Omaruru lies next to the relatively dry Omaruru River which creates lush, green vegetation due to its good groundwater supply. The town was set up by farmers in the mid 18th century who brought herds of cattle down to settle. In 1904 the local Herero people rose up and Omaruru was one of the highly contested towns. Many artists have moved into this predominantly agricultural town adding an artistic and cosmopolitan flair to the town.
