Otavi

Otavi is an agricultural town in northern Namibia

Otavi is an agricultural town in northern Namibia set in a wooded and fertile plain beneath the magestic Otavi mountains. The name of the town is coined from the Herero word ’ondavi’ which means ‘branch of a tree’.

Otavi; Tsumeb and Grootfontein make up the area which is known as the Otavi Triangle or the Otavi Mountain land. The three towns are about 60km from each other. The geographical region is also referred to as the Golden Triangle or the Maize Triangle, which is an ode to the cultivation of maize in the area. The district was known for its mineral wealth in the past, although these resources have been depleted, it still functions as a copper-mining and farming centre. The German Army was defeated at Otavi by South African troops on 1 July 1915 and on 9 July they surrendered nearby and signed the Khorab Peace Treaty. The Khorab Memorial is a testimony to this event and is located a few miles outside the town.

Accommodation in the area is plentiful and the town is often used as a pitstop for travelers heading towards the famous Etosha National Park. Options include Dornhugel Guestfarm; Fiume Lodge and Game Farm; Gabus Game Ranch and Guest Farm Ghaub.

Dornhugel Guest Farm is lcoated about 42km from Grootfontein and is the ideal place from which to explore the wonders of the Bushmanland; Caprivi Strip and Etosha. It is set on a cattle farm that has belonged to the Beyer family since 1908. Guests can relax and enjoy the lapa area or take a dip in the swiming pool. Facilities include a library/video theatre; tennis court; open-air chess; target shooting (air gun or cross bow); croquet; telescope and lectures on Namibian farming. Guests can wine and dine on game specialities and locally grown vegetables which are served in the comfortable restaurant or outdoors on the patio. Most of the dairy products are home produced and bread and cakes are baked on the premises. Accommodation at Dornhugel is either in two single rooms which are equipped with en-suite bathrooms; ceiling fan and mosquito net or three double rooms which are larger and have twin beds and similar features as the single rooms and beds can be added for children upon request. Guests can enjoy the full experience of a working farm or explore the surrounding bushveld on a Basutu pony riding trip or enjoy a game drive in an open vehicle or hike on marked tracks and view the local flora and fauna and they might even spot the South African hedgehog; black-backed jackal; bat-eared fox; honey badger; striped polecat; African civet; yellow mongoose; aardwolf; banded mongoose and a variety of antelope.

Fiume Lodge and Game Farm is an owner managed property which is set on private game farm spanning about 1400 hectares and is located about 35km from Grootfontein. It is set amongst a large garden of thorn trees and the bushmen people and their way of life are a highlight the lodge and farm provides. A sandstone walkway leads to the main building and guests step into  the restaurant; dining room and bar from the verandah. There is WiFi access and local curios as well. Guests can enjoy a sundowner and do a spot of game viewing at the floodlit waterhole. Accommodation at Fiume is in nine stone and thatched chalets which are equipped with twin beds; en-suite bathrooms; air-conditioning; built-in cupboards and a tea/coffee station. Two of these rooms can be combined to form a family room.

Gabus Game Farm is located about 10km from Otavi and is set at the foot of the Uiseb Mountains on an area of private land spanning about 7000 hectares. It is the ideal stopover for travelers heading to the Etosha National Park; the Caprivi Strip or Owamboland. The guest farm offers a variety of game; hiking and excellent photographic opportunities. Guests can enjoy their meals in the thatched main building, a healthy breakfast is served in the restaurant or under the lapa. Dinner consists of game meat; fresh vegetables and salads and lunch can also be ordered. Vegetarians can also be catered for upon request. Accommodation at the ranch is in a selection of six rooms which are equipped with en-suite bathrooms; air-conditioning; twin beds; mosquito nets and a private verandah overlooking the floodlit waterhole. Activities at the ranch include wildlife viewing and hiking.

Ghaub Guest Farm is located in the Otavi Mountains and was built as a mission station in 1895, it was converted into a guest farm in 1999. The central area of the lodge has a cozy lounge and bar area and the large swimming pool has a canopy of palm and acacia trees where guests can relax. The guest farm has ten large rooms with high ceilings; large French doors; wooden and cane furniture; en-suite bathroom; ceiling fan; tea/coffee station; dressing table with a mirror and chair; wardrobe and electric shaver point. Majority of meals are home cooked, breakfast includes homemade bread; cold meat; cheese; juice; tea/coffee; fruit and yogurt or bacon and eggs. Lunch and dinner can be ordered from an a la carte menu.