Inandi

Inandi is a small settlement located in the Erongo Region of Namibia, situated approximately 40 kilometres north of the provincial capital Swakopmund and bordering the Namib Desert. The community lies along the former railway line that historically connected the coast with the interior, and it sits at an elevation of around 600 metres above sea level. Inandi’s geographic position gives it a semi-arid climate, with average annual rainfall of approximately 250 millimetres, which has shaped the local agricultural practices.

The population of Inandi is modest, estimated at roughly 800 residents as of the last national census. The residents are primarily of Nama and San heritage, with a mix of subsistence farming, livestock rearing—particularly goats and sheep—and small-scale trading. In recent years, the community has begun to diversify its economy by developing regulated diamond mining ventures in surrounding gravel beds, which provide an additional source of income and employment for local youth.

Infrastructure in Inandi is limited but functional. A single paved road provides access to nearby larger towns, and a small airstrip is available for emergency services. The settlement hosts a primary school that serves children from Inandi and surrounding hamlets, as well as a health clinic offering basic medical and maternity care. Electricity is supplied through a combination of a small diesel generator and intermittent solar power installations.

Notable sites in and around Inandi include the Inandi Community Centre, which doubles as a venue for traditional cultural events, and a heritage trail that traces the pathways used during colonial times. In early 2024, a conservation project was launched to protect local wildlife and promote eco-tourism, focusing on the preservation of the Namaquaflow landscape that characterizes the region. Inandi remains a quiet but culturally rich community reflecting the broader historical and ecological tapestry of western Namibia.