Omaruru | Exploring Namibia

Omaruru is a town in the Erongo Region of central Namibia. The town is situated on the banks of the usually dry Omaruru River. With a population of approximately 6,300 residents, it serves as a commercial hub for the surrounding district, which is dominated by cattle and game farms. Omaruru is located about 240 kilometers northwest of the capital, Windhoek, and is positioned near the Erongo Mountains.

The character of Omaruru is defined by its German colonial history, its role as a center for the local Herero people, and its modern identity as an artistic community. The town’s name originates from the Herero language and means “bitter thick milk,” a reference to the taste of milk from cattle that had grazed on a specific local bush. Today, the town combines its historical architecture with a growing number of art galleries, craft workshops, and small tourism enterprises.

A Short History of Omaruru

The history of Omaruru is that of a key pre-colonial center that was later transformed into a German colonial settlement and military post. Its location on a major riverbed made it an important site for local communities for centuries. The town’s modern layout and many of its historic buildings are a direct result of the period of German colonization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This history of conflict, settlement, and artistic development has shaped the town seen today.

Pre-Colonial Herero Center

Before the arrival of Europeans, the area around the Omaruru River was an important center for the Herero people. The site was chosen for its water resources and good grazing land. In the mid-19th century, a Herero community established itself here. This made Omaruru one of the main settlements for the Herero in this part of central Namibia.

Missionaries and Colonial Conflict

The first European to establish a presence in the area was the German missionary Hugo Hahn, who set up a mission station for the Rhenish Mission Society in 1870. This marked the beginning of European influence in the town. During the Herero Wars of 1904, the town was besieged by Herero forces. The German garrison, under the command of Captain Victor Franke, successfully defended the settlement. To commemorate this event, Franke’s Tower was built in 1907, and it remains the town’s most prominent landmark.

Modern Development

Following the colonial period and later South African administration, Omaruru continued to develop as a service center for the surrounding agricultural region. In independent Namibia, the town has cultivated a reputation as an artistic hub. It has attracted numerous artists, craftspeople, and small business owners. The town is also a key stopping point for tourists traveling between the coast, Windhoek, and the northern parts of the country.

Things to Do and See

The sights in and around Omaruru are a mix of historical landmarks from its colonial past, local craft initiatives, and major wildlife conservation projects. The town itself has several points of interest, while its location also makes it a gateway to some of the region’s most important nature reserves.

Franke’s Tower

Franke’s Tower (Franketurm) is the primary historical landmark in Omaruru. The tower was built in 1907 to commemorate the defense of the town by Captain Victor Franke and his troops during the Herero Wars in 1904. The stone tower stands on a small hill overlooking the town. It served as a watchtower and a symbol of the German colonial presence. Visitors can climb the tower for views of Omaruru and the surrounding landscape.

Tikoloshe Root Carvers

The Tikoloshe Root Carvers workshop is a well-known local craft cooperative. The workshop specializes in creating intricate carvings from the roots of the camelthorn and mopane trees. The artisans carve a variety of figures, including animals and mythological creatures known as tikoloshe from southern African folklore. Visitors can watch the carvers at work and purchase their finished products. It is a key center for local craftsmanship in the town.

Kristall Kellerei Winery

The Kristall Kellerei is a unique attraction in the region. It is Namibia’s first commercial winery. The winery cultivates several grape varieties that have been adapted to the arid climate of the area. It produces both white and red wines, as well as a brandy. The winery offers guided tours and wine tastings for visitors. It provides a look into the challenges and successes of viticulture in a desert environment.

Erindi Private Game Reserve

Located southeast of Omaruru is the Erindi Private Game Reserve, one of the largest private reserves in Namibia. The reserve covers a vast area and is home to a wide variety of wildlife. This includes elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and rhinos. Erindi is focused on conservation and offers guided game drives, walking safaris, and other wildlife viewing activities. It is a major ecotourism destination in the region.

The San Living Museum

Located on a farm between Omaruru and the nearby town of Karibib is the Ju/’Hoansi-San Living Museum. This is a cultural project where visitors can learn about the traditional way of life of the San people. The museum provides an interactive experience, with demonstrations of ancient skills such as tracking, fire-making, and crafting. It offers insight into the culture and heritage of one of Southern Africa’s oldest indigenous groups.

