Otjikoto LakeAbout Otjikoto Lake
Otjikoto Lake is a karst sinkhole lake in the Oshikoto Region of northern Namibia, near the town of Tsumeb. It is notable as one of the country’s few permanent natural lakes.
A compact site with steep limestone walls and clear water, the site is visited for its unusual geology and for viewing platforms at the rim that look down into the sinkhole. Small boat access and dives have been made into the lake; the setting is compact rather than a large recreational lake.
The lake formed by the collapse of a limestone cave system that then filled with groundwater; its basin is the result of karst processes in the local bedrock. During the early 20th century, items including weapons and equipment were reportedly thrown into the lake during military actions, and some wreckage has been recovered by divers.
Otjikoto sits in the north of Namibia within the Oshikoto Region, a short drive from the mining town of Tsumeb and accessible from regional roads. The landscape around it is semi-arid with exposed limestone and scrub vegetation.
- Rarity: One of only two permanent natural sinkhole lakes in Namibia, the other being Lake Guinas.
- WWI association: Has been associated with objects and equipment thrown into the water during World War I; wreckage has been recovered during dives and investigations.
Best Time to Visit Otjikoto Lake
Best in the dry season (May-October) for road access and clearer conditions.
Weather & Climate near Otjikoto Lake
Otjikoto Lake's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in October) and mild winters (coldest in June). Temperatures range from 7°C to 33°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 18° - 31° | 25° | 125 mm | partly cloudy | 56% | 2.4 m/s | 3.0 extreme | 13.0h |
| February | Very Good | 18° - 30° | 24° | 121 mm | partly cloudy | 60% | 1.9 m/s | 2.9 extreme | 12.6h |
| March | Very Good | 17° - 30° | 23° | 80 mm | partly cloudy | 59% | 2.0 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.1h |
| April | Excellent | 15° - 29° | 22° | 32 mm | some cloud | 49% | 2.0 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.5h |
| May | Ideal | 10° - 27° | 19° | 2 mm | clear | 33% | 2.0 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.1h |
| June | Ideal | 7° - 25° | 16° | 1 mm | clear | 29% | 2.0 m/s | 1.4 high | 10.8h |
| July | Ideal | 7° - 25° | 16° | 0 mm | clear | 26% | 2.1 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.0h |
| August | Ideal | 9° - 28° | 19° | 0 mm | clear | 20% | 2.3 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.3h |
| September | Ideal | 14° - 32° | 23° | 2 mm | clear | 17% | 2.2 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.9h |
| October | Ideal | 17° - 33° | 25° | 18 mm | mostly sunny | 23% | 2.6 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.4h |
| November | Excellent | 18° - 33° | 25° | 46 mm | partly cloudy | 38% | 2.4 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.9h |
| December | Very Good | 18° - 32° | 25° | 62 mm | partly cloudy | 48% | 2.3 m/s | 3.0 extreme | 13.2h |
How to Get to Otjikoto Lake
Otjikoto Lake is approximately 20 km north of Tsumeb in northern Namibia. It is reached by car via the B1 north from Tsumeb and then local gravel roads; guided tours are commonly organized from Tsumeb or nearby lodges. There is limited public transport; most visitors arrive by car or tour vehicle.
Tips for Visiting Otjikoto Lake
- Book a guided tour from Tsumeb or Tsumeb-area operators-access requires local guides and conservation fees.
- Bring snorkeling or diving equipment if planning to explore the submerged plane wrecks; water is cold and visibility variable.
- Do not remove objects from the lake-Otjikoto is a site of historical importance and local remembrance.