Otjikoto Lake

One of only two natural lakes in Namibia, a deep sinkhole just off the B1

Otjikoto Lake sits just off the B1 highway about 20km north of Tsumeb, and it is one of only two natural lakes in all of Namibia. The name is Otjiherero for "deep hole" — an apt description. The lake formed when the roof of an underground dolomite cavern collapsed, leaving a roughly circular pool of crystal-clear water fed entirely by underground springs. From the road it appears almost impossibly perfect: a blue disc punched into the flat bush scrub.

The lake reaches a depth of around 55 metres, and the water is tinted a vivid green-blue by algae and the reflection of the sky. It has no surface inlet or outlet; the water level stays remarkably stable year-round. A small viewing area and car park are set back from the shore. The stop takes 15 to 20 minutes — long enough to appreciate the spectacle and read the historical information boards.

things to do lake sight nature
A story
Retreating German forces dumped artillery, wagons, and supplies into Otjikoto in October 1915 to prevent them falling into South African hands. Divers have since recovered cannons, Maxim guns, and other equipment — some now on display in the Tsumeb Museum — but much remains on the lake floor, undisturbed since the war.