Oranjemund Travel Guide, Namibia

On the bank of South Africa’s longest river - Orange River, lays the magnificent town of Oranjemund, Namibia. Dotted with greenery, the town is known not just because of its prime location in one of the largest diamond fields in the world, but also because of its natural beauty.

Nature

Ideally located on the mouth of the Orange River, Oranjemund has spectacular landscapes that can leave visitors speechless. While the river itself plays a vital role in enhancing its beauty, the desert sands have a charm of their own.

Economy

Established in 1936 with the discovery of diamond deposits, Oranjemund is one of the richest diamond fields of the world. It has over the years gained reputation with its diamond culture, producing close to 2 million carats diamonds on a yearly basis.

Limited Access

While it is blessed by nature with innumerable diamond mines, this very blessing is the reason why Oranjemund is referred to as the forbidden fairyland. Access to the beautiful town of Oranjemund is limited only to mine employees and their relatives. Average visitors are restricted from entering this town with the exception of pass holders, who are allowed entry.

Climate

As is with the rest of Namibia, Oranjemund also has a sub-tropical desert climate with broadly six summer and six winter months. A good time to pay a visit to this city is around May when days are dry with not very high temperatures.

Infrastructure

A principal center for large scale diamond mining, the small town of Oranjemund that has a population of above 5,451 is quite well-equipped with basic infrastructure. While access is easy for pass holders, the town also has a substantial number of shopping centers and entertainment facilities. Also, there are constant technological advancements as well as numerous planned satellite settlements built in its mining areas.

Reaching Oranjemund

While it has no port facilities, a modern highway bridge connects the town of Oranjemund to Alexander Bay. From Alexander Bay, Oranjemund is indirectly linked to the rest of the world via the two airports in Namibia’s Windhoek as well as the Cape Town International Airport.

A welcome change from many other destinations that is high on modern-day facilities, consumerism and all that jazz. Oranjemund is one of the few towns that can give you a whole new insight in to the beauty of nature! After all, there is a reason why it is called Fairyland.