Otjikoto Gun Recovery Site | Tsumeb

The Otjikoto Gun Recovery Site is a historical underwater repository located within the Otjikoto Lake, a collapse sinkhole 20km northwest of Tsumeb, Namibia. It marks the specific underwater coordinates where retreating German colonial forces scuttled their heavy weaponry in 1915.

Visual Characteristics

The site is a deep, circular limestone sinkhole filled with clear, turquoise-to-opaque green water. The vertical dolomite walls drop sharply to depths exceeding 100 meters, featuring jagged rock formations and submerged caves. On the southern shore, a series of commemorative plaques and a small jetty define the primary surface access point.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is located directly off the B1 highway, approximately 20km northwest of Tsumeb toward Etosha National Park. Access is via a paved entrance road with a dedicated gravel parking lot for cars and tour buses. The site is a managed monument with a small entrance fee payable at the gate.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The site was created on July 9, 1915, when the German Schutztruppe dumped their artillery and ammunition into the lake to prevent capture by South African forces during World War I. Geologically, Otjikoto is a karst sinkhole formed by the collapse of a massive subterranean cave roof within the Otavi Group dolomite.

Key Highlights & Activities

Diving is the primary activity for recovering or viewing the remaining submerged artifacts, though it requires a special permit and advanced cave-diving certification due to depth and visibility constraints. Shore-based visitors can view historical information boards and a few recovered cannons displayed near the museum section. Photography of the steep limestone cliffs and water surface is a frequent activity.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The site features basic visitor infrastructure including public restrooms, shaded picnic benches, and a small kiosk selling bottled water. A 4G cellular signal (MTC) is consistently available due to the proximity to the B1 highway. There are no full-service restaurants or fuel stations on-site; these are located 20km away in Tsumeb.

Best Time to Visit

Optimal viewing for water clarity occurs during the dry winter months from May to September. For photography, midday (11:00 to 14:00) provides the best overhead lighting to penetrate the deep water and illuminate the limestone walls. The site operates on standard daytime hours, typically 08:00 to 17:00.

Facts & Legends

Most of the scuttled weaponry was recovered in 1970 and 1984 and is now housed in the Tsumeb Museum. Local legend suggests that a heavy safe containing 6 million gold marks was also thrown into the lake; despite numerous professional diving expeditions, the "lost gold of Otjikoto" has never been located.

Nearby Landmarks

Lake Guinas – 19.5km Northwest

Kupferquelle Resort – 18.2km Southeast

Tsumeb Museum – 20.5km Southeast

Tsumeb Airstrip – 24.1km Southeast