Bethanie

Bethanie is one of the oldest permanent settlements in Namibia, located in the arid ǁKaras Region in the south of the country. The village was founded in 1814 by missionary Heinrich Schmelen, who built the Schmelen House, which remains one of the oldest standing structures in the nation. Historically, Bethanie served as the seat of the Bethanie Nama people and played a pivotal role in early land negotiations between indigenous leaders and European settlers. Geographically, the settlement lies on a vast plain surrounded by stark mountains and is known for experiencing extreme temperature fluctuations. The local economy is predominantly based on extensive livestock farming, particularly sheep and goats, suited to the desert environment. For visitors with a historical interest, the village features several heritage sites, including the original mission church and colonial-era monuments. Bethanie preserves the atmosphere of the early pioneer days and stands as a witness to the early encounters between missionaries and local tribes.

Nearby cities

Keetmanshoop

The largest settlement and administrative capital of southern Namibia's Karas Region.

Lüderitz

An isolated coastal town built on rocks, renowned for its rich diamond mining heritage and Art Nouveau buildings.

Oranjemund

A town situated at the mouth of the Orange River, historically managed as a private diamond mining enclave.

Warmbad

An ancient settlement in the extreme south, centered around soothing natural thermal springs.

Rosh Pinah

A corporate mining town sustained entirely by the extraction of zinc and lead.

Karasburg

The main administrative center for the deep south, crucial for the regional karakul sheep farming industry.

Aussenkehr

An immense agricultural project on the riverbanks, known as one of the largest grape exporters in the southern hemisphere.

Noordoewer

The primary border post connecting Namibia with South Africa along the majestic Orange River.

Aroab

A quiet outpost nestled on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, functioning as a border crossing point.

Koës

A small settlement characterized by extensive dry pans that sometimes host off-road racing events.

Aus

A tiny village nestled in rocky hills where the arid interior plateau gives way to the harsh Namib Desert.

Ai-Ais

A thermal spring resort at the southern end of the Fish River Canyon, famous for its therapeutic sulfurous waters.

History & landmarks

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Keetmanshoop Railway Station

An architecturally appealing historic railway station building that was once a major transport hub for the southern part of Namibia.

Quivertree Forest

A surreal forest of prehistoric-looking aloe trees on volcanic rocks near Keetmanshoop.

Fish River Canyon

The largest canyon in Africa, offering breathtaking vistas and challenging hiking trails.

Kapps Hotel Building

One of the oldest surviving buildings in Lüderitz, which once served as an important social gathering place during the first diamond boom.

Felsenkirche Lüderitz

An impressive Neo-Gothic Lutheran church perched high on Diamond Mountain in Lüderitz, overlooking the town.

Goerke House

An elegant villa on Diamond Mountain in Lüderitz, built in 1910 for mining inspector Hans Goerke, reflecting the wealth of the diamond boom.

Diaz Point Lighthouse

A historic lighthouse near Lüderitz, warning sailors of the rugged, windswept coastline, near the spot where Bartolomeu Dias erected a st…

Nature

Fish River

The longest inland Namibian river.

More places

Aus Mountains

Mountain region near the Namib Desert.

Aus Desert Horses Area

Home to Namibia's famous wild desert horses.

Rhenish Mission Church

One of the oldest and most distinctive churches in southern Namibia, built by European missionaries in Keetmanshoop.

Fish River Canyon Park

A gigantic canyon with unique wildlife.

Huns Mountains

A mountainous area near Fish River Canyon.

Fish River Canyon

The largest canyon in Africa.

Tsau //Khaeb

An area with desert and mountain landscapes.

Tiras Mountains

Mountain region at the edge of the Namib.