Tsumeb

Tucked away in Namibia’s northern corner lies the somewhat Hicksville town of Tsumeb. Small, clean and clearly historically very German. According to Lonely Planet, this is “perhaps Namibia’s loveliest town”. It comes equipped with ATMs, Bureaus de Changes and a quality Pick and Pay supermarket.

For the geologists amongst you, this is said to be a mineral collectors heaven. 184 minerals have been found in and around the town, with 10 of these found no-where else on the planet.

For myself and my two odd travelling companions, Josef, a 62 year old German, and John, a 70 year old whore-mongerer from Oregon/East Washington State, it is a pretty cool jump-off point for both Etosha National Park and also onward travel across to Zambia. By travelling together we have secured a rental of a Golf 4 door at a really reasonable rate for 7 days of exploration – Euros185 for seven days via http://holidayautos.de – the English site doesn’t seem to accept Tsumeb as a reasonable point to collect a vehicle, so a big hurrah for Josef! This saves almost two thirds of the price asked for by the hire car company in town.

Navigating around Tsumeb’s few streets has been made a bit more tricky as a few months ago all the street names were updated to local politicians, doctors and dignitaries.

the German-style Church

Arriving in late last night, we stumble upon Martin’s Guest House. Whilst quite pleasant rooms, small kitchen, two aviaries and a “Social Room” this place doubles up as a whore-house. Two rather scantily-clad and rather attractive Namibian girls greet us on our arrival.

We can’t wait to check out this morning, and as the highly recommend Mousebird Backpackers is currently undergoing construction we opt for the clean, tidy and efficient Etosha Cafe and Beer-garden on the main thoroughfare – formally known as Main Street. There are several other options available, but i reckon we have done good.

The Tsumeb Museum situated on the Main Street (now named Presidents Avenue) offers a glimpse of Tsumeb through history, from pre-Colonial days to German occupation and beyond. It displays old steam engines, artefacts from mining times, a large collection of assorted minerals, stamps and even the scouting movement in Tsumeb. The museum is open 9am – 12pm and 2pm – 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 12pm on Saturdays. Entrance is N$20 for adults and N$2 for children under 13.

inside Tsumeb museum

The Mineral Gallery also on Presidents Avenue appears to have closed down.


As for safety, locals tell me the city is no problem during the day in carrying bags and cameras, but by about 6pm the streets are almost deserted. We are warned not to wonder around after 11pm.

a local with quality earrings