Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
OMARURU
064
Omaruru's dry and dusty setting beside the shady Omaruru riverbed lends it a real outback
feel. The town has a growing reputation as an arts and crafts centre and in recent years has
become home to the Artist's Trail, an annual arts event in September; you can pick up a
free copy of the program of events around town.
The town itself is a welcoming little oasis with some great accommodation options,
good food and one of the very few wineries in the country - there's little as surreal as en-
joying a platter of meats and cheeses under trees while wine tasting in the Namibian out-
back.
Sights
Franke Tower
In January 1904 Omaruru was attacked by Herero forces under chief Manassa. German
captain Victor Franke, who had been engaged in suppressing an uprising in southern
Namibia, petitioned Governor Leutwein for permission to march north and relieve the be-
sieged town. After a 20-day, 900km march, Franke arrived in Omaruru and led the cavalry
charge, which defeated the Herero attack.
For his efforts Franke received the highest German military honours, and in 1908 the
grateful German residents of Omaruru erected the Franke Tower in his honour. The tower,
which was declared a national monument in 1963, holds a historical plaque and affords a
view over the town. It's normally locked, though if you want to climb it you can pick up a
key at the Central Hotel.
HISTORIC SITE
Kristall Kellerei Winery
( 570083; 8am-4.30pm Mon-Fri, to 12.30pm Sat)
One of only three wineries in
Namibia, this is a lovely spot to come for lunch. In the afternoon you can enjoy light
meals - cheese and cold-meat platters (N$70) - while tasting their wines and other
products. Sit out in the garden full of works of art and enjoy a platter over a glass of Nam-
ibian wine. Apart from schnapps the winery produces Colombard, a white wine, and
Paradise Flycatcher, a red blend of Ruby Cabernet, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tinta Ba-
rocca. The winery is 4km east of town on the D2328.
WINERY
