A commercial center in north-central Namibia known for its crocodile farms and cheetah conservation centers. The German colonial buildings line the main streets.
Otjiwarongo lies 250km north of Windhoek in central-north Namibia. The city of 49,000 people has preserved its 1900s German buildings with their thick walls and high ceilings along its main streets. You'll see the red sandstone cliffs of Waterberg Plateau rising to the east. The name Otjiwarongo means "place of fat cattle" in Herero, reflecting the region's strong cattle ranching tradition.
Wildlife Conservation Centers
At the Cheetah Conservation Fund, 44km east of the city, you'll walk within meters of these fast cats during guided tours. The facility runs daily educational programs at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM, where you'll learn about cheetah behavior and ongoing research. At the Crocodile Ranch on the eastern edge of town, walk above Nile crocodiles on elevated platforms. The ranch operates one of Africa's few certified breeding programs for these reptiles, with feeding demonstrations at 11:00 AM daily.
Exploring Waterberg Plateau
The red sandstone cliffs of Waterberg Plateau rise 200 meters above the plains. Four marked trails wind through the park: Mountain View Trail (45 minutes), Forest Trail (2 hours), Vulture Trail (4 hours), and Waterberg Wilderness Trail (full day). While hiking, you might spot black rhinos, buffalo, and some of the 200 bird species living here, including Namibia's only breeding colony of Cape vultures. Start your hikes before 8:00 AM or after 4:00 PM when temperatures are lower.
Getting Around Otjiwarongo
You can walk across the 2-kilometer city center easily. TransNamib trains stop at the downtown station on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, connecting to Windhoek and northern cities. Local taxis charge N$10 for trips within the city. From the central bus station, Intercape and Sunshine Tours run daily buses to most Namibian towns.
Weather and Climate
Summers (October to March) bring temperatures up to 35°C, while winter days (April to September) stay around 20°C. Rain falls mainly from January to March, with yearly rainfall averaging 457mm. Plan your walks and sightseeing for the morning hours when temperatures are lower.
Markets and Shopping Areas
The central market on Main Street has about 50 vendors selling fresh produce, crafts, and traditional items from 8 AM to 5 PM daily. Browse the surrounding streets for local leather goods and woodcarvings. Three shopping centers in downtown contain supermarkets, banks, and pharmacies for everyday needs.
