'Otavi' is the name of a spring in the area. The name 'Otavi' comes from the Owambo word 'tava' which means 'the nudging and pushing of a calf when it nurses from its mother'.
During summer, the temperature rises to approximately 30 C. In winter temperatures during the midday range between 18 and 25 C, however temperatures can fall below 0 C at night and in the early morning.
By the end of April 1915, southern and central Union forces had taken key German held areas in the southern and central Namib and had effective control of the Namibian coast. They then began their advance from Usakos. After a period of extreme difficulty due to a shortage of rations, the northern force proceeded. However their slower pace left a gap north of the Windhoek Swakopmund railway line through which the German forces could retreat.
On 12 May, Windhoek surrendered, however there was still a large German force to be dealt with.
On 15 May, the Union forces had solved their supply line problems entirely, however the Germans requested an armistice to discuss peace terms. Their proposal was a neutral zone south of the 22 degree of latitude. The Germans wanted control of the area north of this zone. General Botha, commander of the Union forces stated that he would only accept a total surrender. The Germans rejected this, believing they could defend the northern territory.
The Union forces prepared an expeditionary strike force of five mounted brigades, one infantry brigade and five field artillery batteries. Logistic support was provided by 532 wagons and units had more than two days’ supplies and rations.
The battle plan was to outflank the German forces by moving forces to
Tsumeb and Grootfontein, preventing further northward retreat. An attack was planned at Kalkveld, but the Germans retreated further. As a result, Union troops were moved from
Etosha to
Otjiwarongo to prevent a German retreat to the south-east.
On 1 July 1915, the Union forces encountered the Germans at Otavi before the Germans could properly deploy their forces against the South Africans and eight guns. Four men were killed and seven wounded before the Germans to abandoned Otavi and retreated to Khorab. The South Africans halted to recover their strength.
On 3 July, the Germans, then led by Governor Theodore Seitz and
Major Franke sent another emissary, proposing that the German forces and their equipment be interned until the end of the war. Botha rejected this suggestion and continued preparations for the advance. South African aircraft monitored the German positions.
A second emissary was dispatched by the Germans, asking for the terms for cessation of hostilities, as well as a meeting. A meeting was held on 6 July. The terms were that regular officers would be released on parole, regular troops would be interned and that reservists would be allowed to return to their homes. All weapons, stores and transport would have to be surrendered. Although the Germans requested an extension to consider the matter, General Botha issued an ultimatum for 9 July. The Germans acceded and surrendered at Khorab on that day.
A monument just outside of Otavi marks the site of the surrender.
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