Keetmanshoop (translates from Afrikaans as 'the hope of Keetman') is the administrative centre of Namibia's largest region, Karas. It is 500km south of Windhoek and it's southern central location make it a natural traffic junction, as well as the economic centre for the entire south of Namibia. The Karas region covers some 161,000km², or nearly 1/5th of the country's total surface. Karas is named after the mountains of the same name, south-east of the town.

As with many Namibian towns, Keetmanshoop developed around a Rhenish Mission Society, founded in 1860 to spread their faith to the local Namas. It was named after the German trader Johann Keetman, who supported the mission financially. Like many missionaries of that era, they found that even though some Africans converted to Christianity, taking away their tribal beliefs was another matter.

The Keetmanshoop Museum is located in the Keetmanshoop Rhenish Mission Church and the building dates back to 1895. The (Lutheran) Church was declared a national monument in 1978 and is a well-known land mark in the history of the town. It's unique combination of Gothic architecture, cast in Namibian stone, makes it one of the architectural master pieces in the country, and a popular tourist attraction.

Also of interest is the traditional Nama matjieshuis (a house made of thatched reed) in the church grounds. Other buildings worth a visit include the old hospital, (also known as the Johanitter Haus), the old Post Office and the Schutzenhaus (1907) the headquarters of the oldest German club in the country.

Accommodation in and around Keetmanshoop include Birds Mansion Hotel, Canyon Hotel and Keetmanshoop Central Lodge. Situated 38km north-east of the town is the Mesosaurus and Fossil and Quiver Tree Dolorite Park, set in an area that includes the Mesosaurus Fossil Site and the Quiver Tree Forest and eroded dolorite rock formations. Also in a north-easterly direction (13km) is the Quiver Tree Rest Camp.

Other highlights in the region include self-drive visits to the Naute Dam and the farm Spitskop Ost with its mesosaurus fossils, the Giant's Playground, Fish River Canyon and the Kokerboom (Quiver Tree) Forest.