Around 1870 Martti Rautanen, a Finnish missionary, travelled north from Otjimbingwe in the Erongo region to an area known as Owamboland, where in 1889 he built a church. He was nicknamed 'Nakambale', after the hat he always wore which resembled a basket or 'okambale' turned upside down. In 2019 the church property was leased by Southern Cross Adventure Lodges from the local community on condition that they will provide jobs and that the historical site will be restored. The result is an amazing natural historical site for everyone to visit and enjoy. For example, the “settlers house” is the oldest tin roof building in the north. The museum and traditional village are visited by various school groups, whilst families frequent the restaurant with an outdoor pizza oven, as well as the pool.

The old historical church is the perfect location for weddings and even the departed are acknowledged in the well-maintained graveyard.

The Facts

• 15 spacious en-suite tents with air conditioner
• Pool for in-house residents only
• 7 camping sites with 6 separate ablutions
• 5 glamping sites, fully serviced but with shared ablutions
• Separate Pool for glamping and camping guests only
• WIFI - at times