Grünau is a crossroads, where the railway from Upington in South Africa crosses the main B1. The little town also, more or less, marks the spot where the main tarred B3 from the central and eastern parts of South Africa meets with the B1 coming from the Cape. Thus it is strategically positioned for overnight stops between South Africa and Namibia – but isn't a destination of note in its own right.

Where to stay

There is a choice of places to stay in and around Grünau itself, including several on the B1 to the north (see above).

Grünau Country House

(8 rooms, 4 bungalows, camping) 1 Main Rd, PO Box 2, Grünau; tel: 063 262001; fax: 063 262009; email: grunauch@iway.na

With a change of ownership comes a new name, and a facelift. Altus and Izane took over the former Grünau Hotel in 2001 and have plenty of plans for the place. Some of the rooms have already been renovated with en-suite showers, tea/coffee facilities and ceiling fans, and air conditioning is to be installed during 2003. Two of the rooms will also have wheelchair access. The campsite remains bare, with little shade. Work on the main building has so far been confined to structural repairs, and there is still a large, rather dated dining room, a bar area with a pool table and a lounge at the back, and outside is a swimming pool.

Rates: single N$180, double N$250, family room N$360, bungalows N$75 per person, camping N$30 per person. Breakfast and other meals available.

Grünau Motors

(5 chalets, camping) PO Box 3, Grünau; tel: 063 262026; fax: 063 262017

Just on the north side of Grünau is a 24-hour Shell petrol station, with a simple restcamp attached. The small bungalows are clean and well appointed, with air conditioning, en-suite bathroom, TV and kitchenette. The surroundings, though, are flat and characterless, albeit with secure parking. The shop sells snacks and basic foodstuffs, and has a simple restaurant which closes at 20.00.

Rates: single N$145, double N$245; N$45 per extra person (maximum six in family room). Camping N$60 per pitch, plus N$10 per person..

Vastrap Guest Farm

(7 rooms, 1 chalet) PO Box 26, Grünau; tel/fax: 063 262063; email: vastrap@mweb.com.na

Around 5km from Grünau on the B3 to Karasburg is a sign to Vastrap Restcamp, which is about 2km from the road, on a farms belonging to its owners, Rean and Hettie. The design is unusual, as these are rooms within old farmstead buildings that have been linked together rather than in separate bungalows, and the recent upgrade in status to a guest farm is well justified. Rooms are simple but cheerful, with en-suite showers. There is also a dining room where home-cooked meals are served, with a separate bar, and there is unlimited coffee available to guests.

Rates: single N$180, double N$250, family N$360. Dinner N$60, breakfast N$35.