Otjozondjupa

Otjozondjupa is one of the 14 administrative regions of Namibia, located in the north-central part of the country. Its regional capital is Otjiwarongo. The region covers a varied landscape that includes savannah and grassland, with rocky outcrops and a warm climate that is hot in summer and cooler in winter. It lies to the north of Windhoek and borders several other regions, forming a transitional zone between central highland areas and the northern plains. The northern and western parts include areas used for wildlife and conservation, and the region is associated with nearby wildlife destinations that contribute to tourism.

Economy and land use in Otjozondjupa are predominantly agricultural. Cattle ranching and small-stock farming are common, with growing interest in game farming and horticulture in irrigated valleys. Tourism plays a notable role, supported by wildlife viewing opportunities and the region’s proximity to central Namibian nature sites. Small-scale mining and related services also occur, complementing the agricultural base. Transport infrastructure includes major roads that connect the region to Windhoek and to northern Namibia, underpinning trade and mobility for residents and visitors.

Demographics and governance: Otjozondjupa is governed by a regional council and participates in national elections as part of Namibia’s decentralized system. The population comprises diverse communities, with languages such as Oshiwambo, Otjiherero, and Afrikaans commonly spoken. The name Otjozondjupa is of Herero origin, reflecting the region’s historical settlement patterns. The region was established in the post-independence administrative reorganization in the early 1990s.