Keetmanshoop
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 from Windhoek, not really the best option, the bus is much faster. Another option is Aetos Services, a minibus that caters for your needs to the Quivertree Forest, Giant's Playground, Fish River Canyons, Luderitz and even to Windhoek. For further information see http://www.aetos-services.com [dead link]
Get around
See
- 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 supermarkets, outfitters, a hardware store, and auto parts.
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 shockingly large amount of different hamburgers, all of them great. Just as massive (and famous in South Africa) are the Greek salads.
- 1 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
There is a nice new pub in town, just behind the swimming pool, called STEAMERS where every one is welcome. Nice atmosphere, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.
Sleep
- Bird's Mansions Hotel, 6th Ave, ☏ +264 63 22-1711, fax: +264 63 22-1730, hotel@birdsaccommodation.com.
- [dead link] Canyon Hotel, ☏ +264 63 22-3361, fax: +264 63 22-3714, canyon@namibnet.com.
- 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. N240/360.