Lake Otjikoto — The Lake That Swallowed WWI German Arms

A circular, 145-metre-deep sinkhole lake formed when an ancient cave system collapsed, 20km north of Tsumeb just off the B1. In 1915, as German forces retreated before the South African advance, they dumped their field guns, ammunition wagons and supplies into the lake to prevent capture. Over the following decades divers recovered weapons, Maxim guns, Krupp artillery pieces and supply wagons — now displayed at the Tsumeb Museum. The lake itself is hauntingly beautiful: spring-fed, blue-green, perfectly circular and surrounded by bush. Open sunrise to sunset; small entry fee.