Serving as the capital of Otjozondjupa, Otjiwarongo is a lively city in Namibia’s central north that was established by the Germans in the early 20th century. It lies on the route that connects Windhoek with Etosha National Park while serving as a gateway to the wildlife-filled landscapes of the Waterberg Plateau.
Things to do in Otjiwarongo
If you’re arriving by train at the Otjiwarongo railway station, keep an eye out for the historic locomotive displayed outside. It was originally shipped from Germany to haul iron ore from the mine at Tsumeb to Swakopmund’s shipping port. Adjacent is Paresis Park, a popular recreational area with football fields and hockey facilities.
At the Crocodile Farm Otjiwarongo, you can learn about the conservation work being done to ensure the long-term survival of Nile crocodiles. Founded in 1985, the organisation runs engaging tours that offer insight into the lifecycle and behaviour of crocodiles. Get up close to crocodiles both big and small before seeing their powerful jaws in action during live feeding sessions.
A short drive east of Otjiwarongo is Waterberg Plateau National Park, which rises high above the plains of the Kalahari Desert. It provides a habitat for endangered wildlife and more than 200 recorded bird species, as well as dinosaur tracks from around 200 million years ago. In addition to its biodiversity, Waterberg Plateau National Park was the site of a defining moment in Namibian history when the Ovaherero people lost their land to German colonial forces in 1904.
Getting around Otjiwarongo
Otjiwarongo is around 2.5 hours’ drive from Windhoek and three hours from Hosea Kutako International Airport, which has flights to destinations across Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Long-distance trains connect to the Otjiwarongo railway station and buses travel throughout the city, connecting most of its attractions.