NamibWeb.com - The online guide to Namibia: Grootfontein

Grootfontein

Town Grootfontein is located 450 km north of Windhoek, the capital of the country. In pre-colonial times the place was known as Otjiwandatjongue which means "leopard hill" in Herero. Nama and Damara inhabitants called the area Gei-ous ("big fountain") which lead to present Afrikaans name. The first European settlers in the area were "Dorsland (Thirst land) trekkers" who arrived in mid-1880s. They purchased a land from local Owambo chief and established own Republic (Republic of Upingtonia). The Republic collapsed a couple of years later. South West Africa Company established its headquarters in town in 1893 and a fort was built in 1896. Grootfontein officially became a town in 1907.
Sights: Hoba Meteorite, the largest in the world, Dragon's Breath Cave.

Altes Fort Museum:

The old Tower of the Altes Fort Museum is visible from the Caravan Park (to the north east) and is worth a visit if you are interested in years gone by. This building was constructed by the German troops in 1896 and the tower was added in 1904. With its splendid view of the surrounding countryside, this tower was used to great advantage by the troops. The Fort, housing the museum, was declared a national monument in 1975. In the same year it was used as an assembly point for the Angolan refugees. From 1923 to 1958 the building housed a school hostel. In 1977 the building was renovated and in 1983 the museum was officially opened. More than 3000 historical pieces are on display while an interesting outdoor display of industrial items is also worth seeing.

Baobab Tree:

National Monuments. On the "Maanlig" road, (Road number 2848), 80 km from Grootfontein in a North Easterly direction. Trunk circumference 18,5 meters, branches up to 12 meter.

Medical Care:

After hours: Please phone the hospital to find out which doctor is on stand-by:
HOSPITAL 240064 or 242141
DOCTORS 243198
DENTIST 242125
PHARMACY 242728
POLICE 10111
In case of emergency: Please take patient to the hospital in Captain Lombard Street or Hartmann Street.

Swimming Pool:
Next to the Caravan Park is our swimming pool. (The pool is only open during the summer months.)

1-Hour Photo Development:
Stephen's Photo Lab in Hidipo Hamutenya Street, Tel No 243316.

Farming in Grootfontein:

Number of farms in Grootfontein (including Otavi & Kombat) = 568.

Average area of farms = 4 041 ha.
Number of cattle farmers = 291.
Number of agricultural farmers = 151.
Head of cattle /ha = around 8.
Maize /ha = 2 - 3 tons.
Peanuts /ha = 1 - 1,5 tons.
Cotton /ha = .5 - 1,2 tons.
Sunflower /ha = .8 - 1,2 tons.
Sorghum /ha = 2 - 3 tons.

Number of cattle = 84 000
Number of sheep = 20 000
Number of goats = 17 000
Number of poultry = 20 000
Camels = 9
Ostriches = 240

A number of farmers use kilns to produce charcoal from encroachment bush, which is a problem on farms. About 3 800 tons are produced.

Motor Repairs:

Auto & Diesel Repairs 24 2587
SF Motors & Tractors 24 3501
(Ford & Mazda)
Steve's Motor Repairs 24 3385
Grootfontein Motors 24 2739
Universal Workshop (Nissan) 24 2224
Quality Cars (Toyota) 24 0099
Quad Bikes & Motor Cycles 24 2776
24 2002
Panelbeaters 24 2556
24 3599

Tyres 24 2673
24 2626

Parts 24 2440

Electrical & General Repairs 24 2175
+ Air conditioner & Gas refill

Handy/Cooking Gas 24 2188
24 2171
24 0025

Refrigeration 081 255 2449
Camping Equipment, 24 2171
Arms & Ammunition 24 2469

Photographic Equipment 24 3316
& Cellphones 24 3646

Rainfall: 450 - 650 mm per annum.

Phone code: 067. Police: 10111.

Would you like to book accommodation in Grootfontein or a trip there? Contact us!

@ Grootfontein tourist map