Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
LAKE OTJIKOTO
In May 1851 explorers Charles John Andersson and Francis Galton stumbled across the unusual
Lake Otjikoto
(admission N$25; 8am-6pm summer, to 5pm winter)
. The name of the lake is Herero for 'deep hole' and its
waters fill a limestone sinkhole measuring 100m by 150m, reaching depths of 55m. Interestingly, Lake Otjikoto
and nearby Lake Guinas are the only natural lakes in Namibia, and they're also the only known habitats of the un-
usual mouth-brooding cichlid fish. These fish are psychedelic in appearance - ranging from dark green to bright
red, yellow and blue - and are believed by biologists to eschew camouflage due to the absence of predators in this
isolated environment. It's thought that these fish evolved from tilapia (bream) washed into the lake by ancient
floods.
In 1915 the retreating German army dumped weaponry and ammunition into the lake to prevent it from falling
into South African hands. It's rumoured that they jettisoned five cannons, 10 cannon bases, three Gatling guns and
between 300 and 400 wagonloads of ammunition. Some of this stuff was salvaged in 1916 at great cost and effort
by the South African army, the Tsumeb Corporation and the National Museum of Namibia. In 1970 divers dis-
covered a Krupp ammunition wagon 41m below the surface; it's on display at the Owela Museum in Windhoek.
In 1977 and 1983 two more ammunition carriers were salvaged as well as a large cannon, and are now on display
at the Tsumeb Mining Museum.
Lake Otjikoto is located 25km north of Tsumeb along the B1, and there are signs marking the turn-off. Note
that the entry to the lake is just past the sign for it (about 100m) coming from Etosha. Although the site is undeve-
loped, there is a ticket booth, an adjacent car park and several small kiosks selling cold drinks and small snacks,
as well as quite a bit of shade. While treasure seekers have been known to don scuba gear and search the lake un-
der cover of night, diving (and swimming for that matter) is presently forbidden.
Sleeping & Eating
Travel North Namibia Guesthouse $$
( 220728;
http://natron.net/tnn/index.htm
; Sam Nujoma Dr; s/d N$365/480;
GUESTHOUSE
)
This budget guesthouse is a wonderful spot if you're counting your Nam dollars. It's a
fantastically friendly place delivering decent, good value accommodation. Rooms are a bit
old-fashioned and some of the decor wouldn't look out of place at grandma's, but it's well
kept and well run. The smallish beds still have enough life left to ensure a good night's
snooze.
BACKPACKERS
Mousebird Backpackers & Safaris $
( 221777; 533 4th St; campsite per person N$90, dm/tw N$120/380; )
Tsumeb's
long-standing backpacker spot continues to stay true to its roots, offering economical ac-
