Perfectly situated between Windhoek and Swakopmund, Wilhelmstal Padstal is that much-needed stop to break the journey, enjoy a cup of coffee and a slice of Apfelstreusel (homemade apple crumble) or a mince pie – and purchase some biltong and droëwors for the road.
YouTube video: nearby Kwetu Cafe has a small parrot zoo:
Janko Meyer took over the popular padstal in March 2017 and has continued to supply quality meat products like braaiwors, mince, fillets, biltong and dröewors, which are made in-house with meat sourced from local farms in the vicinity. Janko says that he grew up making biltong, one of the many things he learnt on the farm.
A large selection of preserves fills their shelves – from Omaruru, Swakopmund and even Cape Town. And, if you’re lucky, you’ll find a bottle of delicious zucchinisalsa, made by Janko’s mom Ingrid Meyer, ideal as a pasta sauce or condiment for meat, bread and cheese. Other favourites include pickled onions, cucumbers and beetroot, chilli jam, chutney, honey, rusks, Schalensaft (lemon peel syrup) and prickly pear juice. Mid-year, bags of oranges are also for sale from the Meyers’ Albrechtshöhe Guest Farm, 25km away.
After good rainfall, at the beginning of the year you’ll often find people selling Omajowa – the giant termite hill mushrooms - outside the farmstall.
All good reasons to make a pitstop along the road at Wilhelmstal, Namibia.
Omandumba - Holed up in the sprawling Erongo Mountains on Omandumba Farm, the San Living Museum is a truly organic reflection of its name, a living, breathing gallery of actual life on the move.
The museum is home to one of Namibia’s oldest and most recognizable tribe, the Ju/’Hoansi San community, and its surrounding areas are also home to historic rock paintings and archaeological findings that were left behind hundreds of years ago by the San, who used to live and hunt there.
Bushmen Walk at Intu Afrika Lodge:
As a result of colonialism, tribal conflicts, and changing weather patterns, the Ju/’Hoansi-San community, who were the first to inhabit the area, were forced to migrate eastwards and more north-eastwards in search of survival elsewhere.
But since 2008, thanks to the assistance of the government and various civil and cultural entities, the Ju/’Hoansi-San people have returned to what was once their happy hunting grounds and are now thriving and making a living through the San Living Museum, which attracts hundreds of local and international tourists annually.
Local media representatives and influencers this week experienced first-hand the wonders of the San Living Museum, thanks to the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB)’s promotional tour of the Damaraland and wider Erongo Region.
The museum offers an interesting insight into the ancient hunter-gatherers’ culture and the traditional ways of the San people and can also witness first-hand how the Ju/’Hoansi San people conduct their traditional hunts.
Other programs at Omandumba are centred around the traditional life of the San within the setting of a village, where the interaction with the visitors is highly valued and acts as a networking opportunity.
The generous elderly San women and young girls offer visitors brief opportunities to learn how to produce jewellery, traditional medicine, bows and arrows, among others.
As can be expected, a rhythmic display of ancient dances, songs, and rituals are always on show at the museum, and the young ones would often be seen on the side-lines playing their games.
On the one hand, the museum has given the San an opportunity to rediscover their old and almost forgotten culture and ways of life, and on the other hand, also serves as a lucrative business for them.
The museum is run entirely by the San, with 90% of the generated income reinvested in the living museum while the 10% goes to farm Omandumba for services rendered to the museum. Apart from the museum, the San also run a small souvenir shop where visitors can purchase handmade jewellery, bows and arrows, axes, tools, and many more.
Franke's Tower - a monument in Omaruru, Namibia. Erich Victor Carl August Franke (21.07.1865-07.08.1936) - German military officer and last commander of Schutztruppe in German South-West Africa. Served in a number of locations, including Ovamboland and Kaokoveld.
He was stationed at Outjo from 1899 until 1910 and is remembered in particular for his involvement in the early phases of the Herero Uprising of 1904. He was dubbed the 'Hero of Omaruru' after leading his troops in battle to victory over the numerically superior Herero forces
Башня Франке, Омаруру, Намибия, южная Африка. Названа в честь офицера Эриха Франке, последнего коммандующего войск Германии в Намибии, освободившего городок Омаруру от превосходящих сил восставшего племени гереро в 1904 году.
Магазин-галерея африканских сувениров Тиколоше в городке Омаруру, Намибия.
Омаруру - населенный пункт в центральной Намибии.
