Oranjemund (German
for: "Mouth of Oranje") is a town of 4,000 inhabitants situated in the
extreme southwest of Namibia, on the northern bank of the Orange River
mouth. It exists to service the diamond industry.
The town is run by Namdeb (formerly Consolidated Diamond Mines), now a
subsidiary of De Beers. Access to, and settlement in Oranjemund is
restricted to employees and their relatives. Its infrastructure is superior
to that of other towns in Namibia's South, due to it not being dependent on
cost recovery from its inhabitants. In the second half of the 20th century,
Oranjemund featured a large recreational complex with swimming pool, cinema,
restaurants and bars. Water is still provided free of charge, and until 2009
so was electricity. There is a border post to South Africa, only persons
with pre-application of 1 month are allowed to cross the border.
First established in 1936, following Hans Merensky's discovery of
significant alluvial diamond deposits on the north bank of the Orange River
and the adjacent northern coastline. Production of mainly gem-quality
diamonds has remained in the region of 2 million carats (400 kg) per year
since inception of the mine, mainly through improvements in technology.
Geography
Climate
Oranjemund has a mild desert climate (BWn, according to the Köppen climate
classification), with pleasant temperatures throughout the year. The average
annual precipitation is 50 mm (2 in).
Transportation
The Oranjemund Airport has services operated by Air Namibia going to Cape
Town, Lüderitz, Walvis Bay and Windhoek.
Coordinates: 28°33'6"S 16°25'35"E
Country: Namibia
Region: Karas Region
Constituency: Oranjemund Constituency
Elevation: 39 ft (12 m)
Population: (2001):
• Total 4,451
Time zone: South African Standard Time (UTC+1)
Oranjemund, at the
mouth of the Orange River, owes its existence to diamonds. So great was its
wealth, that in 1944 it supplanted Kolmanskop as the CDM headquarters. With
a population of 8000, Oranjemund is now an archetypal company town, with
100% employment, subsidized housing and medical care for its workers and
their families. Despite its desert location, CDM maintains golf course and
large areas of green parkland. All Oranjemund visitors must have a permit from Namdeb.
Sights:
Orange River
Phone code: 063. Police: 10111.
Would you like to book accommodation in Oranjemund or a trip there? Contact us!
| Related links | Maps | Accommodation in the area | Activities in the area | ||
| Hotels | Lodges | Camping & others | |||
| Luderitz | General map | - | Shepherd's Lodge | Shepherd's Lodge | Westair Wings Charters (Flights to Rosh Pinah) |
| Rosh Pinah | Regions | - | - | Tom's Cabin | Felix Unite Orange River canoe adventures |
| Photo galleries | - | - | - | - | - |
| Swakopmund | - | - | - | - | - |
| Walvis Bay | - | - | - | - | - |
| Noordoewer | - | - | - | - | - |
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