Namibia Popular Places to Visit

The Das Alte Fort Museum is situated in a prominent position atop a hill in Grootfontein. The ‘Old Fort’ was originally a Schutztruppe fortress built in 1896, while the tower was added in 1904. With its splendid view of the surrounding countryside, this tower was used to great advantage by the troops. The Fort, housing the museum, was declared a national monument in 1975.

In 1977 the building was renovated and in 1983 the museum was officially opened. More than 3,000 historical pieces, including a complete smithy which was used in the production of ox-wagons, are on display. There is also an interesting outdoor display of industrial items worth seeing.

The Baobab Tree, romantically called ‘Tree 1063′, is located on the Farm Keibeb, which is about 60km north of Grootfontein on the “Maanlig” road, (Road number 2848).

The tree’s trunk circumference is 18,5 meters and has branches up to 12 meters. Baobab Trees play an important roll in African legend and daily life.

The tree’s various parts can be used for medicinal and food purposes, and it’s an awesome sight towering over the surrounding bush.

The Gaub Cave located on the historical Farm Ghaub. Local tradition accredits the discoverer of the Gaub Cave as being Dr. H. Vedder the well known ‘South West Africa’ missionary historian. In the farm’s ‘record’ book there is reference to Dr. Vedder having visited the cave some time during 1913. The first known written report of the cave appeared in the German Deutsche Kolonialzeitung in 1914 in an article submitted by F. Jaeger and L. Waibel, who had both travelled in South West Africa the year before.

The cave entrance is literally a hole in the ground. Several of the passageways have areas where there are low hanging rocks that have sharp edges, so take care when moving around. It is warm and humid underground. Not recommended for  people who suffer from claustrophobia.

The Gaub Cave System does not have the large and dramatic Stalactite – Stalagmite formations that for example the famous Cango caves near Outdshoorn in South Africa has. However, there are many unusual, attractive and interesting geological features that will satisfy even the most seasoned of cave enthusiasts. Petrified waterfalls, organ pipes, crystal growths and rock curtains are just some of the amazing  features that can be seen in the Gaub Cave.

Grootfontein is located in the north-east of Namibia in a lush green environment. In summer Grootfontein is turned into a lush paradise of purple, blue, red and green hues as Jacaranda and Flamboyant trees bloom.

The district is abundantly endowed with wildlife and game, while the district is well known for its cattle and crop farming. Grootfontein is a well-developed town and forms the gateway to the north-eastern parts of Namibia. Passing through Grootfontein, many a traveler and visitor is often enticed to stay a bit longer to rest and refresh themselves before continuing on their journey.

The Hoba Meteorite is the largest ever found meteorite. This extra terrestrial body can be viewed on the Hoba Farm in Grootfontein, up north in Namibia . So if you are into the wonders of Science this is a must see.

The Himba are a tribe of nomadic pastoralists who inhabit the Kaokoland area of Namibia. The Himba are actually descendants of a group of Herero herders who fled into the remote north-west after been displaced by the Nama. The Himba have clung to their traditions and the beautiful Himba women are noted for their intricate hairstyles which and traditional jewellery.

As Himba men and woman wear few clothes apart from a loin cloth or goat skinned mini-skirt, they rub their bodies with red ochre and fat to protect themselves from the sun and also gives their appearance a rich red colour.

The Himba jewellery is made from iron or shell, and due to their intricate designs have become very popular amongst western tourists. Himba homesteads are cone shaped structures made from palm leaves, mud and cattle dung. During the course of a year the family will move from one home to another in search of grazing for the animals. 

Several safari operators organise tours to Kaokoland, if you plan to self drive in Kaokoland you will do best to rent a four wheel drive vehicle, it is recommended that this is the one area where it is best to join an organised safari through Kaokoland, or organise a local Himba guide, firstly because of the remoteness of the area but more importantly due to the sensitive nature of the Himba culture, with a local guide you will be able to talk to the Himba and learn about their culture, without a guide the experience is more voyeuristic and their will be no communication.

Otjiwarongo, one of the fastest growing towns in Namibia, lies along the TransNamib railway north of Windhoek. Named by the Herero people who originally settled here, Otjiwarongo means “place of the fat cows.” Located in the Central Plateau area of Namibia, Otjiwarongo enjoys moderate rainfall making the area suitable for farming and ranching. 

Nile crocodiles are bred and raised at a nearby ranch, making it one of only a few captive breeding programs in the world. Visitors to the ranch can learn more about these creatures and have the unique opportunity to photograph them at very close range. The crocodile meat is sold to local markets and restaurants, and the skins are sold as exports.

For those wishing to see African wildlife in their natural habitat, Otjiwarongo offers access to private game preserves and farms. Giraffes, elephants, rhinos and lions reside in this area along with about 20% of the world’s cheetah population. Accompanied by experienced guides, visitors may view local game from open safari jeeps or on foot. Okonjima and AfriCats Rehabilitation Nature Reserve provides rescue, homes and protection for the big cats of Africa. Visitors may stay at one of the various reserve lodges allowing them to enjoy a truly unparalleled experience. Mount Etjo Safari Lodge tops the list of luxurious lodges within the natural surroundings of the Okonjima Wildlife Sanctuary.

It was formally known as the Sperrgebiet National Park. Tsau-Khaeb National Park (Tsau meaning Soft and Khaeb meaning Sand) is newly proclaimed jewel in Namibia’s protected area network. Since 1908 the largest part of the Tsau-Khaeb National Park was left undisturbed and closed to the public for nearly a century following the discovery of a diamond at Kolmanskop near Lüderitz by the railway worker, Zacharias Lewala. Although this was done to protect the mineral wealth of the area, it also contributed to safeguarding the Succulent Karoo ecosystem, which has the highest diversity of succulent flora globally.

The park has giant rock arches, meteor craters, fossil and archaeological sites including Africa’s most important shipwreck discovery and some of the most pristine and wild landscapes on the planet. Some 1 050 plant species are known to occur in the park, nearly 25% of the entire flora of Namibia on less than three per cent of the land area of the country.