Hoba meteoriteHoba meteorite at a Glance
About Hoba meteorite
The Hoba meteorite is the largest known intact meteorite lying at Earth’s surface, located in Namibia’s Otjozondjupa Region near Grootfontein. It is an iron-nickel meteorite with a mass of roughly 60 tonnes and remains on its discovery site.
The meteorite is exposed at ground level and has a naturally flattened shape where it landed. The site has been developed for visitors with paths, a small visitor centre, and protection measures to prevent damage and theft while allowing public viewing.
Discovered in the early 20th century by a local farmer, the meteorite was never moved because of its size and weight. It is a national geological curiosity and a common stop for tourists traveling in northern Namibia.
Geographically the site lies in central northern Namibia near the town of Grootfontein and is accessible by road from regional routes.
- Size and composition: At roughly 60 tonnes, it is the largest known intact meteorite on Earth’s surface and is composed primarily of iron and nickel.
- Discovery and preservation: Found on a farm near Grootfontein in the early 20th century, it was left at the discovery site rather than removed because of its enormous mass.
What to See#
- Hoba meteorite mass: The meteorite itself, an iron-nickel mass lying exposed at ground level and preserved in situ for visitors to view.
- Visitor facilities: A small visitor centre, paved pathways, and viewing platforms that provide interpretation and protect the immediate site.
Best Time to Visit Hoba meteorite
May-October is generally the most comfortable time to visit the Hoba meteorite near Grootfontein.
Weather & Climate near Hoba meteorite
Hoba meteorite's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in December) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 5°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (559 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 17° - 29° | 23° | 142 mm | partly cloudy | 58% | 2.5 m/s | 3.0 extreme | 13.0h |
| February | Very Good | 17° - 28° | 22° | 133 mm | partly cloudy | 62% | 2.0 m/s | 2.9 extreme | 12.6h |
| March | Very Good | 16° - 28° | 22° | 90 mm | partly cloudy | 61% | 2.1 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.1h |
| April | Excellent | 13° - 27° | 20° | 40 mm | some cloud | 54% | 2.0 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.5h |
| May | Ideal | 9° - 25° | 17° | 3 mm | clear | 38% | 2.1 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.1h |
| June | Excellent | 6° - 23° | 14° | 1 mm | clear | 33% | 2.2 m/s | 1.4 high | 10.8h |
| July | Excellent | 5° - 23° | 14° | 0 mm | clear | 31% | 2.4 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.0h |
| August | Ideal | 8° - 26° | 17° | 1 mm | clear | 23% | 2.4 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.3h |
| September | Ideal | 13° - 30° | 21° | 3 mm | clear | 19% | 2.4 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.9h |
| October | Ideal | 16° - 31° | 23° | 26 mm | mostly sunny | 25% | 2.7 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.4h |
| November | Excellent | 17° - 30° | 24° | 49 mm | partly cloudy | 41% | 2.6 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.9h |
| December | Very Good | 17° - 30° | 24° | 71 mm | partly cloudy | 51% | 2.3 m/s | 3.0 extreme | 13.2h |
How to Get to Hoba meteorite
The Hoba meteorite site is near Grootfontein in northeastern Namibia, about 300 km from Windhoek. Visitors travel by road from Grootfontein (short drive) and should coordinate with local tourism offices for access and visitor facilities.
Tips for Visiting Hoba meteorite
- The Hoba meteorite is on private land but open to visitors with arranged access - contact local tourism offices in Grootfontein for visitor information.
- Combine a visit with Oshivelo and Grootfontein museums for regional context.
- Expect high daytime temperatures; shade is limited at the meteorite site.