Oanob Dam, an Oasis on the city’s doorstep

Staff Reporter

THE name Rehoboth derived from the Hebrew word Rehovot, which means “Open Spaces”, and it resonates well with the blue-grey mountains that stretch thousands of kilometres (km) far into the horizon, hugging the skyline like regal cushions.

The Namibia Tourism Board (NTB), in a quest to increase tourism, familiarised local as well as international media with tourist destinations in the South as well as the country’s Kalahari Desert.

Sammy Hilundwa, a tour guide with Blue Crane Safaris, ushered the media into the quaint town of Rehoboth as well as Oanob Dam, a water-based tourist attraction located about 7km outside the town.

Oanob, privately owned by Christie Benade, was established in November 1994 and opened its doors for the first time in the summer of December 1994.

With impeccable service and cosy cabins located on the waterfront, the dam is the perfect destination for those who wish to make a fast getaway from the city’s never-ending routine as it hosts a variety of wildlife and slow-paced boat rides that drift off into the Namibian sunset.

Tourists visiting Oanob Dam can also go on game drives where animals such as giraffes, springbok and birdlife that migrate cross country can be spotted.

Benade explained that the land is leased from the government by the Benade family for a total of 100 years from government and boasts with about 100 beds and 32 campsites, and aims at exclusive experiences as the limited rooms and pre-booking systems limit over-crowding and tardy service.