Otjikoto Lake is the smaller of only two permanent natural lakes in Namibia. It is a sinkhole lake that resulted from a karst cave collapse. It is only 100 meters from the main route B1 and 20 kilometers (12 miles) northwest of Tsumeb. In 1972, the lake was designated as a national monument and one of the most beautiful lakes in Namibia.

During World War I, the lake was used as a disposal site for German Schutztruppe; in June 1915, German troops buried war supplies there before surrendering to prevent the South African and British troops from using them. While the majority of the larger components have been found and are now on exhibit in the Tsumeb Museu. If you have visited this lake, you should also visit the museum in Tsumeb to experience the full history of this lake. Weapons were dumped in the lake and later recovered. The Germans allegedly also threw a locked safe into the lake. There has been no progress in finding it or the 6 million gold marks it is rumored to contain.

Botanist Kurt Dinter visited Otjikoto lake in 1911 and collected several hitherto unknown species of plants, among them grass of the genus Rottboellia. Tilapia Guinasana is a species of cichlid fish that naturally was only found in Otjikoto's sister lake. Visitors arrive in a tidy, green landscape on their way to the lake after paying an entrance charge. Visit a "small zoo" where you can get a close-up look at ostriches, warthogs, and a crocodile.

• Location: North of Tsumeb

Lake Guinas is the larger of only two permanent natural lakes in Namibia. It is a sinkhole lake, created by a collapsing karst cave; it is located thirty-eight kilometers west of Tsumeb, near the D3043 road.

The largest permanent lake in Namibia is Lake Guinas, which measures 59 meters in width and 120 meters in length. Depending on the water level, the lake's center may be more than 130 meters deep.

It's a nice place to go swimming or to unwind for a while taking in the sight of the crystal-clear water. The lake provides wonderful photo opportunities as well. Guinas has a stunning landscape, with Aloe Vera plants lining the cliffs that descend vertically to form the lake's round shape.

Tilapia guinasana, popularly known as "Otjikoto Tilapia," is a critically endangered species of cichlid fish that can only be found in Lake Guinas. It has since been introduced to the Otjikoto Lake and certain fish reservoirs in different parts of Namibia in an effort to save the species. The existence of an underground tunnel network that connects the lake to Lake Otjikoto is rumored, but not confirmed. Lake Guinas is evaluated as one of the most beautiful lakes in Namibia.

• Location: West of Tsumeb

Located in the Oshana Region in northern Namibia's Uuvudhiya Constituency, Lake Oponona is a natural lake. It is the largest lake in the Cuvelai Basin and is located around 70 kilometers from Etosha Pan.

In a productive year, it retains water until the rainy season after that. Flamingos and other birds sometimes migrate to the lake because it retains water for a long time, while swamps and other wetlands dry out. Due to the massive amount of animals that were relocated there for water during the 2012–2013 drought, Lake Oponona decreased by more than 500 meters.

The lake, which is located about 70 kilometers north of Etosha Pan, is also the source of the Ekuma River, which intermittently flows into Etosha Pan and supports the wonderfully diverse animal life that assembles there.

Because Lake Oponona holds water for a long time and offers fish and drinking water for animals, it should be used in a sustainable way. Because Blue Cranes and other endangered birds, such as White Pelicans, Lesser Flamingos, and Greater Flamingos, depend on Lake Oponona, it needs to receive protection status. It is one of the most beautiful lakes in Namibia.

• Location: Oshana, Oshana Region, Namibia