Keetmanshoop

Location And Geography

With an area of 524 square kilometres, Keetmanshoop is located in Southern Namibia, close to the border with South Africa. It is the capital of the Karas Region and is situated in a valley surrounded by the hills of the Great Escarpment.

 The city is located about 500 kilometres south of Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, and is situated on the banks of the intermittent Keetmanshoop River. The surrounding area is characterized by semi-arid grassland and scrubland, with rocky outcrops and hills. The Keetmanshoop Weather is hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C in the summer months.

When To Visit Keetmanshoop

The overall Best Time To Visit Keetmanshoop is during the cooler months of April to August, but even if you miss this time, you can plan your Keetmanshoop tour in other months. Here is month-by-month data,

January to March

These are the hottest month in Keetmanshoop, with the temperature exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. This is also the rainy season, so may see life coming to the desert.

April to May

 The temperatures begin to cool down during these months, making it a more pleasant time to visit. The landscape is still lush and green from the rains, and you may be able to see migratory birds.

June to August

These are the winter months in Keetmanshoop, with cooler temperatures, especially at night. This is a good time for outdoor activities, such as hiking and exploring, as the heat is not as intense.

September to October

 The temperatures begin to rise again during these months, and it can be quite hot during the day. However, the landscape is still beautiful, and the wildflowers start to bloom, making it a good time for nature photography.

November to December

These are the hottest months again, and temperatures can be extreme. However, this is also a good time for stargazing, as the skies are clear and the stars are bright.

Getting In And Around Keetmanshoop

You can get into the Keetmanshoop in three different ways. By car, by car and by bus.

By Air

The closest international airport to Keetmanshoop is Hosea Kutako International Airport, which will take you 4 to 5 hours to drive from Keetmanshoop. Although Keetmanshoop has its airport, Keetmanshoop Airport, there are limited flights to and from this airport.

By Road

Visitors can reach Keetmanshoop by road. Visitors can self-drive to this city, by renting a car from local car rental companies. The main road that passes through, Keetmanshoop is B1, which connects Windhoek to Cape Town. Visitors on Keetmanshoop Tour also have the option to use a taxi or ride-sharing service such as Uber.

Several bus companies operate in Namibia, including Intercape, Greyhound, and TransNamib. These companies offer routes that pass through Keetmanshoop, and you can book tickets online or at their offices.

To get around, Keetmanshoop, you can use a car or taxi. Surprisingly, many attractions in Keetmanshoop are within walking distance, so you can discover them on foot.

Wildlife In And Around Keetmanshoop

Keetmanshoop is not a premier wildlife destination in Namibia. But that does not mean, you can’t spot any wildlife on a Keetmanshoop Tour. You can visit the nearby national parks, and other famous destinations, where you can spot the wildlife and birdlife

Quiver tree forest:

This unique forest is home to thousands of quiver trees, a type of aloe plant that can grow up to 10 meters tall. The quiver tree is an important source of food and shelter for many animals, including birds, insects, and small mammals.

Kokerboom forest:

This forest is another unique and beautiful natural attraction in the area, featuring hundreds of Kokerboom trees, which are also a type of aloe plant.

Naute Dam:

This large dam is a popular spot for fishing, birdwatching, and boating. It is home to a variety of fish species and water birds, including flamingos and pelicans.

Sperrgebiet National Park:

This park is located about 100 kilometres south of Keetmanshoop and is home to a variety of wildlife, including the rare Hartmann's zebra, oryx, and desert-adapted elephant.

Gondwana Canyon Park:

This park is located about 200 kilometres south of Keetmanshoop and is home to a variety of wildlife, including mountain zebras, kudu, and klipspringers. It is also home to the Fish River Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world.

There are also several private game reserves in the area where visitors can see a variety of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, and giraffes. These reserves offer guided tours and safaris, as well as accommodation options ranging from camping to luxury lodges.

People And Culture In Keetmanshoop

Keetmanshoop has a population of approximately 22,000 people and is home to a diverse range of cultures and ethnicities. The most prominent cultural groups in Keetmanshoop are the Nama and the Damara, who make up a significant proportion of the population.

The Nama people are indigenous to the area and have a rich cultural history that dates back thousands of years. They are known for their distinctive traditional dress, which includes brightly coloured fabrics and intricate beadwork. The Nama are also known for their unique language, which is a member of the Khoisan family of languages.

