Lake Otjikoto
A collapsed dolomite sinkhole near Tsumeb holding deep green water, with German artillery dumped in it in 1915.
Saved in this browser only - no account, nothing sent anywhere. See your map
Otjikoto is a sinkhole formed when the roof of a dolomite cavern collapsed, about a hundred metres across with steep walls and water of an intense green that has been sounded to over sixty metres. In 1915 retreating German forces dumped weapons and equipment into it, and divers have recovered field guns, ammunition wagons and other material since, some of it now in the Tsumeb museum. Two cichlid species live in the lake and are found in very few other places.
What you actually see
- The sinkhole - a collapsed cavern about a hundred metres across.
- The green water - deep water sounded to over sixty metres.
- The 1915 dump - artillery and equipment recovered by divers over the years.
- The endemic cichlids - fish species restricted to this and a few nearby waters.
When to go
March to October is the cooler window. The site keeps daytime hours. Midday light shows the water colour best.
Honest expectations
Viewing is from the rim and swimming is not permitted. The site is small and takes half an hour. Recovered artefacts are in Tsumeb, not here.
Nearby
Tsumeb is southeast, and the Hoba meteorite is east.
What to pack for Lake Otjikoto
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.