Karas Region

Karas Region is a large desert area in southern Namibia between South Africa, the Atlantic Ocean, and the adjacent Hardap region. The land consists of dry, open terrain with scattered settlements like Keetmanshoop and Oranjemund.

The region was transformed by diamond discovery in the early 1900s, leading to the founding of mining towns. This development brought major changes to what was previously an isolated area.

Nama-speaking communities shape daily life throughout the region with their long-standing customs and ways of living. You encounter these traditions in the towns and villages, where they continue to define the social fabric.

The main arrival option is Keetmanshoop Airport or the road connection from Windhoek. You should prepare for extreme heat and large distances between settlements before visiting.

The Sperrgebiet protected area contains rock formations over a billion years old that preserve a section of the Namib Desert. These ancient rocks reveal the long geological history of this extreme landscape.

Location: Namibia

Capital city: Keetmanshoop

Shares border with: Northern Cape, Hardap Region

Website: https://karasrc.gov.na

GPS coordinates: -26.56667,18.13333

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:30