Otjozondjupa

Otjozondjupa is a region in eastern central Namibia.

Cities

• 1 Grootfontein — near the Hoba meteorite, the world's largest meteorite
• 2 Okahandja — the Garden Town of Namibia
• 3 Okakarara — hosts the annual Okakarara trade fair
• 4 Otavi — near the Elefantenberg (elephant mountain)
• 5 Otjiwarongo — the Waterberg Plateau is home to over 200 species of birds
• 6 Tsumkwe — the centre of Bushmanland, the home of the San people

Other destinations

• 1 Gross Barmen a hot water springs and spa. Ruins of an old mission station are also still visible
• 2 Waterberg Plateau Park — a small National Park around the Waterberg table mountain

Understand

Otjozondjupa borders Botswana in the east, and the Namibian regions of Khomas in the south, Erongo in the southwest, Kunene in the northwest, the Four-O region in the north, the Kavango region in the northeast, and Omaheke region in the southeast.

These parts are well known for cattle farming.

Get in

Due to the scarcity of other options, most travellers will arrive by car, either from Botswana or from the capital Windhoek. The major highways in the region are:

• the B1 that connects Windhoek to Okahandja, Otjiwarongo and Otavi, and further to Tsumeb,
• the B2 coming from the Atlantic coast towns of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund and ending in Okahandja,
• the B8 from Otavi via Grootfontein to Rundu and Katima Mulilo, and further to Zambia and Botswana

Most settlements have small airstrips, suitable for 2 and 4 seaters. There are no major airports in the region, and therefore no scheduled flights.

By train

There is a train service from Windhoek to Okahandja a few times a week. The 70-km journey starts with a 3-hour session in Windhoek's freight terminal to assemble the train which goes further to the Atlantic coast to transfer goods. It is thus hardly worth taking the train for this short distance.

By public transport

Between towns you can catch a minibus. Okahandja, Otjiwarongo, Otavi and Grootfontein are on the route of the big coaches that travel between Windhoek and Lusaka.

Get around

The B highways are tarred and in very good condition. A few C roads are tarred, too: The C33 from Karibib to Otjiwarongo, the C22 from the B1 to Okakarara, the C38 from Otjiwarongo to Outjo and the C42 from Grootfontein to Tsumeb. All other C-roads are gravel roads and in fair condition, easily passable with an ordinary sedan. Other roads (D-roads, F-roads, and those without letters or numbers) tend to be rough, sandy, heavily corrugated, and will further deteriorate after rainfall. You cannot assume that a D-road in Otjozondjupa is passable without a 4x4, particularly in the east of the region. Phone the host to inquire about the current road conditions.

Farms are private properties. Don't drive onto a farm road, even if the gate is open, unless your destination is signposted there, or you intend to visit that farm. If you open a farm gate to drive through, close it again.

See

• The Hoba meteorite is the largest known meteorite on earth that is still in one piece
• Otjihaenamparero is a dinosaur spoor preserved in sandstone

Sleep

Otjozondjupa is touristically well developed west of the B1 highway. East of it, it is almost undeveloped, with accommodation in all towns and villages, but the smaller the place the more basic the facilities.

Between the major tourist destinations there occasionally are additional options:

• 1 Düsternbrook (from the A1 between Windhoek and Okahandja, about halfway, take the Okapuka exit onto the D1499. Düsternbrook is signposted in western direction, follow the signs). 6 camping spots in a fenced camp with hot water and electricity under large trees with shade. 4 camping spots on the river bed without electricity and with little shade, but a much better view on landscape, wildlife and the stars at night. Restaurant, bar, pool and wifi, and a panoramic viewpoint over the riverbed and a water trough where the farm's wildlife congregates, including giraffes. The food is only average, unfortunately. Camping 216-246 N$ per person depending on the spot, children 4-12 years old half price. Farm drives 250 N$ per person. (updated Dec 2020)
• 2 Midgard Country Estate (on the banks of the Swakop River. From Windhoek drive the B6 towards Gobabis; turn left at the roadblock onto the D1502, and then left onto the D2102; from Okahandja drive south on the B1 and turn left onto the D2102). The estate of the List family, one of the most successful businesspeople of the country. Very generous layout that oozes style and wealth. Huge lawn area with pools, outdoor sports fields and old trees. Small car museum, short hiking trails, horse riding, bars, restaurant, billiard, bowling alley, table tennis. Good for parents who can drop their kids somewhere on the premises and enjoy the day. The lodge staff will know where they are and prevent them from doing anything stupid. Popular on Sundays for the lunch buffet, but on weekdays the place is essentially empty. Double room from 1,200 N$ per night. Groups of at least 20 people can book a train carriage at 200 N$ pppn, in this area the lodge will allow own food and drinks. Breakfast buffet 245 N$, children full price, light lunch 70-140 N$. (updated Feb 2020)
• 3 Roy's Camp (1 km (0.62 mi) off the B8, 55 km (34 mi) northeast of Grootfontein; the place is signposted). Beautiful and well-maintained accommodation with pool, bar, and restaurant. Fast Wi-fi, a curio shop, and firewood for sale. Roy's also offers trips to San living villages. Chalets and camp site. Camping spots are generously sized and have water and electricity. About half are on grass, most have shade trees. Camping 145 N$ pppn, children 75 N$. (updated Dec 2019)

Buy

• Thonningii Wine Estate (on the B8 a few kilometres east of Otavi). One of the very few vineyards of Namibia. At below 1,000 bottles per year and variety this wine might be a collectors' item. If groups visit and after prior notice, the Serbian wife of the owner prepares magnificent snacks with an oriental touch. Wine around 150 N$ per bottle. (updated Jun 2019)

Go next

Omaheke shares a border with Botswana. Domestically, the following regions of Namibia border with Otjozondjupa:

• Khomas region in the south
• Erongo region in the southwest
• Kunene region in the northwest
• Four-O region in the north
• Kavango region in the northeast
• Omaheke region in the southeast