Omuthiya: Music, Culture and Regional Destinations

To put your trip into context, it helps to distinguish between attractions in Omuthiya and destinations in the wider travel destination of Oshikoto: Omuthiya is home to the Museum of Namibian Music (Munamu); Omuthiya Springs are located on the outskirts of the town. Etosha National Park, Lake Otjikoto and other cultural sites are explicitly assigned to Oshikoto here.

Music Museum in Omuthiya

The Museum of Namibian Music (Munamu) is located in Omuthiya. A 2021 description mentions space for temporary and traveling exhibitions. When it opened, the museum was intended to honor Namibia’s musical heritage and develop as an “organic place,” changing and growing. This describes an intention at the time.

The seven galleries described in 2021 covered traditional musical knowledge, music from the liberation struggle and national anthems. They also featured the most recent winners at that time of the Namibian Annual Music Awards, Namibian music icons, as well as music and dance. The themes bring together musical heritage, history, awards and artistic expression. If you are interested in Namibian music, this thematic range offers a clear cultural point of connection.

Omuthiya Springs on the Outskirts

Omuthiya Springs are located on the outskirts of Omuthiya. A description from December 2023 calls them a tourist attraction. Their focus thus differs from that of the music museum: here, the location on the outskirts is central, while the museum focuses on the history and diversity of Namibian music.

Oshikoto: Nature and Culture in the Region

In the wider travel destination of Oshikoto, Etosha National Park offers opportunities for wildlife viewing. Species mentioned include elephants, rhinos, springbok, lions, impalas, leopards, kudus, zebras and giraffes; which species you may see can vary.

The park entrances are also located in Oshikoto. King Nehale lya Mpingana Gate is an entrance to Etosha National Park. It can be reached from Omuthiya Town or via the Main Road and is 17 km from the B1. Von Lindequist Gate is also an entrance to the park in Oshikoto; it is located in the east and connected to the B1. Tsumeb is the nearest town. These details distinguish the two entrances based on their respective described locations and connections.

Lake Otjikoto is another point of interest in Oshikoto. According to a historical account of its name, the San knew the lake as Gaisis, meaning “ugly.” The Herero called it Otjikoto; in Otjiherero, this means “deep hole.” The lake can also be understood through these different names and their meanings.

Other cultural destinations in Oshikoto have their own areas of focus. Oshikulu Cultural Village is located in Oshikulu village in the Onyaanya Constituency and is a living museum of Oshiwambo culture. It shares intangible cultural heritage with visitors. As visitor arrangements can change, check them before your visit.

Helvi Mpingana Kondombolo Cultural Village in Tsumeb is an open-air museum intended to introduce Namibia’s diverse cultures to local people and tourists. Tsumeb Museum is dedicated to the mining industry and its history in Tsumeb. Another focus is the artillery that the German Schutztruppe threw into Lake Otjikoto during the First World War to prevent Allied forces from using it against German colonial troops. Together, these regional themes show how cultural institutions, local history and wildlife viewing can be understood as different interests within Oshikoto.

Discover more destinations: Ondangwa, Okaukuejo, Tsumeb, Fort Namutoni, Halali

Back to the wider travel overview: Oshikoto.