The name Kupferquelle (meaning copper fountain) is fitting for the only
family resort in one of Namibia’s first copper mining towns. When the
Hai||om Bushmen first found copper here and Tsumeb was proclaimed a town
in 1905, little did they know that Kupferquelle would become an
important tourism landmark in the northern region.
The owners of the property – the Henning family – are renowned
businesspeople in the area, among others for their company, Henning
Crusher. One of their projects was to develop the former Tsumeb Caravan
Park into a recreational resort that would be especially suitable for
families. The resort offers 20 standard rooms, 15 family/luxury units
and 27 camping sites, and boasts with the country’s only Dros
Restaurant, one of a South African franchise. The restaurant is designed
in such a way that the bar, children’s play area, and general
restaurant are in different parts of the facility. Children can make
their own pizzas and play games on the play station or have fun on the
jungle gym to their hearts’ content.
Gateway to Etosha
The rooms have en-suite bathrooms, modern furnishings, tea- and
coffee-making facilities, a ceiling fan, air-conditioning, television
with DStv, a safe, and a stoep with garden furniture. They are run on an
energy-saving system and the beds are comfortably large. Overall the
resort is beautifully finished off, with the air-conditioning hidden
away and the fences painted green, to fit in with the natural
environment. Family/luxury rooms have a braai area and an extra sitting
and living room, and are equipped for self-caterers.
The resort hosts one of only three Olympic-size swimming pools in
Namibia – the only one in the northern region. Says Kierie Bruwer,
manager of the property, “There has been a demand for more accommodation
facilities in the area. People come from all over, using Tsumeb as a
rest stop before they venture further to Etosha, Omusati or the Caprivi.
But this is not the only reason we developed the Kupferquelle Resort.
We have been dreaming about a holiday resort for a long time; one that
appeals to the whole family, and one where people and scholars from the
surroundings can have their swimming competitions, or play underwater
hockey.”
Kupferquelle has ablution blocks for swimmers and campers, a
coin-operated laundry and two conference facilities, the smaller of
which can accommodate between 20 to 30 people, and the larger up to 150
delegates. There is also an Internet café and convenience store, where
you can buy anything from freshly baked bread, meat for the braai, beer
and wine, to dairy products and magazines.
Apart from viewing (in the Tsumeb Museum) the more than 200 minerals and
gemstones found in the area, there is much more to see and do. Tsumeb
is a mere 107 kilometres from the eastern gate of the Etosha National
Park. Lake Otjikoto, Lake Guinas and Dragon’s Breath are all within
close proximity, while the Hoba Meteorite, Ghaub Caves and Baobab Tree
are further attractions to keep visitors busy.
An interesting excursion is offered by local resident, Chris Ayres, who
takes guests on a historical tour around the town in a revamped version
of the old copper-transporting train. The Tsumeb Museum with its
ethnological, colonial and mine history all under one roof is an
interesting stop. The old copper mine, where Chris worked many years
ago, also has a fascinating story to tell. The San were the first people
to find copper in the area. They traded it with the Oshiwambo people,
who in turn took it up to Angola, to trade further.
Kupferquelle and surroundings are waiting to be explored! (MvR)
