Okahandja Mbangura Woodcarvers Craft Market — Attraction in Okahandja

The eye candy was phenomenal at this Woodcarvers Craft Market and only cash accepted; with so many carvers begging one to buy from them, it was not easy but I was most moved by Johnny who shares my late favourite bro-in-law who joined all our relations on the other side since 2014!! Johnny even gifted me something when I shared my herstory and I wish him well.. As mentioned earlier "Okahandja was established in the 1800's by Herero and Nama tribes, that share the same tribal ancestry of those in Windhoek; The wood carving markets evolved throughout 200 years as a major tourist attraction in Namibia, widely believed that due to the abundance of mopani wood in the northern parts of Namibia, and the presence of 2 rivers in the area, which explain its thriving. Due to conflicts in countries north of Namibia, some wood carvers are Congolese Woodworkers that illegally immigrated from the north. The elephant carving was a family affair and took the whole family 6 months to carve. My heart was filled in purchasing from the carvers knowing the stories they shared so openly of their demise.. a Godsend visit and much humbled whilst feeling blessed and my home is adorned in Edmonton to remind me daily of...

Lots of figures of all sizes including beautiful artcrafts. I was willing to spend good money here, but at the end i left running and totally stressed.

The method is very bad -- i dont mean to teach you, but if you want to sell you should rethink from scratch how you approach tourists and how you make them spend money.

I tell you how i would like it. (1) I would like to walk the market relax, no stress, enter different shops and explore the global offer. Just saying "hello, good day, how are you". No pushing, no feeling 15 people on me. (2) i would prefer a realistic final price (bargaining is not in my veins) but ok if you prefer bargaining. But please don't start with a fantasy price (e.g. 1400 for a hand-sized oryx and a salt&pepper set). If i feel the price is 5x the realistic price then I stop it there. (3) having 4 people running behind us calling lower prices "sir, 600!" "sir, the owner says 500" made it even worse --- we flew into our bus.

All the tourists in my bus had the same experience. All said: pitty, i would have spent much more money here.

I believe the local government should spend some effort, providing trainings to the market people.

All the...

If you are looking for a souvenir from Namibia, a stop at Okahandja Mbangura Woodcarvers Market is mandatory. You'd enjoy it better if you come with the idea not to be pressured by the sellers into committing to a purchase in haste but instead taking time to find (and there is a lot to look at) something you like. Bargaining is inevitable and it is a delicate balance sometimes. Think of the hours that the craftsman puts into his/her final product and you'd feel much better contributing to rural employment.

I bought a African-themed table runner with 3 wooden bowls with monkey balls. My family member also found bargains in animal carvings and trinkets. We wish we had more time and made...