Schützenhaus Guesthouse

Information

The Schützenhaus, established in 1907, is the oldest German Club in Southern Africa. It was privatized after 98 years and is now a Guest House in Keetmanshoop.

It is situated in the Pastorie Street and its tranquil surroundings are a true resting place for the weary traveler. It is the ideal base station for guests wishing to explore the fossil trail, fish river canyon, Quiver tree forest, giant’s playground and other tourist attractions in and around Keetmanshoop. Here you can re-live the good old times.

It boasts 11 luxury double rooms with air-conditioning and en suite bathrooms, 2 luxury family rooms and three guide rooms. An a la carte Restaurant, private bar, and barbeque facilities are also available. Self-catering units are available on special request.

Accommodation available at the Guesthouse:

• 11 luxury double rooms with air-conditioning and en suite bathrooms
• 2 luxury family rooms with air-conditioning and en suite bathrooms
• 1 luxury twin room with wheel chair facilities
• 3 Tourguide rooms with en suite bathrooms

Facilities available at the Guesthouse:

• Barbeque facilities
• Private Bar
• A la carte Restaurant
• Self-catering units are available on special request
• Lunches for groups on request

History of the Schützenhaus

The beginning of the Schützenhaus is most probably due to the visit to the Jonathan Zeib, by the German Commissioner Dr Goering in the year 1885. Jonathan Zeib was a descendant from Zeib who originally lived in Keetmanshoop in the year 1871. Jonathan asked for protection and as such a Military and Administrative Center was established in the South with Keetmanshoop as the capital. In the 1894 Lieutenant Botha came as the first Officer with a Company to Keetmanshoop. The Soldiers sang and danced in the candle-lit evenings and often the men portrayed women at these occasions.

Farmers started to settle in the area as the area became secure due to the soldiers being present. In the year 1898 the Schützenverein (shooting club) was established and from now on Tournaments were held on a regular basis. Dance evenings followed shortly afterwards. This was also the time when the Officers Barracks were erected. Then in the year 1905 also the building of the Schützenhaus started by a certain Mrs Schmidt. Mrs. Schmidt was also the owner of the building. The building was completed in 1907, and the following year the Turnverein (gymnastic club) “Gut Heil” was established.

Over many years the club held Gymnastic events, Soccer and Fist ball Matches and Badminton events. After the First and Second World War many of the local German Community left the area and it became difficult to keep the club running.

At the start of 2005 the Historical Old Buildings were sold. The new owners also purchased the Historical Officers Barracks that was situated just next to the Schützenhaus. As such the Schützenhaus Guesthouse was established and the renovations could begin. The Guesthouse was renovated in the highest European Standards and the old Klubkneipe (Bar - Public house of the club) was renovated in its original splendor. The Bar is decorated in the original Colonial style and old Colonial Artifacts will find a final resting place within.

The Schützenhaus Guesthouse has 11 Luxury Rooms, 2 Family and 3 Tour-guide Rooms available for Guests. A very modern Kitchen will cater for the Guests Appetite. European and Local specialties will be on the menu, with Ostrich and Game from the surrounding areas being available. A Wine List with all the best Wines from the Cape is also available.

The owners wish to portray the German Culture and the Historical Works to the Tourists that were once the norm in these areas.