Otavi

Otavi combines the history of a former railway town with nature and activities in the surrounding area. The Ghaub limestone cave and the rhino-watching experiences described there offer a different focus from the town’s history. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between experiences in the area around Otavi and a broader overview of the higher-level destination of Otjozondjupa.

Otavi’s historical role in rail travel

Otavi was founded in 1900 and was a former railway town on the line to Tsumeb. This historical context gives the town a specific point of interest for anyone interested in a destination’s history as well as nature experiences.

The cave and experiences at Ghaub

The Ghaub limestone cave lies in the area around Otavi. Its cave system is 2.5 kilometres long, making it Namibia’s third-largest cave. A notice from the operator dated 8 November 2024 described a physically demanding cave excursion in which visitors crawl and climb through narrow sections. It is not suitable for people with claustrophobia.

The same notice described guided rhino drives in the savannah of the Otavi Mountains and a morning rhino-watching walk called “Rhino Patrol”. During this activity, white rhinos are tracked in their natural habitat. If you would like to include either experience in your plans, check the current conditions with the operator.

Access rules are also important for planning: the hiking trails at Ghaub are reserved for overnight guests. Access to the facilities at Ghaub Lodge and the campsite is restricted to avoid disturbing overnight guests. Day visits to Ghaub must be booked at least two days in advance, are subject to availability, and are accepted exclusively by email. As these conditions may change, confirm them with the operator before your arrival. Consider the restrictions on facilities and hiking trails separately from the day activities described above.

A distinct nature focus in Otjozondjupa

In the broader destination of Otjozondjupa, Waterberg Plateau Park offers a distinctive focus on nature and activities. The park has abundant wildlife and unique vegetation. There is a rest camp in the park with bungalows and camping facilities; check its current operating status before planning a visit based on it. Guided wilderness walks may take place in the park. Booking is required for both guided and unguided hikes up to the plateau. There are also short walking trails within the resort. This means Waterberg offers different ways to enjoy the outdoors: short trails within the resort and hikes up to the plateau, which require a booking.

Choose the right focus

When looking for a holiday apartment in Otavi, you can plan around what you want to experience in the area: Otavi’s historical role in rail travel, the cave and rhino experiences at Ghaub, or nature experiences in the broader Otjozondjupa region. For Ghaub, take its access and booking conditions into account; hikes up to the Waterberg Plateau have their own booking requirements. If you want to combine several focuses, check the conditions for each separately rather than treating them as a single package.

Discover more destinations: Epupa, Okahandja, Kombat, Otjiwarongo, Tsumkwe, Waterberg, Osona, Grootfontein.

For the broader travel overview: Otjozondjupa.