Located in
Namibia :: South Namibia
:: Keetmanshoop
Category:
Places :: Town
BEFORE THE EUROPEAN missionaries arrived, the Nama settlement here was known as Swartmodder (‘black mud’) which refers to the mud found at a nearby spring. In 1860, some 75 years after the appearance of the first white settler, the Rhenish Missionary Society started a mission here. They named it after a director in the society and someone who provided financial support, one Johann Keetman. These days Keetmanshoop is the economic centre of the Southern Namibia region, it’s also an important hub for Karakul sheep farming and houses a number of government offices.
Traveller DescriptionYou’ll find Keetmanshoop situated at an important junction, where the B1 (which bisects the country longitudinally) meets
the B4, which accesses Lüderitz and the coast to the west. Keetmanshoop can serve as a comfortable base for visiting
attractions both further afield, like Ai-Ais National Park and Brukkaros crater, or nearby - the quiver tree forests, Naute
Dam and the Mesosaurus fossil site to name but three.
It’s also worthwhile spending a few hours in town. You’ll find the Keetmanshoop Museum in the Rhenish Mission Church
whose unique combination of Gothic architecture cast in African stone makes it one of the architectural masterpieces of
the country. Don’t forget to look in on the old post office and the old train station too. Thanks to its size, Keetmanshoop
offers just about every service that a travel-weary overlander might need.
Address : | South Namibia, Namibia | ||
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Cellphone Reception : | Good | Main Cellular Network : | MTC. LEO |
Facilities : | Shops, General Dealer |
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Police Telephone : | +264(0)63 221 833 |
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Hospital Telephone : | +264(0)63 220 9000 |
Doctor Telephone : | +264(0)63 226 111 |
Tourist Information Telephone : | +264(0)63 221 266 |
Towing Service Telephone : | +264(0)63 222 119 / +264(0)81 311 8318 |
Petrol Type : | ULP/LRP |
Other Facilities : | Auto Specialist Service. Court. School/s. Fire Brigade. Traffic Police. Government Services. |
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Night Drives, Tours and Excursions, Golf | |
Notes on Activities : | (Some activities may be offered nearby). |
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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!
HEALTHCARE:
The private doctors are Dr Jacobs and Oberholzer.
GAS:
Gas is refilled at Megabuild. You pay at Megabuild, the entrance for refilling is between Megabuild and Total.
SHOPS & SERVICES:
There is a Spar in town.
There’s a number of department stores in town as well as a couple of banks.
TOW-INS:
Extra tow-in number are +264(0)81 124 7141 or +264(0)81 127 8582 or +264(0)81 128 9583.
The Giants Playground, some 20 km outside town is well worth a visit especially if you appreciate interesting rock formations.