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Lutheran Church |
Karibib Main Street |
Henckert Tourist Cntr |
Karibib is a small
town that is mid-distance between Windhoek and
Swakopmund. Since the German
times the colored marble that can be found in the area has been quarried.
There is quite a large export business to Europe of blocks of uncut marble
dimension stone and the
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Marble Works in the main street have a show
room of their cut products and is worth a visit. Karibib is home to
Namibia's only Gold Mine, but access for the
public is not allowed.
The well known Henckert Tourist
Center in the main street makes for an interesting stop over. They
weave beautiful karakul rugs and wall hangings and sell an excellent
selection of curios and Namibian made jewelry.
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Erongo Region |
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21º56'S - 15º51'E |
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Map of Namibia |
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Map of Karibib |
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Map of Usakos |
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Philipp's Cave
Bulls Party |
Section of the south-west wall
of the magnificent Erongo Mountains |
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The Erongo Mountains are about 40 kms in
diameter and dominate the skyline of the Karibib - Usakos -
Omaruru
area. It can be seen clearly from as far away as 100kms. The formation began
about 130 million years ago when Namibia was part of the ancient continent
of Gondwana and this
area was being subjected to the forces that would eventually lead to the
separation of Africa and South America. Earthquakes and great upheavals
wracked the land and in many areas magma forced its way through the earth's
crust. It was during these times that volcanic activity and outpourings of
lave that lasted for a period of about 20 million years formed the Erongo
massif. A vast area of land around the
volcano was buried deep in ash. Over the millions of years that followed erosion
and weathering have left the beauty of the Erongo for us to wonder at and enjoy. The polished granite walls that
can be found in many areas of the Erongo present a challenge for the
best of climbers. There is a species of plant that blooms once a year
that is only found in the Erongo and Botanists from all corners of the
world come to view this short lived flower. The Erongo has been the home
to the ancient Bushmen and there are many caves and rock faces on which
rock paintings can be viewed.
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Usakos Namibia
Nestled below the magnificent Erongo Mountains this
area makes an excellent stay over place.
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Don't miss this sign |
Usakos Main Street |
Old Steam Locomotive |
Once a busy railway junction and
repair center for the South African railways, Usakos is now a quiet
and sleepy little town. The railway workshops have long gone, and the main
activity in the town is at the fuel station. But... and hear this loud and
clear, because most self-drive tourists just rush through these two towns.
They make excellent stop over places for the Erongo Mountains and its
attractions. Plus the
Spitzkoppe. |
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Local Area Attractions
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Ameib
Ranch is located in the ruggedly picturesque Erongo Mountains and has a
some unusual attractions that most tourists sadly overlook as they rush
down to Swakopmund. The area on the ranch known as the
Bull's
Party will challenge your imagination as to how these massive
surrealistic assemblies of giant boulder were formed. A must see. 2hr+
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Ameib Ranch is also where you will find the
Philipp's Cave
with its collection of Bushman paintings including the famous 'White
Elephant' along with other animal and human figures.
The ranch offers good and reasonably priced accommodation and camp
sites. The ranch is also popular with rock-climbers. There are
some challenging faces on this site. 2hr+
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The Spitzkoppe Inselberg
standing at over 1700m dominates the surrounding desert floor. The mountain is
situated about 25km west of Usakos and is a must visit. The wind-polished
granite mountain glows red at sunset. The surrealistic rock formations have to
be seen. There are camping facilities at the site.
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Road Distances from Karibib
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Outjo |
Otjiwarongo |
Swakpmund |
Tsumeb |
Usakos |
Windhoek |
Accommodation
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272 / 169 |
202 / 125 |
178 / 111 |
385 / 239 |
30 / 19 |
185 / 115 |
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