Rehoboth

Just north of the Tropic of Capricorn and 87km south of Windhoek on the tarred B1, Rehoboth is the centre of the country's Baster community, which is quite different from any of Namibia's other ethnic groups, and jealously guards its remaining autonomy. However, there are few reasons to stop here, other than the museum, and most people just pass on through.

Getting there

Most visitors just slow down as they drive through on the main road, but you can also arrive by train or coach. Note that long-distance coaches won't pre-book the short Windhoek–Rehoboth legs, but you may be able to board on a stand-by basis. Perhaps this explains the relative prevalence of hitchhikers around Rehoboth.

By coach

Intercape Mainliner's services from Windhoek to South Africa stop here, at the Echo service station, at 18.45 on Sun, Mon, Wed and Fri, then from South Africa to Windhoek (stand-by only) at 05.00 on Mon, Wed, Fri and Sun. These cost around N$305 to Cape Town and N$25 from Windhoek.

By train

Trains depart from Rehoboth for Windhoek at 03.45 daily, except Sunday, and for Keetmanshoop at 21.31 daily except Saturday. They are very slow for details. Do note, though, that the station is a considerable distance north of the town – too far to walk – so this is rarely a good option for visitors.

Getting organised

Though there's less choice here than in Windhoek, Rehoboth has a couple of shops, including a Spar, the marvellously named Pick-Mor Bazaar, a First National Bank in the Rekor Business Centre, and several casinos and nightclubs – none very exclusive. Most visitors find Windhoek a better place to shop. There are a couple of 24-hour petrol stations on the road through the town.

In an emergency, the police are reached on tel: 062 10111 or 523223, whilst the ambulance is on 062 523811 or 522006 after hours, the hospital on 062 22006/7 or 524502, and the fire service on 062 522091, 522532 or 522950.

What to see and do

Rehoboth's only real attraction for visitors is its small museum (P Bag 1017, Rehoboth; tel: 062 522954), just behind the post office. It's small, but has good local history exhibits on the origins of the Baster community, and the flora and fauna in the surrounding area, as well as an interesting section on bank notes. Opening hours are 10.00–12.00 and 14.00–16.00 Monday to Friday, and 09.00–12.00 Saturday.

If you're heading towards Sesriem, then note that south of Klein Aub (on the C47 southwest of Rehoboth) is a road sign showing a cup and saucer, 1km off the road. This is Connie's Restaurant, which serves excellent coffee, biscuits and light snacks.