Gross-Barmen Hot Springs
Gross Barmen nestles on the banks of a tributary of the Swakop River in
scenic surroundings, and is a delightful stopover for travellers making
their way to the coast or further north.
The beautiful setting was described most aptly by Charles Andersson when
he visited the springs in 1850:
“Towards the west, and immediately behind the station,
rise irregular masses of low, broken rocks, ending abruptly on one side
in a bluff, about one thousand feet high ... To the east, it faces the
Swakop, the course of which is conspicuously marked by the handsome
black-stemmed mimosa. Beyond this, the view is limited by a noble range
of picturesque mountains, rising between six and seven thousand feet
above the level of the sea.”
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Hot mineral
spring:
The focal point of the resort is the thermal spring which supplies water
to the indoor thermal hall and the outdoor swimming pool. The fountain
or "eye" which feeds the two pools has been walled in and is
covered with a metal dome symbolising the bubbling spring which flows at
about 6 700 litres per hour. The concentration of fluoride and sulphate
is lower than the water at Ai-Ais and, with a temperature of about 65
degrees centigrade; the water is about 5 degrees warmer. Other minerals
include sodium phosphate, sodium, chloride, silicate and potassium.
The clusters of lamps in the thermal hall are also symbolic of the
bubbling spring. A novel feature of the indoor thermal hall, which is
enclosed on one side with glass, is a sunken bath with an artificial
waterfall where bathers can soothe their muscles. The water in the
thermal hall is cooled to about 40 degrees centigrade.
The water temperature of the open-air swimming pool which is influenced
by the air temperature is usually between 25 and 29 degrees Celsius
during daytime. The water in the children's splash pool is lukewarm.
DIRECTIONS:
The turnoff to the resort is signposted a short distance beyond the
southern entrance to Okahandja on the B2. Follow the sign posted road
(Route 87) to reach the turnoff to the resort 25 km further on.
ACCOMMODATION:
Accommodation ranges from luxury air-conditioned units sleeping five, to
two-bedded bungalows and rooms, while camping and caravan sites with
communal ablutions and field kitchens are also available.
All accommodation units are equipped with refrigerators, kettles and hot
plates, as well as with wash basins, toilets and showers, while the
luxury bungalows also have baths. Each unit has its own outside
fireplace.
The two-bed bungalows are not equipped with cooking facilities, while a
field kitchen is available for visitors who have reservations. Bedding
and towels are supplied, but not crockery, cutlery or cooking utensils.
FACILITIES:
The chief attractions of the resort are the open-air swimming pool and
the indoor thermal bath. Other amenities include tennis courts and a
children’s' playground. There is a restaurant, a shop which sells
souvenirs, groceries and liquor, and a filling station.
Restaurant hours: 07h00 to 09h00; 12h00 to 14h00; 18h00 to 22h00.
Meal times: 07h00 to 08h30; 12h00 to 13h30; 18h00 to 20h30.
Please note:
Day visitors must make prior arrangements for their visits at the camp,
and must leave the rest-camp before 18h00
Overnight visitors with reserved accommodation may enter unrestricted,
provided entrance and accommodation fees are paid during office hours.
Open throughout the year
No pets allowed. (Kennels at the gate, but owners must care for pets
themselves.)
No motor-cycles, scooters or power-cycles allowed
Mineral bath
Thermal swimming-pool and outdoor swimming-pool
Tennis courts
Play park for children |
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