Bethanie
//Karas, Namibia
Why visit Bethanie?
Bethanie is a historic town in the //Karas Region. Missionary Heinrich Schmelen arrived in 1814 to work with the Kaiǀkhauan (Khauas Nama) and their leader Amraal Lambert, sent by the London Missionary Society; the Schmelenhaus, built the same year, is long considered the oldest structure in Namibia, has been a National Monument since 1952, and now serves as a small museum. After Schmelen departed in 1822, the mission reopened in the early 1840s under Norwegian Rhenish missionary Hans Christian Knudsen. The mission church still standing today was built by Herrmann Heinrich Kreft and consecrated on 26 June 1859, one of the first mission churches in Namibia.
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Ask on WhatsAppHow do you get there?
By Plane
Nearest airport is Keetmanshoop.
By Car / Road
Bethanie is accessible from Keetmanshoop via the C12 road.
The town is walkable.
What are the things to do?
Schmelenhaus (1814) — long considered the oldest structure in Namibia, a National Monument since 1952, now a small museum
Mission Church — built 1859, one of the first mission churches in Namibia
Explore the mission history of the town
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Ask on WhatsAppWhere to eat?
Simple meals are available.
Where to drink?
Refreshments are available.
Planning Bethanie? We’ll book the stays and dining for you.
Ask on WhatsAppWhat should you buy?
Basic supplies are available.
Where to go next?
- Keetmanshoop — the regional capital
- Berseba — a neighbouring village
Nearby in //Karas
More places to explore around Bethanie.
Guide content as of June 2026.
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