Usakos

Usakos was established in 1905 as a workshop and watering station on the Swakopmund–Windhoek railway line, after Herero chief Samuel Maharero sold the land to Europeans who resold it to the Otavi Mining and Railway Company. The railway station and repair shop were a busy hub for transporting minerals to the port of Swakopmund until the 1960s; the town's importance faded once the road between Windhoek and Swakopmund was tarred around 1968-69 and steam locomotives gave way to diesel. Today Usakos is largely a drive-through en route between the Namibian interior and the coast, though its dilapidated but still-standing railway station and its 1905 Roman Catholic church remain as landmarks, and passenger trains still stop here.

By Plane

Nearest airport is Walvis Bay (WVB IATA).

By Car / Road

Usakos is on the B2 highway between Arandis and Karibib.

The town is walkable.

• Historic railway station — dilapidated but still standing, built for the Otavi Mining and Railway Company; passenger trains still stop here
• Roman Catholic church (built 1905)

Simple meals are available.

Refreshments are available.

Basic supplies are available.

• Karibib (north) — historic mining town
• Arandis (west) — near the coast