Keetmanshoop lies just under 500 kilometres south of Windhoek on the B1 and is the capital of the ǁKaras Region. If you are heading for the Fish River Canyon, Lüderitz or the border with South Africa, you will almost certainly pass through. The canyon is 159 kilometres away, Upington in South Africa 475. At the 2023 census the town had 27,862 residents.
- founded as a mission station
- 1866
- residents, 2023 census
- 27,862
- to Windhoek on the B1
- 496 km
- to the Fish River Canyon
- 159 km
The name means Keetman's hope. Johann Keetman, a German industrialist, paid the Rhenish Mission for a station founded on 14 April 1866. He never saw the place himself. The missionaries had come to convert the Nama who lived here.
The station grew, and in 1895 a stone church went up. In 1930 the town's Europeans built a church of their own, and from then on only local people used the old one. It fell into disrepair until it was declared a monument in 1978 and restored. Today it stands on its small rise as the landmark of the town, with an exhibition on the history of the area inside.
A number of buildings from the German colonial period survive, even though the town has long been African in character. The clearest reminder is the Imperial Post Office of 1910, which now houses the tourist information office. The railway station dates from 1908.
For most travellers Keetmanshoop is a stop on the way to the Fish River Canyon or Lüderitz. A walk around town is still worth it. And about 15 kilometres to the northeast are the Quiver Tree Forest and Giant's Playground, a field of boulders that look as though a playful giant had piled them up.
Since colonial times people around Keetmanshoop have lived mainly from sheep farming. In this dry country, after several attempts with imported breeds, the karakul sheep won out, living here in conditions close to its natural habitat. Both meat and pelts are used. The lambs supplied the Persian lamb fur that was in demand for coats in the early 20th century. If you would like to visit a karakul farm, ask at your hotel or at the tourist office.
Today, as of Keetmanshoop has grown: from 15,778 residents at the 2001 census to 27,862 in 2023. Since 1 April 2026 the Naute Game Park at the Naute Dam southwest of town has been in the lower park-fee tier of N$ 200 per adult per day. And anyone who visited in 2005 will now find a rest camp with campsites and rooms at the Quiver Tree Forest.
- Time needed
- one night on the way south, with the Quiver Tree Forest in the evening
- From Windhoek
- 496 km, 360 minutes
Our tipIn the afternoon, drive out to the Quiver Tree Forest first and into town afterwards. That way you see the trees in the last light, and Keetmanshoop has restaurants open after dark.
Places to stay in Keetmanshoop
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Quiver Inn Guesthouse
Pastorie Street 8
- Pool
- Kitchen
- Parking
- Air conditioning
from €81per night on 5 July 2027
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Larochelle Guesthouse
6 ave no 12 Town area
- Pool
- Parking
- Air conditioning
- Fireplace
from €56per night on 23 November 2026
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Schuetzenhaus Guesthouse
Pastorie Street
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Parking
from €90per night on 23 November 2026
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Urbanlife Keetmanshoop Accommodation
Luchtenstein 286
- Kitchen
- Parking
- Air conditioning
- Pets allowed
from €33per night on 23 November 2026
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Self-help Catering & Accommodation For Guests.
3rd Street
- Kitchen
- Parking
- Air conditioning
- Wi-Fi
from €38per night on 23 November 2026
Check prices on trivagoKeetmanshoop: frequently asked questions
Is Keetmanshoop worth an overnight stop?
Keetmanshoop is the obvious night on the way from Windhoek to the Fish River Canyon or Lüderitz. With the Quiver Tree Forest and Giant's Playground about 15 kilometres outside town, the afternoon fills itself.
How far is Keetmanshoop from the Fish River Canyon?
From Keetmanshoop to the main viewpoint of the Fish River Canyon near Hobas is 159 kilometres, about 125 of them gravel, which takes two and a half to three hours.
How did Keetmanshoop get its name?
Keetmanshoop means Keetman's hope, after the German industrialist Johann Keetman. He funded the Rhenish Mission station founded in 1866 and never visited the place himself.