The name Omaruru means 'bitter milk' in the local Otjiherero language - their cattle used to browse on a local bush which turned their milk bitter.

Omaruru was established in 1863 by Wilhelm Zeraua, the first chief of the White Flag clan of the OvaHerero people. In 1871 Anders Ohlsson and Axel Eriksson established a brewery at Omaruru; Eriksson also established a trading post, which flourished thanks to long distance trading between southern Angola and the Cape Colony.

The town also grew thanks to a mission built in 1872 by Gottlieb Viehe; this was attacked in 1904 during the Herero Wars and is today a museum. Franke Tower was later erected to commemorate the relief of the local garrison by Hauptmann Victor Franke's troops, the garrison was beleaguered by Herero tribesmen who'd risen up against the German colonial presence. Interestingly, descendants of Lothar von Trotha and the Von Trotha family travelled to Omaruru in October 2007 by invitation of the royal Herero chiefs and publicly apologised for Von Trotha’s role in the Herero genocide.

Von Trotha was governor of German South West Africa and Commander-in-Chief of its colonial forces, in which role he suppressed a native rebellion during the Herero Wars. He was widely condemned for his brutality in the Herero Wars,
particularly for his role in the genocide that led to the near-extermination of the Herero.

Omaruru is a quaint and tourist-friendly town, there's lots of accommodation here as well as on surrounding guest farms.
The town is situated on the Omaruru River which is usually dry; despite this Omaruru appears quite lush and green due to an abundant groundwater supply. In fact, the town receives all its water from boreholes along the Omaruru River. This town is both the commercial centre for the surrounding cattle and game farms, and an excellent springboard for touring the nearby Erongo Mountains. It's an interesting place with some artistic inhabitants making chocolates, cheese and wine as well as various forms of art and carvings. The main road boasts a couple of excellent coffee shops and restaurants - this welcoming town offers all the services that a traveller may need.

ACCOMMODATION:
Omaruru is a quaint and tourist-friendly town, there’s lots of accommodation here as well as on surrounding guest farms.

ATTRACTIONS:
Nearby attractions include dinosaur footprints on a farm north-east of town, Paula’s Cave with rock art south-west of town as well as the popular Erindi Private Game Reserve east of Omaruru. Historical points of interest in town include the Rhenish Mission House which has been transformed into the town museum, and Franke Tower.

ANNUAL FESTIVAL:
Omaruru is known for its annual festival when the Hereros commemorate their past chiefs.

BANKING:
Are 3 banks including Standard Bank FNB and the Bank Windhoek, with ATMS in town. (Jul-16).

CELLULAR INFO:
Main network is MTC. (Jul-16).

CLIMATE:
The rainy season is basically from January-April, with little Rains in November.

FUEL:
All types of petrol is available in Omaruru.
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 accepted at most fuel stops in the larger and touristy towns. Just always take extra cash with in case they only accept cash!

GAS REFILLS:
Gas refill is available at Agra and Spar.

SHOPS & SERVICES:
The main road boasts a couple of excellent coffee shops and restaurants - this welcoming town offers all the services that a traveller may need.

There is a Spar and an Agra. Omaruru Spar is a well supplied super-market with bakery / butchery / wine and malt / coffee bar, also camping DIY shop. Banks -FNB / Bank Windhoek / Standard Bank.

There is no embassy in Omaruru.
Tourist Information Office: none. (Jul-16).

TOW-INS:
Another tow-in company available is Pitbull tow-in their number is +264(0)81 311 8318.

TYRES:
Tyre sales are at Shell. (May-14)

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