В 1980-х годах на ферме в центральной части Намибии немец Пол Гольдбах познакомился с Пауло Кашингой, искусным резчиком по дереву из региона Каванго (северная Намибия). Пол впервые столкнулся с резьбой из корней деревьев в Южной Америке, но когда он увидел, как Кэшинга вырезает традиционную фигурку антилопы спрингбок из ствола дерева, он был настолько впечатлен, что решил опробовать с ним бизнес-идею.
В свободное время Пол управлял стартапом, в то время как Пауло Кашинга вырезал удивительное и увлекательное разнообразие намибийской фауны, в основном из корней горчичного дерева, дерева тамботи и железного дерева.
К сожалению, Пауло Кашинга скончался в 2012 году, но его характерные скульптуры, вырезанные из корней, продолжают украшать дома в Намибии и за рубежом. Первоначальная команда из восьми резчиков за последние годы изменилась и теперь состоит из пяти столяров: Йоханнес Лирунга, Лино Катива, Липенда Камбинда, Ндинга Ндумба и Давид Нанда.
Эти талантливые мастера разделяют навыки, видение и способность покойного Пауло Кашингаса вырезать из скрюченных, изогнутых корней и с первых лет являются ядром семьи галереи Тиколоше, снова и снова очаровывая посетителей бесподобными, почти анимированными скульптурами намибийских животных.
Дополнительные три продавщицы и два человека в администрации дополняют команду Тиколоше.
Erich Victor Carl August Franke (21.07.1865-07.08.1936) - German military officer and last commander of Schutztruppe in German South-West Africa.
Served in a number of locations, including Ovamboland and Kaokoveld. He was stationed at Outjo from 1899 until 1910 and is remembered in particular for his involvement in the early phases of the Herero Uprising of 1904.
He was dubbed the 'Hero of Omaruru' after leading his troops in battle to victory over the numerically superior Herero forces.
Башня Франке, Омаруру, Намибия, южная Африка.
Названа в честь офицера Эриха Франке, последнего коммандующего войск Германии в Намибии, освободившего городок Омаруру от превосходящих сил восставшего племени гереро в 1904 году.
Based in one of Omaruru’s most historic buildings (constructed in 1907 as a casino for local mine workers), today this is the centre-piece of a lodge-style guest house with an attractive bar and a popular all-day à la carte restaurant.
Kashana House boasts an amazing outside restaurant area, with seating areas under the shade of old trees in the garden, and the swimming pool situated just behind the courtyard.
The rooms are large and comfortably furnished, with ceiling fans, fridges and separate bathrooms, whilst the double storeyed family units have recently been refurbished.
The town of Omaruru also offers the following attractions:
°Wood carving workshop
°Mission house and church missionary
°Art gallery
°Goldsmith
°The Franke Tower is a short walk up the road from Kashana, and popular with tourists.
°Chocolate factory
°Half day or full day excursions to the Erongo Mountains is offered by Kashana to see the magnificent rock paintings and the SAN tribe's living museum in the Erongo area.
Based in one of Omaruru’s most historic buildings (constructed in 1907 as a casino for local mine workers), today is the centre-piece of a Lodge-style Guest House with a novel and attractive bar and a popular all-day à la carte restaurant.
Craft shop at Kashana
It is frequented by Kashana’s guests as well as passing travellers and local townspeople, all enjoying the tranquil shade of the garden courtyard.
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.
Kashana Restaurant & Accommodation
Kashana’s restaurant offers a delightful Namibian culinary experience for individuals and groups.
You are welcome to join us for lunch, coffee or an exquisite dinner with the opportunity to sample our select wine list.
Tikoloshe is located in Omaruru town in the heart of Namibia.
Tikoloshe Afrika specialises in a great variety of different wood carvings and offers a wide range of African Artifacts.
HISTORY OF TIKOLOSHE
Video of Tikoloshe store:
In the 1980-ies, on a farm in north-central Namibia, Paul Goldbach met Paulo Cashinga, a skilled woodcarver from the Kavango region. Paul first encountered root carving in South America, but when he witnessed Cashinga carving a traditional Springbok out of a tree trunk, he was so impressed that he decided to try out a business idea with him. In his spare time Paul managed the startup, while Paulo Cashinga carved an amazing and fascinating variety of Namibian fauna mainly from the roots of Mustard tree, Tamboti and Ironwood. Unfortunately, Paulo Cashinga passed away in 2012, but his characteristic root carved sculptures continue to decorate house and homes, nationally and abroad. The original team of eight carvers changed in recent years and now consists of five woodworkers, named Johannes Lirunga, Lino Kativa, Lipenda Kambinda, Ndingi Ndumba and Nanda David. These talented craftsmen share the late Paulo Cashingas skill, vision, and ability to carve from gnarled, curved roots and are since the early years the core of Tikoloshe, fascinating the visitors again and again with matchless, almost animated Namibian animal sculptures. Additional three saleswomen and two people in the administration, complete the team.
