Kashana Namibia
At a glance
The main building at Kashana really has been a witness to a century of history having been built in 1907 as a casino. After year of being put to less respectable uses, its condition
had deteriorated seriously.
It was fortunate, therefore, that its new owners decided to restore it for posterity and for the benefit of the local community, some of whom work for Kashana or in the many small
businesses housed around thecourtyard. The main building houses the Restaurant, Bar and offices, while the Kashana accommodation is newly built behind it
The grounds also house the novel Nawa Nawa Art Centre which displays and sells art and crafts, furniture and sculptures, many of which are fabricated with recycled waste
products – as is the gallery itself!
What is unique at Kashana Namibia
Kashana is based in a historic building constructed in 1907 as a casino for local mine-workers. It is thought that the house probably gained its name from the surrounding bush
savannah which resembled a wide open plain or ‘Kashana’ in the Owambo language.
The years took their toll on the building and after painstaking restoration to its former glory it once again reflects its German colonial heritage and was re-opened in 2007.
Today, the building is the centre-piece of a Lodge-style Guesthouse with a novel and attractive bar and a popular all-day à la carte restaurant, frequented not only by residents,
but also by passing travellers and local townspeople, all enjoying the tranquil shade of the garden courtyard.
The courtyard is skirted by a number of small shops and businesses, including florist, hairdresser, and the innovative Nawa-Nawa Art Centre, providing services for Guests and
supporting the local community.
Beyond the courtyard, fronting the river, newly built Guest accommodation is to be found. Work also continues discretely elsewhere to expand the scope and facilities of the complex – the most obvious addition being the recently completed swimming pool, terrace and lapa.
Accommodation & Facilities
The accommodation at Kashana comprises Spacious Chalets, Family Chalets and Luxury Rooms with a Separate Lounge.
Four Spacious Chalets
Luxury air-conditioned chalets, offering either a king-size bed or two double beds. Elegantly decorated and furnished, these lofty airy units offer all the comforts of home during your stay.
Two Family Chalets
Furnished to the same standards as the Chalets above, these are perfect for family use, having an upstairs loft equipped with twin single beds, and a double bed downstairs.
Two Luxury Rooms with Separate Lounge
Close to the pool, and sharing a verandah, these apartment-style units are in a more secluded area. Each has twin beds. Economical without sacrificing comfort, and ideal for
Guests wishing to stay longer.
All Accommodation includes:
o En-suite shower facilities
o Air conditioning o Silent refrigerator
o Mini-bar o Tea / coffee Station
o Television o Internet connection o Safe for valuables
Once settled into your accommodation, you’ll want to relax on the verandah with a sundowner, taking in the African air, the sounds and the silence. Later, you might take the short
walk into town, to discover its history or meet some of its many interesting artists and craftsmen.
You will also be using the excellent Kashana Restaurant, followed perhaps by a cool drink in the attractive Kashana Bar. Both keep regular opening hours, so you can always be assured that
you will be made welcome.
You may also enjoy a dip in the superb new swimming pool recently completed behind the courtyard or a relaxing massage at our brand new Spa.
Activities & Attractions
The little town offers an attractive art gallery, goldsmith, a wood carving workshop, antique shop, photo gallery, chocolate factory and a winery, giving you the opportunity to obtain
a very personal impression of Namibia and its people by mingling with the locals.
Just a few hundred metres up the road from Kashana you will find The Franke Tower which is very significant in Omaruru’s history, and is depicted on the Municipal Coat of Arms. It is
popular with tourists. During the Herero Rebellion, Major Victor Franke of the Colonial Army freed Omaruru on 4th February 1904. Omaruru’s grateful residents built the Franke Tower
in 1907 in his honour. The adjacent battlefield is protected by the Historical Monuments Commission.
Omaruru was the very first town in Namibia to receive full municipal status in July 1909. The first municipal office building was erected in 1926. The council moved to the present
building in the 1980s. This building was the first government school and hostel, opened in 1912, after school attendance became compulsory in 1909.
The Mission House and Church Missionary was founded by Gottlieb Viehe in 1870 – believed to be the foundingdate of Omaruru. He delivered sermons, started school tuition and
established the first Namibian meteorological station with written records from 1880 – 1887. He also co-translated the New Testament from German to Herero.
The Mission House was declared a National Monument in 1986 and is also under the protection of the HMC.
Omaruru is an attractive small town with some hidden gems and a century of history waiting to be discovered. Kashana also offer either a half or full day excursion to the
Erongo Mountains with its magnificent rock paintings or the SAN’s living museum in the Erongo area.
Directions
Kashana Namibia is situated north-west of Windhoek in Omaruru, between Karibib and Otjiwarongo on the C33.
Driving Directions
o From Karibib take the C33 north to Omaruru and turn right into Wilhelm Zeraua Road
o From Otjiwarongo take the C33 south to Omaruru which brings you into Wilhelm Zeraua Road.
From Wilhelm Zeraua Road turn south by the police station into River Street. Take the first road left into Dr Ian Scheepers Drive. The first entrance on the left hand side of the road is Kashana.
