Karasburg is really a bigger version of Grünau – a convenient overnight stop on a long journey. It has several 24-hour fuel stations, while take-aways include the Excel, and Hanzell's, next to the Engen garage. There's a post office on Park Street, a Bank of Windhoek on 9th Avenue and a First National Bank on Main Street – so if Namibia's dollar ever floats free from South Africa's rand, then expect these to be busy. The hospital is on tel: 063 270167. Signposts to Lordsville and Westerville point the way to Karasburg's old-style satellite townships.

For supplies, there is a Spar supermarket, and a branch of OK next to the BP garage.

Where to stay

There is just one hotel in town, plus a couple of B&Bs: It's Coffee Time (tel: 063 270378) and Jeanie's Place (tel: 063 270349) – a new establishment with three en-suite rooms and a small pool. There's also, unexpectedly, a small backpacker's hostel, Pela-Pela (tel: 063 270483).

Kalkfontein Hotel

(17 rooms) PO Box 205, Karasburg; tel/fax: 063 270023/270172; email: kalkfont@iway.na

This is a typical, old, small-town hotel. The Kalkfontein's bar is the local meeting place, and its rooms are spread around yards and courtyards at the back. These are very basic and carpeted, and their furniture is old and somewhat battered – but they are clean and well kept. All the rooms have en-suite bath or shower. The restaurant is no longer operational.

Rates: single N$150, double N$250, family N$450, including breakfast.

Warmbad

About 48km south of Karasburg, Warmbad (the name means 'warm bath' in German) features some hot springs, as well as what is reputed to be the oldest existing house in Namibia.