The Gaub Area: Was inhabited by the Bushmen
and Berg Damara. The mountains in the Groofontein -
Otavi -
Tsumeb
triangle, in areas, held rich copper ore deposits that were mined by
the indigenous people. The area Gaub is where Mathew Rogers, the
geologist exploring for the South West Africa Company, in 1892 -
1893 met with local tribes people to try to establish where and who
owned the copper mining rights.
The Discovery of the Gaub Cave:
Local tradition accredits the discoverer of the Gaub Cave as being Dr. H. Vedder the well
known 'South West Africa' missionary historian. In the farm's 'record'
book there is reference to Dr. Vedder having visited the cave some time
during 1913, but no specific date is given. The first known written
report of the cave appeared in the German Deutsche Kolonialzeitung in
1914 in an article submitted by F. Jaeger and L. Waibel, who had both
travelled in South West Africa the year before. They make no claim as to
being the discoverers of the cave, their report concentrating on the
geology. It is most probable that during their stay at the Gaub Mission
Station that Dr. Vedder both informed and guided them to the cave.
Guest Farm Ghaub and Cave Tours: Founded as a
Rhenish Mission station in 1895 the work of the mission and schooling
became an important centre for the area. The farm is ideally situated in a valley
in the picturesque and tranquil Otavi Mountains. The buildings have been
meticulously renovated to retain an ambience of days gone by. It is to
the office at the farm that you will have to report for your tour of the Gaub Cave. You will be appointed a guide, equipped with your minor's
lamp and safety helmet and driven to the cave entrance.
