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Email: otavigardenshotel@namibiabookings.com
Otavi Gardens Hotel offers 10 comfortable and
luxurious thatched roofed chalets with en suite bathrooms. Other
amenities available at the hotel includes a bar, an a la carte restaurant
and DSTV.
Otavi Gardens Hotel
Otavi Gardens Hotel offers 10 comfortable and luxurious thatched
roofed chalets with en suite bathrooms.
This basic hotel has seven rooms with en-suite facilities and a
few others where they are shared.
The busy bar seems also to act as reception as well as a restaurant
and focal point for some of the town in the evening
Otavi Gardens Hotel Facilities
Restaurant
Bar
DSTV
Attractions
Otavi doesn't have a wealth of big attractions, unless
your passion is caves. In that case, plan to spend quite a lot of
time around here, as the area has many systems to explore.
Khorab memorial
This marks the spot where the German colonial troops surrendered
to the South African forces on July 9 1915. It is only 3km out of
town but exceedingly well signposted.
Gaub caves
On the Gaub Farm, 35km northeast of Otavi, there are some caves
famous for their stalactites and Bushman paintings. Despite being
on private property, these are a National Monument so a permit to
visit must be obtained from the Windhoek MET before you arrive.
They're signposted close to the junction of the D2863 and the D3022,
but facilities are minimal and you'll need to inform the landowner
that you're going down.
After a short walk through the bush, there's a small hole in the
ground into which you must squeeze.
A lot of powdery sand is around, making this quite difficult, and
initially it's a very steep incline to get into the caves.
They aren't suitable for a casual visit, and if you do come then
bring heavy-duty torches.
Aigamas caves
33km northwest of Otavi, on a tectonic fault line, this cave system
is about 5km long.
It has aroused particular interest recently as the home of Clarius
cavernieola, a species of fish which appears to be endemic to this
cave system. These fish, members of the catfish family, are a translucent
light pink in colour and totally blind, having evolved for life
in the perpetual darkness of these caves.
Interestingly, their breeding habits are still unknown and no young
fish have ever been found.
To visit the cave, make arrangements at the municipal offices, just
to the right of the restcamp.
This may take several days.
Uiseb caves
More extensive than Gaub, these caves have several different chambers
and passages containing some impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
With no facilities at all, they are described as 'unspoilt' and
arrangements to see them must be made at the municipal offices.
Kombat
Near Otavi, Kombat is memorable largely for its name. It is just
off the main road, about halfway between Otavi and Grootfontein,
and known in Namibia for its mine.
This accounts for a thriving little centre, where you'll find Bob's
Self-help Bakery and a small post office.
Turn off here for the Leopard Valley Pass and Gauss Guest Farm.
Getting there
By bus
Intercape Mainliner's services from Windhoek to Victoria Falls also
stop at the Total service station: at 23.25 on Mon and Fri, and
in the opposite direction at 22.50 on Mon and Thu.
By train
Trains depart from Otavi southbound for Windhoek and Walvis Bay
at 12.45 on Mon, Wed and Fri.
They travel in the opposite direction, to Tsumeb, departing at 08.20,
on the same days of the week.
Hitching
The main Fourways Total service station is probably the best place
to hitch here, and it sells drinks and snacks whilst you are waiting.
The small local minibuses (normally VW combis) which link Otavi
with Tsumeb and Grootfontein will also usually stop here.
Email: otavigardenshotel@namibiabookings.com
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