Keetmanshoop: The Heart of Namibia's South

• HelloHallo
  [ha-llo]
• GoodbyeTotsiens
  [toht-see-ens]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNee
  [nee]
• Please/You're welcomeAsseblief
  [ah-suh-bleef]
• Thank youDankie
  [dahn-kee]
• Excuse me/SorryJammer
  [yah-mehr]
• How are you?Hoe gaan dit met jou?
  [ho gahn dit met yoh]
• Fine. And you?Goed. En met jou?
  [khoot. en met yoh]
• Do you speak English?Praat jy Engels?
  [praht y eng-els]
• I don't understandEk verstaan nie
  [ehk verstahn nee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEk wil asseblief die spyskaart sien
  [ehk vil ah-suh-bleef dee speys-kahrt seen]
• I don't eat meatEk eet nie vleis nie
  [ehk ayt nee fleys nee]
• Cheers!Gesondheid!
  [guh-suhnt-hait]
• I would like to pay, pleaseEk wil asseblief betaal
  [ehk vil ah-suh-bleef buh-tahl]

• Help!Hulp!
  [huhlp]
• Go away!Gaan weg!
  [kahn vehk]
• Call the Police!Bel die Polisie!
  [behl dee poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Bel 'n dokter!
  [behl uhn dohk-tehr]
• I'm lostEk is verlore
  [ehk is fehr-loh-ruh]
• I'm illEk is siek
  [ehk is seek]

• I'd like to buy...Ek wil koop...
  [ehk vil kohp]
• I'm just lookingEk kyk net
  [ehk kik neht]
• How much is it?Hoeveel kos dit?
  [hu-fayl kohs dit]
• That's too expensiveDit is te duur
  [dit is teh doo-er]
• Can you lower the price?Kan jy die prys laat sak?
  [kahn y dee prays laht sahk]

• What time is it?Hoe laat is dit?
  [hu laht is dit]
• It's one o'clockDit is een uur
  [dit is ayn oor]
• Half past (10)Half tien
  [hahlf teen]
• MorningOggend
  [oh-khent]
• AfternoonMiddag
  [mi-dahkh]
• EveningAand
  [ahnt]
• YesterdayGister
  [gi-stuhr]
• TodayVandag
  [fahn-dahkh]
• TomorrowMôre
  [moh-ruh]
• 1Een
  [ayn]
• 2Twee
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• 3Drie
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• 4Vier
  [feer]
• 5Vyf
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• 6Ses
  [sehs]
• 7Sewe
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• 8Agt
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• 9Nege
  [nee-yeh]
• 10Tien
  [teen]

• Where's a/the...?Waar is 'n/die...?
  [vahr is uhn/dee]
• What's the address?Wat is die adres?
  [vaht is dee ah-drehs]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kan jy my wys (op die kaart)?
  [kahn y may vees (ohp dee kahrt)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wanneer is die volgende (bus)?
  [vahn-ehr is dee fohl-uhn-duh (buhs)]
• A ticket (to ....)'n Kaartjie (na ....)
  [uhn kahrt-yuh (nah)]

Keetmanshoop was founded in 1866 by the Rhenish Missionary Society. It was named after Johann Keetman, a German industrialist who supported the mission financially. The town quickly became a vital stopover for traders and travelers due to its strategic location.

Long before the arrival of European settlers, the area around Keetmanshoop was inhabited by the Nama people. They were known for their pastoral lifestyle and their skill in leatherwork and craftsmanship. The Nama people played a crucial role in the early history and culture of the region.

Keetmanshoop became a significant center during the German colonial period in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The town served as an administrative and military outpost. Several buildings from this era, including the old German military headquarters, still stand today, offering a glimpse into the town's colonial past.

Located just outside Keetmanshoop, the Quiver Tree Forest is a unique and significant natural landmark. The forest consists of thousands of quiver trees, a species of aloe endemic to southern Namibia. The trees were traditionally used by the San people to make quivers for their arrows, and the forest is now a protected area and popular tourist attraction.

During the Namibian War of Independence, Keetmanshoop played a pivotal role as a logistical center. The town was a strategic location for the South African Defense Forces and the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO). Several key operations and events took place in and around Keetmanshoop during this period.

Since Namibia gained independence in 1990, Keetmanshoop has experienced significant development. The town has grown economically, with improvements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. It has become a hub for travelers exploring southern Namibia and continues to celebrate its rich cultural heritage.

Keetmanshoop is located in southern Namibia. The nearest international airport is Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek, approximately 500 kilometers away. From Windhoek, you can rent a car or take a long-distance bus, which typically takes about 5 to 6 hours by road. Another option is to take a domestic flight to Keetmanshoop Airport, although flights are limited and may not be available daily.

Keetmanshoop is a small town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local taxis are available and relatively inexpensive. There are also car rental services if you prefer to explore the area on your own. Public buses and shuttle services connect Keetmanshoop to other towns and cities in Namibia.

The official currency in Namibia is the Namibian Dollar (NAD), which is pegged to the South African Rand (ZAR). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or rural areas. ATMs are available in Keetmanshoop for cash withdrawals.

Keetmanshoop is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 10111 for police assistance or 203911 for medical emergencies. Keetmanshoop has a hospital and several clinics that can provide medical care. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress conservatively and behave respectfully. Public Transport: Do be respectful and considerate of other passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly 'Hello' or 'Goeie Dag' (Good Day in Afrikaans) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Keetmanshoop like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Namibian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the Quiver Tree Forest and Giant's Playground, both of which offer unique natural landscapes. For a picturesque experience, take a walk around the historic railway station and explore the old German colonial buildings.