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Maltahöhe
ℹ️Practical info — Maltahöhe
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Maltahöhe is a key transit point; double-check your spare tire and fuel before heading further into the desert.
- Visit the historic Hotel Maltahöhe, one of the oldest hotels in Namibia, for a break and a touch of local history.
- Gravel roads (C-roads) in this area can be tricky; keep your speed below 80 km/h to avoid losing control.
- Desert nights here can be freezing in winter; make sure to pack warm layers if you are staying overnight.
🍽 Food
A surprising local specialty often found in guesthouses around town.
Enjoy springbok or oryx steaks, which are staples in the local hospitality establishments.
A hearty, high-protein breakfast served in local lodges to fuel your desert journey.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Find unique small souvenirs and postcards inside the historic hotel building.
The main shop to restock on water and basic supplies before driving towards Sossusvlei.
Walk to the edge of the settlement at sunset to experience the vast, silent horizon.
A peaceful and cool spot in the center of town, away from the heat and wind.
Water temperature…
Maltahöhe is a settlement in the Hardap Region of southern Namibia, located about 110 kilometers west of Mariental. It was established in 1899 by Henning von Burgsdorff, then the German district officer of Gibeon, who named the site after his wife, Malta. Geographically, Maltahöhe is situated on the eastern edge of the Namib-Naukluft Park, making it a vital gateway for travelers heading towards Duwisib Castle or the famous dunes of Sossusvlei. The surrounding landscape consists of vast, arid plains primarily used for extensive sheep and cattle farming, with a historical focus on Karakul sheep breeding during the 20th century. Historically, the settlement served as a post for the German colonial forces, and several buildings from that era still stand today. Currently, Maltahöhe acts as a quiet hub for the local farming community and provides essential services for tourists exploring the southern Namib desert reaches.
- Location: Namibia
- Top sights: Ruins of the Officers's House · Ôahera Cultural Centre
- Population: ~2.819 (2024)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep–Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 25 | 23 | 20 | 16 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 18 | 22 | 23 | 25 |
| Rain mm | 48 | 44 | 32 | 36 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 11 | 18 |
Geography
Facts
- The settlement was founded on August 11, 1899
- Named after Malta von Burgsdorff
- Located at an elevation of 1,350 meters above sea level
- Duwisib Castle is situated 72 km to the southwest
- Historically the center of Karakul sheep farming in Namibia
- The population is estimated at fewer than 3,000 residents
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Maltahöhe (2)
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