PAUL GOLDBACH
Paul was born in Hessen, Germany in 1947. As a young man, he was trained as a Furrier at his father's business in Hann. Muenden. In 1970 he emigrated to South West Africa (now Namibia), but returned to Germany two years later to obtain the master degree at the Frankfurt Meister Schule. Yet after experiencing the Dark Continent, Paul already was infected by the Africa Virus, and he quickly came back to Namibia in 1975. This time driving across Africa with three friends in two old German Army DKW-Jeeps. After settling in Namibia, Paul subsequently grew tired of his trade, which was nailing him down in Windhoek. So he started a job as a construction fitter.
During the following years of 1976 – 1981, Paul embarked on many different journeys through Africa, North America and South America. While in South America, Paul was greatly inspired by the work of Augustin Rivas, a famous artist. One of his large exponates (Jesus at the cross) belongs to the collection of the Vatican in Rome. Today he is a well-known Shaman from Iquitos, in the Amazon region of Peru. Paul purchased over twenty big sculptures of Rivas? renowned root wood carvings and had them shipped to Germany (where the last ones are still offered for sale). Due to a recession in Namibia, Paul eventually ran out of work as a fitter. Therefore he decided to try and work as a farm manager. While running the farm he met Paulo Cashinga, the foreman and a skilled Kavango wood carver. With Rivas? works from the Amazon still on his mind, Paul and Paulo began working together to develop the traditional Kavango carving into their own unique Namibian root carving style. In 1995, after several years as a farm manager and following the successful arrival of Namibian independence, Paul Goldbach officially opened his own wood carving business and later on a curio shop in Omaruru. Although he never intended to become an entrepreneur, after more than twenty years of running his enterprise Tikoloshe Afrika, Paul finally found his peace of mind in the heart of Namibia.
ROOT CARVINGS
The Kavango people live in the north of Namibia and are traditionally attached to the skill of woodcarving. They usually start carving during childhood already. In our case the carvings are created by four naturally talented Kavango woodcarvers. These rather unique and indigenous artworks have received recognition and won awards at various Namibian National Art Competitions. Our artwork ranges from fine art to abstract sculptures which reflect the African spirit, and is enjoyed and appreciated by collectors and individuals throughout the world.
ARTISTIC ROOT CARVINGS
The wood carvers of Tikoloshe Afrika do not hesitate to work the hardest wood there is. Therefore they rely on the best tools made of first grade steel and professional quality appliances imported from overseas. Knives are used for fine carving by hand. But most tasks are done by specific carving tools like gouches and rubber hammers. By far the most popular tool is the straight-forward grinding machine. A variety of different grinding heads can be applied to suit the job. Square grinders and drilling machines can be put to good use, too. Finally the carvers work with chainsaws of varying sizes.
PROVIDED BY NATURE
Tikoloshe Afrika produces artistic wood sculptures – from ten centimeters to ten meters in size, carved from weathered, dry roots and tree trunks, some of which are thousands of years old. The wood is mostly collected in the semi-desert and northern areas of Namibia. On the following pages we would like to introduce you to a selection of the types of wood we use.
MOPANE
(Colophospermum mopane)/ Omusati
Most of our carvings are made of this wood, very heavy, dark red-brown wood with a yellowish ring on the outside. Weathered, fine outer root structure. The collected root, with its own form, is exported worldwide. It is excellent for flower arrangements and especially as decoration. Because the wood does not get rotten and release any color into the water due to its hardness, it is particularly suitable as ornamental aquarium wood. The water remains crystal clear and the root sinks to the ground due to its weight.
LEADWOOD
(Combretum imberbe) Omumborombonga
Hereros and Ovambos see the tree as the source of life from which the first humans, cattle, sheep and wild animals originated.
Weight: Exceptionally heavy wood; sinks in water. When you hit a big piece with a hammer, it sounds like metal: Ironwood.
