Keetmanshoop is the capital of the ǁKaras region of southern Namibia. It's one of the main stopping points on the B1 between Windhoek and South Africa. Referred to in Namibia as Keetmans. At first, Keetmanshoop (pronounced keet-man-swoop), may seem like not much more than a quick stopover. The main reason for stopping at all is to refill on gas and check your tires (the dry, hot asphalt of the highway can make tires pop), but there is in fact much more to this town if you get the chance to discover it, either out of your own volition, or because your car breaks down.
An old German town, Keetmanshoop features a cinema, multiple restaurants, an impressive library, and easy access to some of the most visually stunning landscapes this side of the border.
Get in
By bus
Long distance coaches pass through Keetmans on a regular basis on their way between Windhoek and South Africa. Unfortunately the north-bound trip from South Africa arrives at a nasty hour of the morning.
By combie
Combies (shared taxis) travel regularly to Keetmans from various places in Namibia, including Windhoek, Lüderitz and Mariental. Combies also arrive in Keetmans from South Africa. There are also private shuttles that provide transport to and from Keetmanshoop.
By train
Keetmanshoop is 10 hours by overnight mixed train (seats only, no sleepers) from Windhoek. The bus is a much better option.
- 🌍 Keetmanshoop railway station.
Get around
See
- 🌍 Keetmanshoop Museum. Housed in the Rhenish Mission Church, a historic monument and well-known landmark. The church was built in 1895 in a Gothic architectural style, cast in African stone.
- 🌍 Keetmanshoop Dutch Reformed Church. Historic church.
- Giant's Playground and Quivertree Forest on Gariganus farm (for contact detail consult the "Sleep" section) are worth a visit. Both are perfect for scenic photos and make the area around Keetmanshoop more than just an overnight-stay.
Do
- Trek Best place to organize a trek through the Fish River Canyon Park. #24 Luchtenstein st., around the corner to the north from the petrol station where the bus stops. Look for the sign on the station window. Staff can organize transport to the Fish River Lodge, where a 5 day hike in the canyon is available.
Buy
The town has outfitters, a hardware store, and auto parts stores.
- FNB First National Bank, Hampie Plichta Avenue. 24 hours atm.. mastercard visa card atm.
- Shoprite Supermarket, 5th Avenue old Mutual Center. 08.00-18.00. lower prices.
Eat
- Uschie's A humble, friendly, portly eatery near the main road into town, Uschie's is run by an old German couple. The restaurant offers a huge number of different hamburgers, all delicious. Just as massive (and famous in South Africa) are the Greek salads.
- 🌍 Central Lodge, 5th Avenue (in the town centre). The meals are good value for money, even the light meals are quite big. Light lunch 50 N$, lunch 90 N$, steak 120 N$.
Drink
Sleep
Budget Under 500
- The Golden Rule Self Catering & Accommodation for Guests, 3rd Street (1350 feet from the train station. 0.4 miles from the center). single/double room with own bathroom. 375.
- Urban Life Keetmanshoop Accommodation, Luchtenstein 286 (0.9 miles from the center). single/double room with own bathroom. from 375.
Mid Range
- Bird's Mansions Hotel, 6th Ave, ☏ +264 63 22-1711, fax: +264 63 22-1730, hotel@birdsaccommodation.com.
- Canyon Hotel, Wheeler, ☏ +264 63 22-3361, fax: +264 63 22-3714, canyon@namibnet.com. Check-out: 11:00. A nice, if somewhat dated, motel with pool and dining.
- Central Lodge, 5th Stree, ☏ +264 63 22-5850, fax: +264 63 22-4984, info@central-lodge.com.
- Quivertree Forest Rest Camp (about 15 km north-east of Keetmans on the road M29).
- Bernice Bed and Breakfast, down a dirt road with out a street address, ☏ +264 63 224851. single/double rooms.
- 🌍 Hotel Schützenhaus, ☏ +264 63 223 400. The oldest German club in Africa, established in 1907. Now turned into a guesthouse.