The Damara people are also indigenous to the region and have their own unique culture and language. They are known for their traditional music, which includes a variety of instruments such as the omulunga (a type of thumb piano) and the otjihimba (a type of horn).

In addition to these indigenous cultures, Keetmanshoop is also home to a diverse range of other ethnic groups, including people of European and African descent. The city has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with many festivals and events throughout the year that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Overall, the people and culture of Keetmanshoop are diverse and vibrant, reflecting the rich history and heritage of the region.

Adventures Activities In Keetmanshoop

Keetmanshoop offers a variety of outdoor adventure activities. Here are some of the adventure activities that you can do in Keetmanshoop Tours.

Hiking

Several hiking trails in the area offer great views of the surrounding landscape. Some popular hiking trails include the Quiver Tree Forest Hiking Trail, the Brukkaros Hiking Trail, and the Kokerboom Hiking Trail.

Rock climbing

The Brukkaros Mountain is a popular spot for rock climbing. The mountain is located about 50 km east of Keetmanshoop and offers challenging climbs for experienced climbers.

4x4 Off-Road Tours

 Take an off-road adventure through the Namibian desert and witness some of the most awe-inspiring sights that Namibia has to offer.

Stargazing

 With its clear night skies, Keetmanshoop is a great place for stargazing. You can head out to a remote location and enjoy the incredible display of stars that light up the Namibian night sky.

Birdwatching:

Avid bird watchers can visit the Quiver Tree Forest and Naute Dam, on their Keetmanshoop City Tour. These two places are great for spotting a variety of bird species.

Mountain biking:

There are several great mountain biking trails in and around Keetmanshoop. Some popular trails include the Quiver Tree Forest Mountain Bike Trail and the Brukkaros Mountain Bike Trail.

Wildlife safari:

You can take a safari tour to the nearby Kalahari Desert, where you can spot a variety of wildlife including cheetahs, leopards, lions, and many more.

Horseback riding:

Horseback riding is a popular activity in the area. You can take a guided horseback ride through the Quiver Tree Forest or along the Fish River Canyon.

Overall, Keetmanshoop is a great place for adventure lovers, with a variety of outdoor activities to choose from.

Attractions In And Around Keetmanshoop

This coastal city, Keetmanshoop boasts some of the most attractions. You can visit Quiver Tree forests or you can visit Keetmanshoop museum and learn the history and culture of Keetmanshoop. There is always something interesting you can see during your Tour in Keetmanshoop.

Keetmanshoop Museum-

This museum offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the town and the surrounding area. And it exhibits the traditional costumes, tools, and artifacts as well as information about the local flora and fauna.

Mesosaurus Fossil Site-

Located 46 kilometers northwest of Keetmanshoop, Mesosaurus features fossils of Mesosaurus, a reptile species that lived about 270, millions year ago.

Quiver Tree Forests -

Located about 13 kilometres northeast of Keetmanshoop, this unique forest features, hundreds of quiver trees, that grow up to 9 meters high. This place offers stunning photographic opportunities, especially during sunset.

Quiver Tree Forest is also known as National Namibian Monument.

 Giant’s Playground -

The geological formation consists of large diorite boulders. These boulders look like a puzzle. Visitors are free to climb on them and take photographs. Giant’s playground is 14 km away from Keetmanshoop.

Garas Park -

Gara's park is home to the largest collection of giant succulents, the Hoodia in the world. This park has several hiking trails and picnic spots.

Naute Dam-

Naute Dam is the third largest dam in Namibia and is popular for fishing, boating and bird-watching.  This dam is located about 40 km west of Keetmanshoop.

Things To Do In Keetmanshoop

Well, there are many Things To Do In Namibia during your Keetmanshoop Tour. Either you can go for a scenic walk or you can walk around, the city an explore the city’s historic buildings.

Visit the local farms

Keetmanshoop is surrounded by farms that produce a variety of crops, including grapes, melons, and dates. You can take a tour of these local farms and learn about framing practices in the region.

Take a walking tour of the town

Keetmanshoop has several historic buildings and landmarks that you can explore on foot. Some notable sights include Christ Church, the Lutheran Church and Renish Mission Church.

Visit the Garas Park Rest Camp

If you love hiking and camping, visit the Garas Rest Camp. This park is located 20 km north of Keetmanshoop. This park is home to several quiver trees as well as other wildlife species like baboons and kudu.

