Recent sightings of a meteorite shower in the skies of the Eastern Cape and the subsequent discovery of a small fragment of the meteorite called the ‘Nqweba Meteorite’, have led to scientific evaluations and discussions about this natural phenomenon.
The fragment discovered weighs less than 90g and has a pre-fragmentation diameter of less than 5cm.
We have found some insights about the “Big Brother” of this Nqweba Meteorite in neighbouring Namibia, known as the Hoba Meteorite. The Hoba Meteorite weighs a massive 60 tonnes and is a well-visited tourist site.
What is the size of the earth’s biggest meteorites and where can we find them?
Can these discoveries and increased public interest around Astro Tourism and Ecotourism also contribute to social, rural and economic development in these regions, and what more can be done to create awareness of these sites?
We decided to approach the Engelbrecht family who initiated the development of the Hoba Meteorite site on their farm outside Grootfontein in Nambia.
Minnie and Jan Engelbrecht have lived on the Hoba farm since 1981. At 80 years old, Minnie is still managing the tourist shop near the Hoba meteorite with great success.
When they moved to the farm the road to the meteorite was a small jeep track and not easily accessible. Only high-suspension cars could reach it and only during the dry season.
Jan Engelbrecht approached the Government and a “ticket-tourist shop” and ablutions were built along with an indigenous garden and a well-maintained gravel road towards the meteorite. A beautiful terrace with steps was created around the meteorite. Jan Engelbrecht sadly passed away in 2014.
Jan en Minnie Engelbrecht initiated the development of the Hoba Meteorite site
1974
Now
Garden and pathway to the Hoba Meteorite
Humoristic signs
How many people visit the Hoba Meteorite annually?
There are approximately 15,000 visitors per year
Where do they find out about the meteorite – is there a questionnaire or research on how people find out about the Meteorite?
We are not aware of any research that has been done to establish how people find out about the meteorite.
Professional tour operators will sometimes include the meteorite in their tour itinerary.
What would you say is the percentage of local visitors or visitors from South Africa as compared to foreigners and people from other continents?
90% of the visitors are foreigners. Most of these visitors are from Germany, the Netherlands, France and the UK.
Visitors do not have to book. There is mostly no queue.
How accessible is the Hoba Meteorite? What are the best routes to travel and the distances from nearby towns, and airports? Do visitors have to book or let anyone know before visiting? Are there any “visiting hours”? What are the costs involved?
There are 2 routes to access the meteorite. From Tsumeb to Grootfontein, there is a gravel road with signage on your right 3km before Grootfontein. It is 17km from Grootfontein.
From Otavi to Grootfontein (34km before Grootfontein) there is a turn-off on your left onto a gravel road. It takes you through a beautiful valley. It is a detour to Grootfontein.
17 km from Grootfontein
The tar road and the gravel road are in very good condition. It is always advisable to drive carefully on gravel roads, especially in the rainy season.
Be on the lookout for some wildlife. Kudus, warthogs, antelopes and tortoises may sometimes be seen on the road. NEVER DRIVE AT NIGHT. It is also more dangerous at sunrise and sunset when the animals are more active.
When visitors arrive at the site, how do they gain knowledge about the meteorite, the area and others tourism activities nearby?
There is a beautiful tourist shop onsite. A leaflet can be purchased which is available in 10 languages. These leaflets are very informative and very popular amongst tourists.
There are also posters on the wall of the Grootfontein Museum and a few venues for accommodation around the Grootfontein area.
Informative leaflet about the Hoba meteorite
Can you tell us more about the tourist shop?
There is a beautiful tourist shop. Minnie Engelbrecht, the owner is very proud of her shop and ensures that there is something for everyone! Visitors will be able to find beautiful souvenirs and T-shirts with the emblem of the meteorite.
The postcards and stickers are also very popular. There is a gemstone information card and lots of small goodies for the travellers to buy
Visitors can also buy a variety of cold drinks and snacks for the road.
A card machine is available, making it much more convenient for everyone.
Inside the Tourist shop – beautifully decorated
Minnie Engelbrecht has gained much experience as to what the visitors from different counties search for in terms of memorabilia! T-shirts are among the top sellers. Lately, foreign people also love buying postcards and stamps.
The foreigners also love small objects and prezzies that they can easily pack in their suitcases. Interestingly their favorite animal print to buy is the elephant. (Not the rhino) They also love the gem sample pack.
What more can be done to raise awareness – locally and perhaps at the national level about this natural wonder?
There is much potential to increase awareness about visiting the biggest meteorite in the world! Among these initiatives we might suggest the following:
- Advertising on social media to promote not only the meteorite but the whole area around Grootfontein.
- An article could be placed in SA newspapers, German Facebook pages, and airline magazines.
- An excellent website, Facebook page etc. will ensure many more know about the meteorite.
- Leaflets in car rental vehicles.
- A big billboard as visitors disembark from a plane with messaging such as “Welcome to Namibia – the home of the biggest meteorite in the world near Grootfontein.”
- Advertorials in-flight magazines.
- A billboard as you enter Grootfontein with the message, “Have you visited the Hoba meteorite, the biggest in the world!”
- Advertising on Namibia tourist apps. Namibia websites, Namibia tour guides.
Do you believe that creating more awareness can also benefit other tourism venues and local businesses?
Grootfontein has so many hidden gems for a little town.
These include:
- The Grootfontein Museum Das Alte Ford – A beautiful building and very informative museum with a delightful coffee shop.
- Restaurants: Pondoki restaurant, 5km from Grootfontein on the road to Rundu for excellent steak and pizzas. They also have a swimming pool. Reservations can be made for lunch/dinner.
- Roy’s camping for a very rustic experience and farm activities
- Meteorite camping is a camping site near the Hoba meteorite.
- Ghaub caves near Ghaub farmhouse
- Groceries – OK Foods is small but the best in town to stock up on groceries.
- Butchery – Otjiwanda butchery -ask Buks the owner for matured aged fillet steaks, cut to your preferences. All beef meat in Namibia is organic.
- Coffeeshop The Fig Tree is a beautiful place for lunch – it is situated next to Vobaco Pharmacy.
- Pharmacy – Vobaco Pharmacy. Cecelia knows the best for all your medicine needs. Malaria tablets are also available here.
- Did you know that the largest underground lake is situated 45km from Grootfontein? It is called the Dragon Breath Cave. Unfortunately, it is not open to the public yet. They are at present busy with explorations in the area.
Africa is well-known for its wide open spaces, fauna & flora and natural beauty. Astro Tourism and Ecotourism could further contribute to social, community and economic development in rural areas having a lasting impact for generations to come!
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