Omashari Hotel: Two decades of tourism and community growth

Positioned along the Kavango River in Rundu, Omashari Hotel has grown into a community-driven enterprise that plays a pivotal role in supporting local livelihoods, tourism growth and the regional economy.

Established in 2000, at a time when tourism was beginning to regain momentum in the Kavango–Caprivi corridor, the hotel was strategically placed to serve travellers passing through Rundu.

“Rundu is an ideal stopover place for tourists to refill on their supplies, do their shopping and attend to their needs,” general manager Mauro Rosa said, emphasising the town’s strategic location.

“We have pharmacies, shopping facilities and even private healthcare services. Those are all necessary midway points for travellers.”

Omashari Hotel leveraged this advantage by situating itself within walking distance of key amenities, ensuring convenience for both leisure and business travellers.

Unlike lodges located outside town, guests can easily access shops and services, saving time and travel costs.

“That puts us at an advantage,” Rosa explained. “Especially for business people travelling to Rundu, they have short distances to their meetings and can return to the hotel comfortably.”

Beyond location, Omashari has built its reputation on quality service, culinary excellence and community integration. The hotel’s restaurant offers a diverse menu influenced by Portuguese-style cooking, from affordable meals to premium seafood dishes.

“Our style of cooking is based on Portuguese cooking – wholesome food,” Rosa said. “We have a large range, from your basic meals to more expensive seafood options.”

Deeply local

But Omashari’s impact goes beyond guests – it is deeply embedded in the local community.

The hotel currently employs around 35 staff members, all Namibians from the Rundu area, spanning kitchen operations, housekeeping, bar services, reception, administration and maintenance.

“We are proud that all our staff are local,” Rosa said. “They are individuals living around Rundu. Employing the local community is part of our DNA, and it strengthens both our business and the town’s economy.”

The hotel also implements a strong in-house promotion policy, giving staff the opportunity to advance their careers before positions are advertised externally.

“We like to promote from within first,” Rosa explained. “Only if no one is able to take over the position do we advertise outside. This creates opportunities for growth, builds loyalty and develops skills among our people.”

Omashari also invests in training programmes for its staff, ranging from customer service skills to culinary techniques and hospitality management.

“We believe in nurturing talent and providing our staff with the tools to succeed,” Rosa said. “Many of our employees have grown within the business, gaining confidence and skills they can carry forward in life.”

In addition to direct employment, the hotel supports local suppliers and service providers, sourcing produce, goods and services from Rundu whenever possible. This approach helps stimulate the local economy and fosters a strong sense of partnership with the community.

Modern amenities further enhance the hotel’s appeal. All rooms provide complimentary Wi-Fi, while conference facilities allow the hotel to host workshops, corporate events and community meetings.

Guests can also relax by a sparkling pool set amidst lush gardens overlooking the Kavango River.

“In today’s life, Wi-Fi is a necessity,” Rosa noted. “It’s one of those crucial working points that we must provide.”

Looking ahead, Omashari is exploring expansion into the camping sector to cater to Namibia’s growing self-drive tourism market.

“The camping and self-drive industry is booming in Namibia,” Rosa said. “We would like to explore that area and expand our offerings, creating even more opportunities for local employment and community engagement.”

For management, however, business success is ultimately defined by guest experience – one shaped by warmth, hospitality and a sense of belonging.

“Experiences with Namibian people are about friendliness, kindness and being warm-hearted,” he said. “That’s what we offer our clients here. You really feel at home – and that’s how we like to treat our guests.”

More than two decades after opening, Omashari Hotel remains a riverside anchor for Rundu, not only welcoming travellers but also investing in local livelihoods.