Grootfontein Accommodation

Grootfontein

Namibia is best known for the Namib Desert, Sossusvlei and towering sand dunes, but in the Otjozondjupa region situated in the North-east of Namibia you will find the town of Grootfontein. Unusually for Namibia, Grootfontein has a lush green environment. The town is situated 1,430m above sea level and has a good tropical climate, this being one of the reasons that it is blessed with an annual rainfall of 500mm and higher. Purple, blue, red and green hues transform this little town into a lush paradise in summer when the Jacaranda trees blossom. Many travellers pass through Grootfontein, and often they are enticed to stay a bit longer to rest and refresh themselves before continuing on their journey.

The town's original Herero name was Otjiwanda Tjongue which means leopard's crest, as the area has a high density of these agile cats. Before it was known as Herero the San and Damara Nama groups named the area Gei-/ous which translates as large spring or fountain, where todays Afrikaans name come from, Grootfontein. The area is abundantly endowed with wild game from the Damara Dik-Dik (the smallest antelope) to the Eland (the largest antelope.) Smaller predators such as the South African Lynx and Jackals, while Cheetahs and Leopards are sometimes spotted by famers in the vicinity. Wild birds and pigeons, including some of the most beautiful weaver- species in the world and guinea-fowl make Grootfontein a must-visit for birdwatchers.

Today the town still functions as a transport hub for timber products arriving from Kavango-inhabited areas farther to the northeast, while copper and lead which are mined west of Grootfontein are smelted at Tsumeb. Local industries around Grootfontein produce meat, dairy products, sorghum, peanuts, sunflowers and leather goods.

Grootfontein is the gateway to the north-eastern areas and towns of Namibia, but Grootfontein not only offers historic sites and the lush green peaceful atmosphere, but also some world renowned tourist attractions.

Grootfontein is home to the Hoba Meteorite which was discovered by Jacobus Hermanus Brits in the 1920's on the farm Hoba, 19 km from Grootfontein. It is the world largest meteorite and weighs 60 tonnes. It was declared a national monument in March 1955.

The Das Alte Fort Museum is situated in a prominent position atop a hill in Grootfontein. The Old Fort was originally a Schutztruppe (the African colonial armed force of Imperial Germany) fortress built in 1896, while the tower was added in 1904. The Fort, housing the museum, was declared a national monument in 1975.

The Baobab Tree, is located on the Farm Keibeb, which is about 60km north of Grootfontein on the Maanlig (moon light) road. With a trunk circumference of 18,5 meters and branches up to 12 meters long, this Baobab Trees is an awesome sight towering over the surrounding bush.

The Ghaub Cave is located on the historical Farm Ghaub. The cave entrance is literally a hole in the ground. The Gaub Cave System does not have the large and dramatic Stalactite and Stalagmite formations like those in the Cango caves near Outdshoorn but there are many unusual, attractive and interesting geological features that will satisfy even the most seasoned of cave enthusiasts.