Bethanie

This historic little town, west of Keetmanshoop, is one of the oldest settlements in the country. Although Bethanie was founded by the London Missionary Society, they were a bit short of recruits and sent a German instead.

The original 1859 church still stands, as does Reverend Heinrich Schmelen's 1814 Schmelenhause, the oldest building in Namibia and now a National Monument and memorabilia museum.

At least one significant event has taken place in little ole' Bethanie. This happened in 1883 at the house of Nama chief Josef Frederiks. It was the first recorded deed of sale signed between the local tribe and a representative of Germany, Adolf Luderitz, for an area of land on the coast which was to become known as Luderitz.

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