Uiba-Oas Crystal Market

Uiba-Oas Crystal Market.

Uiba-Oas Crystal Market

Uiba-Oas Crystal Market – For over a decade the crystal ‘shop stands’ at the Spitzkoppe turnoff along the B2 between Usakos and Swakopmund were just a set of make-shift miners, hoping to attract tourists for a small income for the poor Ûiba-Ôas community there. These are a collection of small scale semi precious crystal miners. The name “Uiba Oas” translates into “Seeking a livelihood”. In September 2010 it was endorsed and inaugurated by the Namibian Government in conjucting with the European Union & the Rossing Foundation. This facility is for small-scale miners, collectively known as the Erongo Region Small-Scale Miners Stakeholder Forum, near Usakos at the Spitzkoppe T-junction. The market is the outcome of one of the aims the Small-Scale Miners Stakeholders Forum embarked upon in 2004 and is situated at the Spitzkoppe.

Uiba Oas Crystal Market info sheet

In my native language we call this place “/om /has” – which loosely translates into “suck on it” this refers the action taken by these miners whenever they dig up a crystal they perceive as valuable…as the crystal is dusty, water is scarce in these areas, they first suck on it then put it up to the light to inspect it! The sale of crystal specimens and semi-precious stones has been a growth sector of the micro-economy of the Erongo Region. Here are clients on our 4 day Etosha-Swakopmund safari supporting Geraldine who is a deaf miner at the Crystal Market.

Supporting the small scale miners

Thus if you are ever visiting the famous Spitzkoppe Mountain range, please stop by the Uiba Oas Crystal Market and browse through what they have to offer, you might just see an awesome semi precious stone or gem that catches you eye. Help us in making sure that the tourism dollar reaches all levels of the local community.

Directions to Uiba Oas Crystal Market – at the Spitzkoppe turnoff along the B2 between Usakos & Swakopmund.

Frequent asked photography Q&A

Frequent asked photography Q&A.

A Quickie…

Namibia 101: Potjiekos – literally translated “small pot food”

Is a stew prepared outdoors. It is traditionally cooked in a round, cast iron, three-legged pot, found in most homes and villages of people throughout southern Africa. The pot is heated using small amounts of wood or charcoal.

Traditionally, the recipe includes meat, vegetables, starches like rice or potatoes, all slow-cooked with spices. Other common ingredients include fruits and flour-based products like pasta.

Our recipe on the safaris: Chicken Potjie(chicken, rice, mixed veggies with Durban Malay Curry) Vegetarian option available.