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Otjiwarongo
ℹ️Practical info — Otjiwarongo
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Otjiwarongo is the hub for cheetah conservation; be sure to visit the conservation projects nearby.
- Visit the Crocodile Farm on the eastern edge of town, one of the oldest in Namibia.
- The town is a major transport hub; utilize the good workshops here if your vehicle needs servicing.
- Local supermarkets are excellent for stocking up before heading into more remote areas.
- Avoid walking around the town center on foot after dark.
🍽 Food
A unique opportunity in Namibia to try crocodile meat prepared in various ways.
Famous for massive beef steaks from local herds, very popular with the region's farmers.
Near the markets, you'll often find fresh grilled meat prepared right in front of you.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Although the actual meteorite is further away, the town has shops with related souvenirs and info.
Look for handmade leather shoes (Velskoene) and belts crafted from high-quality local leather.
A spacious sports and recreation area, convenient for a quiet evening stroll.
A beautiful spot to admire the architecture and watch the city life go by from a distance.
Water temperature…
Otjiwarongo is the capital city of the Otjozondjupa Region and is recognized as one of the fastest-growing urban centers in Namibia. The town is strategically positioned at a major road and rail junction connecting Windhoek to the northern regions and the Atlantic coast. It was formally established in 1906 with the arrival of the Otavi mining railway, which facilitated the transport of copper ore from Tsumeb. The name 'Otjiwarongo' translates to 'pleasant place' or 'place where fat cattle graze' in the Otjiherero language, reflecting the fertile pastures of the surrounding area. Economically, the town is a powerhouse for commercial cattle ranching and a vital service hub for the central-north. Otjiwarongo is globally famous as the 'Cheetah Capital of the World', being home to the headquarters of the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) and the AFRICAT Foundation. Its modern infrastructure makes it a popular stopover for tourists visiting the Waterberg Plateau Park or Etosha National Park.
- Location: Namibia
- Top sights: Museum of Namibian Fashion · Otjiwarongo Crocodile Farm · Welcome Wall
- Nearby: Waterberg Plateau (63 km)
- Population: ~33.481 (2026)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 20 | 16 | 16 | 19 | 23 | 26 | 27 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 89 | 90 | 69 | 35 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 13 | 33 | 49 |
Geography
Facts
- Otjiwarongo was officially established in 1906 as a railway junction.
- The town is the headquarters of the Cheetah Conservation Fund, a global leader in cheetah research.
- Otjiwarongo is located approximately 250 kilometers north of Windhoek.
- The town's name translates to 'pleasant place' in the local Otjiherero language.
- It is home to Namibia's only commercial crocodile farm that is open to the public.
- Otjiwarongo serves as the administrative capital for the Otjozondjupa Region.
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 Otjiwarongo (3)
Frequently asked questions
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Nearby cities
History & landmarks
