There are several tourist activities in and around Tsumeb, some of which include the Etosha National Park, the Tsumeb Museum, the Arts and Crafts Center, the cultural village in Tsintsabis, the Hoba Meteorite, Ghaub Caves, the Baobab Tree, the Guinas lake and the Otjikoto lake. There is something of interest for all types of visitors in the richly endowed land that is Tsumeb, Namibia.
In terms of accommodation, Kupferquelle Resort is perfectly located in proximity to tourist activities in Tsumeb. With a choice of luxurious yet affordable accommodation in the form of tastefully appointed chalets, an invigorating cardio workout at the Olympic sized swimming pool and our beautiful camping sites, Kupferquelle also makes the ideal base from which to visit a number of world-renowned tourist attractions in the area.
After enjoying a hearty breakfast either in our self-catering chalet or at the restaurant, let our amicable staff help you explore the area.
Today, we would like to take you to one of our most popular and world famous attractions, Lake Otjikoto – one of the two permanent natural lakes in Namibia. Of course, we will also make a slight detour to see Lake Guinas and you’ll consider your trip well worth it!
Lake Otjikoto
Located just 20 kilometers northwest of the mining town of Tsumeb, Lake Otjikoto was actually part of an underground river system that became exposed after the roof of a large dolomite cave collapsed and fell into it. In terms of size, the lake is about 102m in diameter, but quite deep, believed to be about 142m.
The legend behind Lake Otjikoto
The lake was first discovered in 1850 by Europeans. For many centuries, the lake was the biggest copper market in the country with its rich copper deposits. The local bushmen clan sold copper from Tsumeb to the Ovambo tribe and the Aandonga using the lake as a meeting point where they bartered various objects.
In 1915, the Germans, who once occupied Namibia, dumped a huge load of war equipment into the lake to ensure that the British and the Africans didn’t have access to it. Some of the weaponry was recovered and you can see it on display in the Tsumeb Museum, while a large part continues to be somewhere at the bottom of the lake, along with the war chest. Legend also has it that gold bullion was sunk into the lake.
Otjikoto is considered a premier diving site in Namibia. It is shaped like an upside down mushroom and is a picturesque sight with tranquil emerald green waters. The rare and endangered Otjikoto Tilapia lives in this lake along with a unique species of dwarf bream and cichlid.
A little southwest of Otjokoto is Lake Guinas, which is even deeper and more scenic than Otjikoto. Both lakes are in the Otavi mountain land, rich in dolomite and limestone that is more than 700 million years old. Guinas is about 100m deep and shaped like Otjikoto and has a spectacular underwater cave under its surface with stalagmites and stalactites.
Otjikoto is a popular tourist destination and with an entrance fee, and visitors can enjoy the landscape en route to the lake. After a happy day trip, you can return to the comfort of your chalet at the Kupferquelle Resort, and plan your next day’s itinerary!
To book your stay at Kupferquelle Resort and enjoy the tourist activities in Tsumeb, contact us now.