Lake Guinas | Tsumeb

Information

Landmark: Lake Guinas
City: Tsumeb
Country: Namibia
Continent: Africa

Lake Guinas, Tsumeb, Namibia, Africa

Lake Guinas is a permanent sinkhole lake located approximately 50 km northwest of Tsumeb and 30 km west of Lake Otjikoto. It is the deeper of Namibia's two permanent natural lakes.

Visual Characteristics

The lake is a massive, open-air sinkhole with vertical dolomite walls that descend into dark, cobalt-blue water. Unlike the near-circular Lake Otjikoto, Guinas is kidney-shaped and significantly larger in surface area. It is surrounded by private farmland and indigenous bushveld, lacking the formal tourism infrastructure found at its sister lake.

Geological Origin

Formed by the collapse of a subterranean cave roof in the Otavi Mountainland, Lake Guinas is part of an extensive karst system.

Depth: The maximum recorded depth is approximately 132 meters, though some sonar readings suggest deeper unexplored fissures.

Visibility: Due to a lack of surface runoff and its sheltered position, the water is exceptionally clear, often providing visibility of over 20 meters.

Location & Access Logistics

Access: Located on Farm Guinas. Reachable via the D3031 gravel road, which turns off the B1 highway north of Tsumeb.

Status: Situated on private land. While the lake is accessible to the public, visitors must respect the farm’s gates and property.

Vehicle Type: Reachable by 2WD vehicles, though high-clearance is recommended for the final gravel tracks.

Biodiversity & Conservation

Endemic Species: The lake is the only natural habitat of the Otjikoto Tilapia (Tilapia guinasana). This critically endangered cichlid evolved in Lake Guinas and exists in various color morphs (blue, white, and yellow). It was later introduced to Lake Otjikoto to ensure the species' survival.

Aquatic Life: The clear water supports unique algae and invertebrate life specialized for this isolated environment.

Activities

Diving: Guinas is a premier destination for technical cave and altitude divers. Due to the depth and vertical walls, it is unsuitable for recreational swimming or novice divers. Professional expeditions frequently use the site to train for deep-water recovery.

Photography: The site offers high-contrast landscape opportunities, especially at midday when the sun illuminates the depths.

Industrial History: An old steam-powered pump station used to extract water for local farming still sits near the edge, though modern electric pumps have replaced it.