Keetmanshoop.
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Overview

Keetmanshoop is the capital of the ǁKaras region of southern Namibia. It's one of the main stopping points on the B1 between Windhoek and South Africa. Referred to in Namibia as Keetmans. At first, Keetmanshoop (pronounced keet-man-swoop), may seem like not much more than a quick stopover. The main reason for stopping at all is to refill on gas and check your tires (the dry, hot asphalt of the highway can make tires pop), but there is in fact much more to this town if you get the chance to discover it, either out of your own volition, or because your car breaks down.

An old German town, Keetmanshoop features a cinema, multiple restaurants, an impressive library, and easy access to some of the most visually stunning landscapes this side of the border.

Get in

By bus Long distance coaches pass through Keetmans on a regular basis on their way between Windhoek and South Africa. Unfortunately the north-bound trip from South Africa arrives at a nasty hour of the morning.

By combie Combies (shared taxis) travel regularly to Keetmans from various places in Namibia, including Windhoek, Lüderitz and Mariental. Combies also arrive in Keetmans from South Africa. There are also private shuttles that provide transport to and from Keetmanshoop.

By train Keetmanshoop is 10 hours by overnight mixed train (seats only, no sleepers) from Windhoek. The bus is a much better option.

See

Keetmanshoop Museum. Housed in the Rhenish Mission Church, a historic monument and well-known landmark. The church was built in 1895 in a Gothic architectural style, cast in African stone.

Keetmanshoop Dutch Reformed Church. Historic church.

Quiver tree forest. A 2 hectares protected area with about 200 quiver trees (Aloe dichotoma). The Giant's Playground, an area with millions of boulders that look like stacked on purpose, is another 3 km to the north-east. Worth a visit. Both are perfect for scenic photos and make the area around Keetmanshoop more than just an overnight-stay. If you want to save on the fee, there are quiver trees all over the place, some freely accessible, and there is a much larger quiver tree forest north-west of Keetmanshoop.

Do

Trek Best place to organize a trek through the Fish River Canyon Park. #24 Luchtenstein st., around the corner to the north from the petrol station where the bus stops. Look for the sign on the station window. Staff can organize transport to the Fish River Lodge, where a 5 day hike in the canyon is available.

Buy

The town has outfitters, a hardware store, and auto parts stores.

FNB First National Bank. mastercard visa card atm.

Eat

Uschie's A humble, friendly, portly eatery near the main road into town, Uschie's is run by an old German couple. The restaurant offers a huge number of different hamburgers, all delicious. Just as massive (and famous in South Africa) are the Greek salads.

Central Lodge. The meals are good value for money, even the light meals are quite big.

Mar Cella's Foods. Restaurant, bar, and take-away. The food is only average.

Drink

Naute Kristall Cellar and Distillery. The distillery produces white wine and spirits like gin, rum, grappa with a Namibian twist: Devil’s Claw flavour. They offer tastings and a restaurant that serves light lunches, coffee, cake and juices. If you can't make the detour, the products are also available in larger liquor stores in larger cities.

Sleep

The Golden Rule Self Catering & Accommodation for Guests. single/double room with own bathroom.

Urban Life Keetmanshoop Accommodation. single/double room with own bathroom.

Canyon Hotel. A nice, if somewhat dated, motel with pool and dining.

Quivertree Forest Rest Camp. Rooms and a camp site. Swimming pool, WiFi, and drinks for sale at the reception, nice shaded area. Two cheetahs in captivity if you like this sort of thing. The camp site is functional and well maintained, with running water and AC power at every spot. But the place is not particularly nice. There is essentially no shade, and it is situated directly at the gravel road which brings noise and dust throughout the day.

Bernice Bed and Breakfast. single/double rooms.

Hotel Schützenhaus. The oldest German club in Africa, established in 1907. Now turned into a guesthouse.

Seeheim Hotel. Impressive hotel in the middle of nowhere, or actually, at an important railway junction. In the days of the diamond rush (started 1908) travellers to Lüderitz had to stay overnight to change trains, that's why the hotel was built. Bar and restaurant, both slightly overpriced. The menu is not very creative, toast with something or chips with something. There is a campsite with small trees and little shade, a bit neglected. Light is available, no power sockets. There is a small petrol station right on the campsite, and a small but deep pool. Wi-Fi is available near the bar but the owner asks that it is not used in the bar... rightfully so.