Keetmanshoop Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, see, and eat in Keetmanshoop, Namibia. Plan your trip with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Keetmanshoop

Keetmanshoop is a charming town located in ǁKaras, Namibia, in Southern Africa. It is known for its diverse culture, scenic landscapes, and outdoor adventures. The town is named after Johann Keetman, a German industrialist who settled in the area in the 1800s. Keetmanshoop is a popular destination for tourists looking to explore the less-visited areas of Namibia. In this travel guide, we will take you through the best places to visit, things to do, and where to eat and stay in Keetmanshoop.

List of Places to Visit in Keetmanshoop

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Quiver Tree Forest: This unique forest is home to over 250 species of quiver trees, which are known for their unique shape.
  • Garub Wild Horses: Visitors can observe the wild horses that have thrived in the area for over a century.
  • Giant’s Playground: These impressive rock formations are believed to have been created over 180 million years ago.
  • The Keetmanshoop Museum: The museum showcases the history and culture of the town and surrounding areas.
  • The Bird’s Island Conservancy: Home to a variety of bird species, this conservancy is a must-see for nature lovers.

Natural Attractions of Keetmanshoop: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Fish River Canyon: Located just a short drive from Keetmanshoop, Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world and offers stunning scenic views.
  • Brukkaros Mountain: An extinct volcano that offers spectacular views of the area.
  • Mesosaurus Fossil Site: This site is home to some of the oldest fossils of Mesosaurus, an extinct reptile that lived over 250 million years ago.
  • Naute Dam: A popular spot for fishing and water sports, Naute Dam offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Kokerboom Forest: This forest is home to over 400 species of quiver trees and is known for its otherworldly feel.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Keetmanshoop

  • Brukkaros Hiking Trail: This trail takes hikers to the top of the Brukkaros Mountain, offering breathtaking views of the area.
  • The Gondwana Canyon Hiking Trail: This hiking trail takes visitors through Fish River Canyon and offers some of the best views of the canyon.
  • The Quiver Tree Hiking Trail: This trail takes visitors to the Quiver Tree Forest and offers excellent photographic opportunities.
  • The Kokerboom Hiking Trail: This trail takes visitors through the Kokerboom Forest, showcasing the unique flora of the area.
  • The Naute Dam Hiking Trail: This trail takes visitors around the Naute Dam and showcases the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Best Things to Do in Keetmanshoop: Activities and Tours

  • Horseback Riding: Take a guided horseback riding tour to explore the area.
  • Birdwatching: Take a guided tour of the Bird’s Island Conservancy to observe the diverse bird species.
  • Adventure Tours: A variety of adventure tours are available in the area, including quad biking and off-road tours.
  • Cultural Tours: Take a guided tour of the Keetmanshoop Museum to learn about the local history and culture.
  • Stargazing: The clear skies of Keetmanshoop offer excellent stargazing opportunities.

Week-Long Itinerary for Keetmanshoop

  • Day 1: Visit the Quiver Tree Forest and Garub Wild Horses.
  • Day 2: Take a cultural tour of the Keetmanshoop Museum and Giant’s Playground.
  • Day 3: Hike to the top of Brukkaros Mountain.
  • Day 4: Explore Fish River Canyon.
  • Day 5: Take a birdwatching tour of the Bird’s Island Conservancy.
  • Day 6: Visit Naute Dam and take a horseback riding tour.
  • Day 7: Explore the Kokerboom Forest and take a stargazing tour.

Food and Drink Scene of Keetmanshoop

Must-Try Dishes

  • Potjiekos: A traditional South African stew made with meat and vegetables.
  • Biltong: A dried and cured meat snack that is popular throughout southern Africa.
  • Pap: A staple food made from maize meal and served with meat or vegetables.
  • Boerewors: A type of sausage that is popular throughout southern Africa.
  • Oryx Steaks: A flavorful and lean meat that is unique to Namibia.

Local Beverages

  • Windhoek Beer: A popular Namibian beer.
  • Amarula: A creamy liquor made from the fruit of the marula tree.
  • Rooibos Tea: A caffeine-free tea that is popular throughout southern Africa.
  • Mampoer: A potent fruit brandy that is popular in Namibia.

Where to Stay in Keetmanshoop: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Keetmanshoop Hotel: A four-star hotel located in the heart of Keetmanshoop.
  • Cormorant Guest House: A comfortable guest house with excellent service.
  • Luchtmans Guesthouse: A family-run guesthouse located on a farm just outside of Keetmanshoop.
  • Quiver Inn Guesthouse: A charming guesthouse located just a short distance from the Quiver Tree Forest.
  • Naute Kristall Hotel: A hotel located near Naute Dam, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

What to Buy in Keetmanshoop: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Quiver Tree Crafts: Handcrafted souvenirs made from quiver trees.
  • Biltong: Take home some of the delicious dried and cured meat snack.
  • African Jewelry: Purchase unique and beautiful jewelry made by local artisans.
  • Namibian Wine: Sip on some of the delicious wines produced in the area.
  • Namibian Coffee: Take home some of the delicious coffee produced in Namibia.

Local Culture and Customs of Keetmanshoop

  • Handshaking: Handshaking is a common greeting in Namibia.
  • Dress Code: Namibians tend to dress conservatively, especially in rural areas.
  • Tipping: It is customary to tip 10% to 15% in restaurants and for tour guides.

Best Time to Visit Keetmanshoop

The best time to visit Keetmanshoop is during the winter months, from June to August, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Keetmanshoop

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Dress conservatively in rural areas.
  • Try the local food and drink.
  • Take guided tours to explore the area.

Don’t:

  • Leave litter in natural areas.
  • Take photographs of people without permission.
  • Disrespect local customs or traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Keetmanshoop

Keetmanshoop is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, it is important to take precautions, such as not carrying valuables and being cautious when walking alone at night.

Health in Keetmanshoop

Travelers should ensure they are up-to-date with routine vaccinations before traveling to Keetmanshoop. It is also recommended to speak with a healthcare provider about any additional vaccinations needed for the area. Travelers should also be cautious when consuming food and water to avoid traveler’s diarrhea.

Getting to Keetmanshoop: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Keetmanshoop

The closest airport to Keetmanshoop is Keetmanshoop Airport, which has limited domestic flights. The closest major airport is Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek, which is approximately 600 km away.

Bus Stations Near Keetmanshoop

Intercape buses provide daily services between Keetmanshoop and Windhoek, as well as other destinations in Namibia.

Other Options

Car rentals are available at Keetmanshoop Airport and in Windhoek. Private transfers can also be arranged through tour companies or hotels.

How to Get Around in Keetmanshoop

The most convenient way to get around in Keetmanshoop is by car. Taxis and private transfers can also be arranged through tour companies or hotels.

Where to Go Next from Keetmanshoop: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Luderitz: A coastal town known for its German architecture and diamond mining history.
  • Sossusvlei: A desert area known for its towering red sand dunes.
  • Swakopmund: A resort town known for its adventure sports and colonial-era architecture.
  • NamibRand Nature Reserve: A private nature reserve known for its stunning scenery and wildlife.
  • Etosha National Park: A national park known for its diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.

Conclusion

Keetmanshoop is a unique and beautiful destination that offers travelers the opportunity to explore the less-visited areas of Namibia. With its diverse culture and stunning landscapes, there is something for every traveler in Keetmanshoop. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your trip and make the most of your time in this charming town.

Rhenish Mission Church, 1895. Rhenish Mission Church, 1895. Quivertree Forest Quivertree Forest