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Tsumeb Farm Region

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Agriculture
—°2
Tsumeb Farm Region (Namibia)

Weather…

The farming region around Tsumeb, together with Grootfontein and Otavi, forms the so-called Maize Triangle, the most significant crop-producing area in Namibia. The region benefits from above-average annual rainfall of approximately 500 to 600 millimeters and the fertile karst soils of the Otavi Mountains. Historically, Tsumeb was primarily known for its copper mine opened in 1905, but agriculture developed concurrently to supply the mining industry's needs. Today, maize, wheat, sorghum, and sunflowers are grown here on a commercial scale using modern irrigation techniques. The region's unique geological features allow for the extraction of groundwater from vast underground lakes and cave systems to sustain crops during dry spells. Tsumeb serves as a critical logistical hub for distributing agricultural products throughout the country and into neighboring Angola.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262625242118172125282827
Rain mm124109782720002165781

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Tsumeb Farm Region is a fertile area for livestock farming and arable agriculture in northern Namibia. Visitors can admire cattle herds and fields of maize and sunflowers.
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Visiting
The farmland is easily visible from main roads, especially the B8. Some farms offer agritourism; general access to fields remains private.
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Where to view it
The best viewpoint is the Tsumeb town edge near the old mine, overlooking surrounding fields. The ridges north of the town also provide a good perspective.
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Local products
Typical local products include beef, maize, sunflower seeds, and honey. Handcrafted textiles and pottery are also sold at Tsumeb market.
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Active season
Farming is active year-round, but maize and sunflower harvest occurs in late summer (February to April). Livestock auctions often happen in June.
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Nearby
Tsumeb itself attracts with the Mine Museum and the lake. The region is also near Etosha National Park and the Ufomete rock paintings.

Geography

Coordinates
-19.23000, 17.72000

Facts

  • The Maize Triangle covers an area of approximately 15,000 square kilometers.
  • Tsumeb receives up to 600 mm of rain, among the highest in Namibia.
  • The Tsumeb copper mine operated continuously from 1905 until 1996.
  • Underground karst lakes like Lake Otjikoto are located near the region.
  • The region produces about 80% of Namibia's locally grown white maize.
  • Commercial farms utilize center-pivot irrigation for maximum efficiency.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

TsumebTsumeb<1 km · SWExplore →
Tsumeb Copper SmelterTsumeb Copper Smelter2 km · SExplore →
Otjikoto LakeOtjikoto Lake25 km · SExplore →
Tschudi Copper MineTschudi Copper Mine33 km · SExplore →
Otavi MountainsOtavi Mountains38 km · SWExplore →
Hoba MeteoriteHoba Meteorite45 km · NWExplore →
Guinas LakeGuinas Lake47 km · SExplore →
Otjikoto Gold MineOtjikoto Gold Mine53 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Tsumeb Farm Region (2)

St. Barbara

Building in Namibia, used as a church.

Tsumeb Museum🏛 museum

Museum in Tsumeb covering mining and town history.

🕒 Mo-Fr 10:00-12:00,14:00-17:00; Sa 10:00-12:00💶

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Tsumeb farm region known for?
Tsumeb is historically a mining center and today a hub for surrounding farms.
Can one visit the farm region?
There are many guest farms that offer insights into local life.
What are typical local products?
Livestock farming and production of corn and various fruits dominate here.
Is Tsumeb developed for tourism?
Yes, especially as a starting point for trips to Etosha National Park.
What is the climate like in this region?
There is a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters.
Tsumeb Farm Region: where is it located?
Tsumeb Farm Region is located in Namibia.
Tsumeb Farm Region: what is there to see?
Highlights include St. Barbara, Tsumeb Museum.
Tsumeb Farm Region: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.
Tsumeb Farm Region: why is it worth visiting?
The farming region around Tsumeb, together with Grootfontein and Otavi, forms the so-called Maize Triangle, the most significant crop-producing area in Namibia.
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Nearby cities

Tsumeb — Tsumeb Farm Region (Namibia)
Tsumeb
Known as Namibia's most important historic mining town, famous for its rare minerals.
Outapi — Tsumeb Farm Region (Namibia)
Outapi
The vibrant capital of the Omusati Region, deeply connected to the northern agricultural plains.
Okahao — Tsumeb Farm Region (Namibia)
Okahao
A proud settlement known as the heart of the Ongandjera kingdom and the birthplace of Namibia's founding president.
Ruacana — Tsumeb Farm Region (Namibia)
Ruacana
A settlement situated near a major hydroelectric plant and majestic waterfalls on the Kunene River.
Oshikuku — Tsumeb Farm Region (Namibia)
Oshikuku
A rapidly developing northern town, distinguished by its prominent Catholic hospital and educational facilities.
Tsandi — Tsumeb Farm Region (Namibia)
Tsandi
A deeply traditional village that houses the grand royal homestead of the Uukwaluudhi King.
Epupa Falls — Tsumeb Farm Region (Namibia)
Epupa Falls
A paradise on the border with Angola, where the Kunene River plunges through a series of waterfalls surrounded by lush vegetation.

Nature

Otjikoto Lake — Tsumeb Farm Region (Namibia)
Otjikoto Lake
A small, deep karst lake.
Guinas Lake — Tsumeb Farm Region (Namibia)
Guinas Lake
Another well-known karst lake.
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Etosha Pan
A vast salt pan in Etosha National Park.

More places

Tsumeb Copper Smelter — Tsumeb Farm Region (Namibia)
Tsumeb Copper Smelter
A highly specialized smelter processing complex copper concentrates from domestic and international sources.
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Tschudi Copper Mine
A copper mine near Tsumeb producing pure copper cathodes.
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Otjiwarongo Cattle Region
Center for cattle farming and agricultural research.
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Outjo Farming Area
Important region for livestock trade and farming.
Ombalantu Baobab Tree — Tsumeb Farm Region (Namibia)
Ombalantu Baobab Tree
An ancient baobab tree with a hollow trunk that was used in the past as a post office, a chapel, and a refuge during wars.