Bethanie

The village of Bethanie is a rustic desert oasis in southern Namibia that holds a special place as one of the country's oldest settlements. Established in 1814 by Heinrich Schmelen, a missionary of the London Missionary Society, it's a village steeped in history as colonial-era buildings, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church Complex, stand as historical landmarks. The church, built by Herrmann Heinrich Kreft, holds the distinction of being one of the first mission churches in Namibia. The cottage of Captain Josef Frederiks, the former leader of the Nama community and Raadsaal (“Conference Chamber”) of the Bethanië Nama Council, is another key historical site. Bethanie's dry, barren rocky terrain provides opportunities for hiking, photography, birdwatching, and stargazing beneath clear desert skies. It's a convenient stop-over for those heading to Keetmanshoop, Fish River Canyon, and Luderitz.