101 Reasons to visit Namibia: A Desert Oasis

Magical and extreme – these are the two adjectives that come to mind as I float in the warm water that is surrounded by dry land and solitude that stretches for miles. The feeling is otherworldly. The warm water comes as a shock to the system, as my mind was prepared to cool off in the water after the heat of the day. But the water is magical, and one can feel the burdens of life fading away.

If there is one thing I have learned from Namibia, it is to never judge a book by its cover. It may seem one way, but when looking closer a whole new world opens. In the northwest of Namibia, lies the mighty Kaokoland, home to one of Namibia’s indigenous tribes, the Ovahimbas. This rugged part of the country is famous for its untamed wilderness and challenging landscapes. But within this harsh and dry environment you can hear the soft echoes of water meeting stone.

Photo credits: Janke Murray

Tucked away in the remote reaches of Kaokoveld one can find only a few villages. Not too far from the nearest village, in a small canyon you will find a permanent water source oozing out of the mountain. The Ongongo waterfall is a spectacular place and a little oasis in the dry surroundings. It is situated close to Warmquelle and roughly 90 km from Palmwag. Ongongo, is the Herero word that means "magical”. There is no word that describes this place better. It is indeed magical.

Photo credits: Janke Murray

The dry landscape is transformed into a paradise of greenery and water. Although the water is not as hot as in Ais-Ais, it is the perfect temperature. From the rock wall, a constant trickle of warm water emerges, making this ideal for year-round swimming. This magical warm water fountain is a popular place for visitors where they can camp close to the swimming pool. Believe it or not, Ongongo is not the only warm water spring. Namibia has a few of these natural wonders. A few small hot water springs are found in Windhoek, but the most well-known hot water spring, Gross Barmen, is located a 100 km from Windhoek.

What was once a Rhenish mission station has now been converted into a thermal bath in 1975. The water reaches a temperature of 65 °C. These hot springs that occur in Namibia, are truly special and add a unique dimension to the country’s appeal. Finding water and finding hot water in a desert landscape is unexpected and something that you will not find in many places. Ongongo is one of the few hot springs in Namibia, where visitors can escape the world and unwind while taking a swim and listening to the birds chirping.