On our third day in Namibia, we left Windhoek on the B1 towards north. Our first stop was the small town of Okahandja (pop. 11,000) with its crafts markets and several historical sites, especially important for the Herero people. This is the Church of the Rhine Mission, located in the Kerk Street. It was closed in 1952 and is a National Monument today.

On the cemetery of the church you will find several graves from all times - old ones like this of Marine Xaver Bacherl, born 18/12/1883 in Waldmünchen (Germany), died on 24/06/1904 in Okahandja, probably as member of the German Schutztruppe.

You will also find several very modern graves, like this one of Issaskar Maxi (1944-2000), complete with color photo, unique stone and coins embedded in the plate (some of the coins have been removed by thieves, though).

Opposite of the Rhine Mission Church you will find the German Friedenskirche (Church of Peace), which was inaugurated in 1952. The church is still active and has regular German services. The community also offers a Kindergarten.

The most important cemetery can be found right next to the Friedenskirche - three graves of important Namibian leaders (from left to right): Nama-Chief Jan Jonker Afrikaner, who died in 1861, and the Herero-Chiefs Clemens Kapuuo (1923-1978) and Hosea Kutako (1870-1970). It's important to know that Kapuuo wanted to be buried next to Afrikaner in order to settle the fights between Nama and Herero forever.

We leave Okahandja behind and drive further up north towards Otjiwarongo, where we will be staying for the night. This is one of the many splendid views across the seemingly endless plains to both sides of the B1 highway.

We stay at the Otjibamba Lodge, situated about 4 kilometers south of Otjiwarongo. The house is a popular stopover for tourists going to the Etosha National Park. The lodge lies within its own private game ranch of 220 ha that can be explored either by foot on marked walking trails or with your car. Depending on your speed, it should take between 1 and 2 hours for the big track. You will find several Namibian game species such as giraffe, zebra, oryx, and others. In any case, it is a good and safe introduction to your stay at the Etosha National Park.

An ostrich walks along the game drive of the Otjibamba Lodge, but we also saw...

... this rare blackfaced impala ...

... and this Blue Wildebeest.

Back at the Otjibamba Lodge, we encountered several Southern Masked Weavers who were very busy building their nests overhead.

Also at the lodge, we saw these flamingos right next to the swimming pool area.