 Lake
Otjikoto, Tsumeb, Hoba Metorit & Otavi
accommodation, activities...
Lake
Otjikoto
Just North of Tsumeb
on the raod to Etosha lies Lake Otjikoto (oTjikoto –
deep hole).
This lake is the water
supply for the town of Tsumeb. In 1914 the Germans threw weapons
 and
wagons in the lake. Most of them can still be seen in the Tsumeb
museum.
Tsumeb
The name Tsumeb derives
from the Herero language (oTjisume, place of the algae). It goes back
to the green copper ore in the area. Other people say that the San
called this place “sumeb” before.
The area around Tsumeb-Otavi-Grootfontein is also known as the copper
triangle.
While in Tsumeb don’t forget to visit the museum in town!
The mining town of Tsumeb is also known for its fine gardens where
Jacaranda, Poinciana and Bougainvillea grow in abundance. Mining
(copper, zinc, silver, cadmium, jewels… and about 184 different minerals)
started here in 1900. The mine closed down in the 90ies of the last
century. Many people left Tsumeb in search of work. Just after the
millennium the mining company was founded again. A few mines in the
area brought back some hope for the people of Tsumeb.
Hoba Meteorit
This meteorite can be
seen near Grootfontein.
Otavi
The surroundings of
Otavi (streaming water) is reach in minerals. Copper, zinc, cadmium,
vanadium etc. occur. Mining however has ceased in the area. This
little town with Otavi mountains in the background (2.149m) has a
plenty of water and fertile soils.
In former times Herero, San and Owambo were arguing about the area.
The grave of Herero chief Nandavetu reminds you of an unsettled
history. Just a few kilometers outside Otavi you come across Khorab
memorial, where the German troops were capitulating on July 19, 1915. |
Tourism offers
map 9 all offers
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