tribal dances that can be performed, although some advanced notice
may be required.
5.Hiking: Trekking parts of the sandy river, passing local Herero farms dotted
throughout the region, is a great way to pass an early morning or late
afternoon.
6. Donkey Cart rides are offered in the Ugab River as well as nearby Herero
Traditional Villages.
7. Self drive trips to the nearby Brandberg White Lady Site.
VOLUNTOURISM
Vinnice Kambongarere, owner of Ozohere Campsite is granted permission by the
Daures Constituency, where the campsite is situated, to invite & host local &
international volunteers with the expertise to assist with the construction of
boundary walls for community gardens. These gardens will require boundaries,
build with rocks collected locally, which cannot be damaged by the elephants
roaming in this community. The first phase involves building the boundary
walls and the second planting the vegetable garden. This is an
elephant-friendly project as the community looks forward to its survival,
together with that of the desert adapted elephant.
Experts in horticulture
as well as constructions of boundary walls are invited to apply for this
volunteer project. Volunteers who wish to make a meaningful contribution to
rural communities, and learn some skills are also welcome.
