Hidden Gems of Namibia Part 2 – Magic and refreshment at Ongongo Waterfall

Ongongo Waterfall Campsite

Ongongo is magic

Ongongo means “magical” in Herero - and this is clearly the perfect name for this magical place! It is hidden in a remote canyon 6 km away from Warmquelle and 25 km from Sesfontein. Here you will encounter pure nature, crystal clear and ambient warm water to plunge in. This natural pool is a must swim-in!

A hidden place with rich history and cultural significance

Warmquelle is a settlement and spring (also known as Ongongo) in the Kunene region in north-west Namibia. Historically, the warm water from the spring was used to irrigate fields. An aqueduct was built specifically for this purpose. Since 2019, a government project (Warm Spring Green Scheme Irrigation Project) has been underway to reuse the water for agriculture. There are multiple further aspects that highlight Warmquelle's historical significance as a natural resource hub and its enduring cultural importance in Namibia.

• OvaHimba Heritage: Warmquelle is located in an area historically inhabited by the OvaHimba people, a semi-nomadic pastoralist group known for their unique culture, traditional practices, and resilience in the arid environment of northwestern Namibia.
• Natural Springs: The name "Warmquelle" translates to "Warm Spring" in German, referring to the natural warm water springs in the area. These springs have historically served as a vital water source for both humans and livestock in this dry region.
• Colonial Era: During German colonial rule (1884–1915), Warmquelle was part of German South West Africa. The natural springs likely played a role in the settlement's significance during this time, serving as a rest point for travelers and a resource for settlers.
• Proximity to Etendeka Mountains: Warmquelle is near the Etendeka Mountains and the Palmwag Conservancy, an area rich in biodiversity and home to desert-adapted wildlife like elephants, rhinos, and lions. This natural environment has historically supported the subsistence lifestyle of the local population.

Today Ongongo awaits with luxury campsites in a beautiful natural setting

Nowadays, Ongongo Waterfall Campsite offers nine luxury well-furbished campsites which each can accommodate eight people and two cars. Each campsite offers its own hot showers, wash basin, campfire place and ablution facilities. A roof guarantees some shade throughout the hot summer days.

Careful and mindful driving is required to maneuver the rocky road to get to this wild and pure hidden gem. It is highly recommended to access the gorge with a 4x4 vehicle! However, before reaching this small demanding road, one rumbles comfortably through the widely spread settlement of Warmquellevillage, which consists of corrugated iron and mud huts. Many children of the settlement offer their goods along the way, e.g. handmade dolls, carvings, jewelry or bundles of wood. It is advisable to buy wood here - on the one hand because it is really good wood. On the other hand it is important for the community that already the children learn that you have to offer something for food and money.

Once you have reached this pristine spot, you can relax and just enjoy being

The quietness and sounds of the waterfall make your nights sleep very peaceful. During the day, you can enjoy the nice hike up the river bed, nature and lots of wildlife (which can be a mixture of some herding goats as well as real wild animals such as rock dassies or others).

At night, you can surrender yourself with a romantic campfire and if you are lucky the rock dassies will give you a very special concert!

We have been visiting the Ongongo waterfall quite some times already. No matter if we take guests there or use it as a time off for ourselves - the "Ongongo Magic" is always ensuring to have a good time!