Oshikoto is a region in northern Namibia, and its best-known town is Tsumeb. Visitors come here for two quite different reasons: the region's mining history and its striking natural features.
Tsumeb and its minerals
Tsumeb is known for its world-class mineral specimens, a legacy of its long mining past. The town's museum is the natural starting point for anyone interested in geology, with displays that show the variety of formations the area has produced. Even visitors with no background in minerals can enjoy seeing the colours and shapes of the specimens up close.
Lake Otjikoto
Lake Otjikoto is the region's most distinctive landmark. It is a deep sinkhole lake with unusually clear water, and it has a place in the region's history from the German colonial era. Its quiet, enclosed setting makes it a good place to pause and look around, and it adds a different kind of interest to a trip than the town itself.
Planning a visit
- Set aside time for Tsumeb's museum, which suits both casual visitors and those with a keen interest in minerals.
- Combine a stop at Lake Otjikoto with time in the town to see both the natural and historical sides of the region.
- Check ahead for current opening arrangements and access before you travel, as these details are not covered here.
Oshikoto suits travellers who enjoy museums, geology and unusual landscapes, and it makes a worthwhile stop for those exploring northern Namibia.