HISTORICALLY, GROOTFONTEIN WAS KNOWN to the Herero people as Otjivanda (the place of leopards) and to the Nama as Gei-ous (the big spring). However, in 1885 a group of families from northwest South Africa settled here and referred to it as Grootfontein which means Great Spring. Today this is the centre of a large cattle farming community with mining also prevalent in the area. Grootfontein used to house an important military base in the time when the South African Defence Force was still active in Namibia. The area has a relatively good summer rainfall and turns into a lush paradise of green, purple, blue and red hues as the Jacaranda and Flamboyant trees bloom.

The section of Namibia around Grootfontein, Otavi and Tsumeb is often referred to as the Otavi Triangle. Grootfontein is a well-developed town which forms the gateway to the north-eastern parts of Namibia. The town offers a variety of good accommodation and is the ideal stop-over for travellers heading for the Kavango and Zambezi regions, it offers both medical services and mechanical repairs.

Grootfontein is best known for being situated 20km from the Hoba Meteorite - the largest known meteorite on Earth. The Ghaub Cave on the Guest Farm of the same name is well worth a visit, as is a Baobab tree with a trunk circumference of 18.5m and branches of up to 12m on the farm Keibeb, 60km north of Grootfontein on the D2848. This tree is romantically known as Tree 1063. In town the old German Schutztruppe fort houses a museum which expounds on local history.

FUEL:
Take note: Garage or Petrol cards will no longer be accepted as a legal tender for purchase of fuel, spares or repairs in Namibia.
Cash, Debit and Credit cards are legal payment instruments, but many fuel stations choose NOT to accept Debit and/or Credit cards. But generally credit cards are accepted at garages in bigger and touristy towns. Take extra cash with still in case!

GAS REFILL:
Gas refill as done at the Agri.

HEALTHCARE:
There is a state and private hospital in Grootfontein. State Hospital Number is +264(0)67 248 150 or +264(0)67 248 152.

SHOPS & SERVICES:
Number for the Vobaco Pharmacy in +264(0)67 242 728. Another pharmacy in town is Mediwise +264 (0)67 240 045.

Spar is the place to shop, it offers bakery, butchery, coffee shop and good selection of fresh produce.

TOW-INS:
Tow-in services landline is +264(0)67 242 556 (Blitz Paneelkloppers, contact name is Rina de Jager). Another Tow-in service number is Fickie's Bodywork and Panelbeaters: +264 (0)67 243 599.

TYRES:
There is a Trentyre in town with after hours service +264(0)81 295 7598.

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