Color: dark brown, outside yellowish-beige.
Growth: Looks dead in dry areas during the winter months, but sprouts again in the rainy season and gets small green leaves.
TAMBOTIE
(Spirostachys africana) / Orupapa
Up to eight meters high, straight growing tree. Tambuti is preferred for fence posts. The wood has a strong, unmistakable smell. Freshly cut, a poisonous, milky juice escapes. The eyes of the carver also begin to water when working on the dry root. Because of the poisonous vapors it is not suitable as barbeque firewood. Tambuti is a heavy, firm wood of medium brown color with a smoky, grey-black grain.
CAMEL THORN
(Acacia erioloba) / Omumbonde
Typical Namibian tree (German South West Song). Excellent for smoking and grilling (Braaivleis). Very heavy, brittle wood. Mainly suitable for large and compact carvings. Color: dark red core, light yellow outside, nearly the same like Mopane. All of the wood has an ivory grain.
MUSTARD TREE
(Salvadora persica) / Kangongo
Also known as curry bush, because the small, slightly orange seeds smell like it and are edible. Color: Red-grey to pink wood with a grey weathered, rough exterior structure. Partially wart-like. Lion bush is a rather soft, light wood, which can also beworked well with a knife.
WORM-CURE ALBIZIA
(Albizia anthelmintica) / Aru
The finely grated bark is used to treat stomach worms in humans and animals. It is a light yellow wood with a mostly small red core and various red inclusions. Because it is a very soft wood, it’s easy to work with the knife.
ROSE GUM
Eukaliptus
Introduced from Australia for the production of straight, fast-growing wood. Used as support wood in the mine shafts of Tsumeb. Needs a lot of water and is therefore nowadays partly deforested again. Rarely in Australia nowadays, asitis preferably used in furniture processing. Red wood with star-shaped cracks from the centre. Large logs are excellent for groups of chairs, tables and tabletops.
PROSOPIS TREE
Prosopis (Prosopis chilensis)
Introduced by Mexico because of its nutritious, sweet pods for use mainly as animal feed, especially in dry seasons. The wood is very resistant and an excellent shade. Unfortunately, it displaces the native vegetation. The middle brown core has a strong yellow border. It is a very tough wood and is therefore preferred in America for rifle stocks. Prosopis chilensis was brought from South America to South West Africa in 1912 by the German government botanist Kurt Dinter. It is fought today as well as eucalyptus because of its enormous water consumption.
John Burroughs once said “I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.”
With that in mind we would like to welcome you back to THE ERONGO WILD - nature in its purest form. A place of vast open spaces where you are invited to join us as a family, as we gently navigate this new course of life - moving at a leisurely pace, yet confidently - into the future.
2020 has been a year of hard-hitting and heart-breaking realities. Covid-19 has brought us back to the basics. And yet, even under the worst of circumstances - we are all capable of embracing change and believing in new beginnings. Change means letting go and making space for the new. For us this choice resulted in a decision to take back the reigns of The Erongo Wild after our tenants terminated their lease agreement (joint media statement available).
As a family, we decided to get back to our core, to review the incredible and captivating gift we have been given, and to stand together to make this gift, The Erongo Wild, accessible to everyone in need of rest, relaxation, adventure and inspiration.
We are excited to welcome you, our most valued guests and clients, to celebrate the ability to overcome and the strength that exists in every single one of us.
The Erongo Wild offers ten luxurious tented chalets and a self-catering unit with two rooms (only available mid-2021), built on stilts among the towering granite boulders of the Erongo Mountain hills. Surrounded by open and vast spaces you will find rest for your soul.
Our restaurant is set on top of a hill, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape whilst at the same time tantalizing your senses with awe-inspiring refreshments and locally-harvested cuisine.
For those who yearn for nature in its purest untarnished form, we are starting development of exclusive camping sites each within its own magical space amidst a pristine and uniquely Namibian landscape - where soon we will be providing you with ample breathing space to simply BE.
As a family, we acknowledge our Namibian heritage that is deeply rooted in community support and overcoming hardships TOGETHER. Our Lodge has been reborn with keeping to Namibians, and supporting local as far as what we possibly can.
With Namibia, for Namibia has also inspired us to initiate and embark on a new “Project 2020”, a community-involved farming project which will include vegetables, herbs, beef, hog & poultry, all set to support families in becoming self-sufficient. All our delicious harvests will ultimately be served in our restaurant and be locally available.
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