Visit the Naute Kristall Cellar and Distillery

This winery is a little bit outside of Keetmanshoop, but it is worth the trip. The winery produces a range of wines and spirits and offers tastings and tours.

Cultural Festivals In Keetmanshoop

Keetmanshoop Cultural Festival: This festival celebrates the cultural diversity of the people of Keetmanshoop. The festival usually takes place in October and features traditional dances, music, food, and craft exhibitions.

Nama Cultural Festival: This festival celebrates the Nama culture and takes place annually in August. It is a colourful event that features traditional dances, music, and food.

Herero Day: This event celebrates the Herero people's culture and heritage and takes place on the last Sunday of August. It features a parade of traditional Herero attire, dances, and music.

!Nami#nus Cultural Festival: This festival celebrates the cultural heritage of the!Nami#nus people, who are the indigenous people of the area. It takes place annually in September and features traditional dances, music, and food.

Karas Trade Fair: This event showcases the cultural and economic activities of the Karas region, where Keetmanshoop is located. It takes place annually in May and features exhibitions of local products, traditional dances, and music.

Where To Stay In Keetmanshoop

Keetmanshoop offers an array of accommodation options such as safari lodges, game lodges, bush camps, guest houses, backpackers’ apartments and self-catering Accommodation In Keetmanshoop.

Here are some of our top recommended lodges and hotels you can choose on your Keetmanshoop Tours.

Quiver Tree Forest Rest Camp

Located on an active farm, the Quiver Tree Forest Rest Camp offers a choice of accommodation. This camp has 2 guest houses with a lounge with a minibar. And, this Quiver Tree Forest Rest Camp offers self-catering services.

Canyon Hotel

Canyon Hotel offers 70- air-conditioned rooms each with ensuite bathrooms. All rooms have a fridge, tea/coffee/facilities with telephone and TV services.

This hotel also offers a restaurant, coffee shop, private cocktail bar, braai area, swimming pools and children’s playground.

Maritz Country Lodge

Maritz country lodge has 16 bungalows with Air-conditioning, with all basic facilities including television services. This lodge also features camping and self-catering facilities.

While during your stay in this lodge, you can dine in the restaurant or take a dive in the swimming pool and make yourself refreshed at the bar. This lodge also features a conference room.

Central Lodge Keetmanshoop

Central Lodge Keetmanshoop offers 27 spacious rooms, all equipped with ensuite bathrooms, air-conditioning and telephonic services.

And, this lodge also features 4 luxury rooms each equipped with spa baths)

A Comprehensive Travel Requirement For Keetmanshoop

Every destination has its travel requirements, and Keetmanshoop is no different. Before you keep your backpack ready for Keetmanshoop Tour, here are some Namibia Travel Requirements you need to know.

Travel insurance: While not required, it is recommended that travellers have travel insurance to cover unexpected medical expenses or trip cancellations.

Currency: The currency in Namibia is the Namibian dollar (NAD). It is recommended that travellers bring cash in the form of US dollars or euros to exchange in Namibia.

Transportation: Keetmanshoop can be reached by car or bus from Windhoek or other nearby cities. If you plan to rent a car, you will need a valid driver's license and should be prepared to drive on the left side of the road.

Accommodation: Book your Namibia Accommodations in advance, especially if you are travelling during peak season, as popular accommodations may book up quickly.

Climate: Keetmanshoop has a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Be sure to pack accordingly with sunscreen, a hat, and lightweight clothing.

Language: The official language in Namibia is English, but many locals also speak Afrikaans and local tribal languages.

Customs: Be respectful of the local customs and traditions in Namibia, including dress codes at religious sites and traditional villages.

A Day In Keetmanshoop -What You Can Explore

For travellers, who don’t have enough days to spend in Keetmanshoop, they can explore a lot in this city, even in a day. You can visit the Keetmanshoop Museum, or take a stroll around the town’s marketplace or buildings.

After visiting these, if you got enough time on your hand, you can visit the Quiver Tree Forest, where you can capture a stunning sunset. For those who’re in a hurry, even a day is enough, to explore this tiny yet beautiful city.

From Giant’s Playground to Quiver Tree Forest, Keetmanshoop has to discover. No matter how many days you spend on Namibia Safaris, make sure do this city to your itinerary.

This cultural and historical city offers unique experiences to travellers. Just With a warm climate and friendly people, this city is worth visiting. Book your Keetmanshoop Tours with us and discover what this tiny city beholds.