The Jewel on the Edge of the Desert
Omaruru, a bustling little town nestled on the banks of the river of that name, is a splash of green in the sometimes semi-arid bush and shrub savannah; in many ways a peaceful haven, where game sometimes still wanders into gardens and where most houses - and even some factories in the industrial area - are still surrounded by fruit trees. The neatly kept streets are lined with ancient trees of many kinds and sizes. Old buildings from German Colonial times add to the quaint, peaceful atmosphere.

Political Area:
Region: Erongo    Constituency: Omaruru

Geographical Area:
Altitude 1,214 m above sea level.
GPS: 21 26'32.49 S 15 56'41.93 E

Location:
Omaruru is situated in the central North of Namibia on the desert’s edge. The old buildings from German Colonial times tell the recent story of the town. In 1868 the Herero Chief, Christian Wilhelm Zeraua, moved to the location from Otjimbingwe because of the ideal location and the artesian springs which provided plentiful water year round. Omaruru can be reached from either Karibib or Otjiwarongo and is linked to other main towns, such as Swakopmund and Walvis Bay by tarred road. It is less than three hours drive from Windhoek or Swakopmund via Karibib. Quite central in the sense that it is almost the same distance from the Capital City, Windhoek, and the harbour Walvis Bay. The town is also a gateway to the unique North of Namibia.

Its railway connection ensures accessibility to main towns such as Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Windhoek, Otjiwarongo and northward toward Angola on the newly opened rail spur. A serviceable airfield is found outside the Town.

Area Size: 19,109.6 hectares
Rainfall: 280mm (average) per year.
Temperature: Average between 35 degrees C in December and January, and                4 degrees C in July
Twinning City: Vänersborg, SWEDEN
Twinning Goals for 2009: HIV-Aids Project
                        Cultural Music Development Project
POPULATION
The estimated population figure for Omaruru (determined during the 2001 census plus a 3.4% birthrate per annum until 2006 and a 6.5% increase since 2006) is 11,056. (This does not include children on all surrounding Farms / Guest Farms / Hunting Farms).
 

ETHNIC DIVISIONS:
Afrikaners, Basters, Coloureds, Damaras, Germans, Hereros, Lozi, Kavango and Ovambos make up the bulk of the population. There is also a multi-national contingent not divided by ethnicity.

RELIGIONS:
Anglican, Lutheran, Dutch Reformed, Oruuano, Roman Catholic, Jesus Center and Baha'i.

In 1868 the Herero Chief, Christian Wilhelm Zeraua, moved to Okozonje (the place of the Scorpions) later to be known as Omaruru, from Otjimbingwe because the ideal location and the artesian springs 40 km to the Northwest that provided plentiful water year round.

The Franke Tower was dedicated on the 2nd of April, 1908, in the presence of a festive crown.

The first footbridge across the Omaruru river was completed in April 1933, approximately at the location of the Kashana crossing today.

It had a very short history. Here it is pictured in April, 1934, two days before it was destroyed in the immense flood of that year, along with the railroad bridge.