Grootfontein and vicinity

The Old Fortress Museum is worth a visit! It was built in 1896, and today houses an interesting collection on the diverse regional history (San-bushman and Himba ethnologies, colonial history, geology and wildlife).

Livestock auctions take place just outside Grootfontein. Buy a Brahman bull! Try local food, talk to farmers or just silently enjoy the busy scene from the stand. 

In late September the Grootfontein Show, an annual agricultural exhibition with local festivities takes place.

A drive to Umulunga township gives an intersting insight into the daily African life. Omulunga (Oshiwambo for Makalani palm tree fruit) is full of surprises. Get to know the people!

Makalani palm tree landscape 

Just southeast of Grootfontein thousands and thousands of Makalani palm trees decorate the countryside. The palm tree has Makalani fruits. They can be collected and fermented into a traditional drink called Ombike. Decorative patterns can be carved into the hard inner kernel. Because of its colour it is also known as "plant ivory".

Hoba Meteorite

On the farm Hoba one of the largest meteorites ever found is situated. It weighs over 50 tons and measures about 3m x 3m. It hit the ground here some 80 000 years ago and can be visited daily.

Ghaub-caves 

In 1914 the Ghaub-caves were first mentioned in geological surveys. They were (re-)discovered on the farm Ghaub, which was a mission station back then. The Dragon's Breath Hole on farm Harasib is a cave which contains the words largest underground lake! The lake is some 66m underneath ground level and has a size of 3 football fields. It was discovered in 1986.

San-Villages 

Learn how to make a fire with wood and dry grass only. Visits to the San communities are very popular.

Etosha National Park

A day trip to the animal rich Etosha pan (Oshiwambo for "great white place) is strongly recommended. Etosha is probably more spectacular than the Kruger National Park.