Namibia> Places to visit in Namibia

Mariental is the administrative capital of the Hardap Region in southern Namibia, which stretches from the coast to Botswana Standing on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, in an area which has long been a centre for the Nama people. Unfortunately for the town as yet it has failed to make the mark as a tourist attraction, although the nearby Hardap Dam does attract a few tourists.

Mariental’s name originated from the area’s first colonial settler, Herman Brandt, who named it Marie’s Valley, after his wife. As this area of Namibia receives very little rain traditional farming techniques are being abandoned and farming is moving towards game animals. Mariental is also the centre of Namibia's ostrich farming industry as these birds cope well with the arid conditions. An ostrich abattoir has been established in Mariental to process this popular the meat for export around the world.

Mariental lies approximately half way between Keetmanshoop and Windhoek and most people driving this route do not stop unless in need of petrol. This phenomena has spawned another lucrative business for the traffic police in the town who frequently fine motorist for speeding through the town.