Gaub Cave Namibia

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.	Oshikoto Region
	19º40'S - 17º60'E

Gaub Cave A National Heritage Site

The picturesque setting of Ghaub Guest Farm

Not for the claustrophobic

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.

 

Dr. Vedder in the cave

My guide Mika

The 'crocodile's head'

A cluster of stalactites

Crystals growing here

A hole in the ground: The cave entrance is literally a hole in the ground. You're best wearing hiking boots as the passageways have sharp rock areas and there's quite an amount of rock hopping to do. Several of the passageways have areas where there are low hanging rocks that have sharp edges, so take care when moving around. It is warm and humid underground. Not recommended for  people who suffer from claustrophobia. Time 1 - 2 hours.

The Gaub Cave System does not have the large and dramatic Stalactite - Stalagmite formations that for example has the famous Cango caves near Outdshoorn in South Africa. Neither is it as commercialized. However, there are many unusual, attractive and interesting geological features that will satisfy even the most seasoned of cave enthusiasts. The tour guides are informative and trained to show you the best formations. You can pop some excellent photos just by using a flash.

Petrified waterfalls, organ pipes, and rock curtains are just some of the amazing  features that can be seen in the Gaub Cave. There are crystal growths and plenty to keep your interest while on your underground tour.

Acknowledgements and further reading:  G1, G2, H12, P1

Local Area Attractions
Baobab Tree	Hoba Meteorite	Khorab Memorial	Lake Otjikoto	Tsumeb

Of Interest: Just a reminder - Stalactites are the icicle-like limestone formations that hang for the roof of a cave, whereas stalagmites grow upwards from the floor of the cave.

Gaub Cave Namibia

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