Recreational Activities

The area around Omaruru offers a range of recreational activities, primarily focused on wildlife viewing and exploring the natural landscape. The town serves as a base for visiting major game reserves and for hiking in the surrounding mountains.

Game Drives and Wildlife Viewing

The primary recreational activity for visitors to the Omaruru region is game drives and wildlife viewing. The nearby Erindi Private Game Reserve is a major destination for this. Many of the surrounding guest farms and lodges also offer their own private game drives to see local wildlife. The area is home to numerous species, including many that are adapted to the semi-arid environment.

Hiking

The Erongo Mountains, located near Omaruru, provide opportunities for hiking and rock climbing. This range is known for its granite boulders, rock paintings, and unique geological formations. The famous Phillips Cave with its “White Elephant” rock painting is located in this area. Hiking trails are available for different fitness levels, offering views of the surrounding landscape.

Getting Around in Omaruru

Navigating the town of Omaruru is straightforward due to its small and manageable size. The central business district is compact, making it highly suitable for exploration on foot. For any travel beyond this central core, such as visiting surrounding farms, lodges, or nature reserves, a private vehicle is essential. The town does not have a formal public bus system for internal routes. Therefore, visitors rely on walking, local taxis, or their own transport to move around.

On Foot: The Town Center

Walking is the most practical way to explore the central part of Omaruru. The main street contains most of the shops, banks, and local services. Historical buildings like Franke’s Tower and the old Rhenish Mission House are also within a short walking distance of each other. The area is generally considered safe for walking during the daytime. This allows visitors to see the town, visit the local craft markets, and experience its atmosphere at a relaxed pace.

Local Taxis

For transport within the town beyond the immediate center, local taxis are widely used by residents. These vehicles can typically be hired for short trips between different parts of the town, such as from a guesthouse to the main shops. Taxis in Omaruru are not usually metered, so it is standard practice to agree on a fare with the driver before starting the journey. They often operate on a shared basis, picking up multiple passengers along a general route. This makes them an affordable and common form of public transport within the town itself.

How to Get to Omaruru

Reaching Omaruru requires travel to the central part of Namibia. The town is well-connected by the national road network. The most common way to arrive is by car, either as part of a self-drive tour or with a private transfer.

The Open Road: Driving to Omaruru

Driving is the most practical way to reach Omaruru. The town is located on the C33 main road. This road connects to the B1 highway at the town of Otjiwarongo and to the B2 highway at the town of Karibib. These are two of Namibia’s primary paved highways. The drive from Windhoek is approximately 240 kilometers and takes about 3 hours. The roads are generally well-maintained.

Arriving by Air

The primary international gateway to Namibia is Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH), located near the capital, Windhoek. From the airport, travelers would typically rent a car to drive to Omaruru. Another major airport is at Walvis Bay (WVB) on the coast. From Walvis Bay, the drive to Omaruru is approximately 250 kilometers. Omaruru also has its own local airstrip for small charter flights.

Connecting by Coach

Long-distance bus services in Namibia are limited. Some private shuttle services operate between major towns and may have stops in Omaruru. These services often connect Windhoek with coastal towns like Swakopmund or northern towns like Otjiwarongo. It is essential to check schedules and book in advance, as these services do not run every day.

On Track: A Journey by Rail

Omaruru has a train station and is a stop on the TransNamib railway line. This national rail operator runs passenger services, known as the StarLine, that connect Windhoek with the coastal city of Walvis Bay and the northern parts of the country. However, the train service is generally slow and infrequent compared to traveling by road. It offers a different kind of travel experience for those who are not on a tight schedule.

Driving Distances

The driving distance from 10 regional cities, according to Google Maps:

• Otjiwarongo, Namibia – 118 kilometers (1 h 20 min)
• Swakopmund, Namibia – 216 kilometers (2 h 30 min)
• Windhoek, Namibia – 241 kilometers (2 h 50 min)
• Walvis Bay, Namibia – 247 kilometers (2 h 50 min)
• Tsumeb, Namibia – 379 kilometers (3 h 50 min)
• Keetmanshoop, Namibia – 743 kilometers (7 h 20 min)
• Gaborone, Botswana – 1,135 kilometers (13 h 00 min)
• Lusaka, Zambia – 1,600 kilometers (20 h 00 min)
• Cape Town, South Africa – 1,732 kilometers (17 h 40 min)
• Johannesburg, South Africa – 1,772 kilometers (18 h 10 min)

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