Daan Viljoen Game Reserve, Namibia

Daan Viljoen Game Reserve, Namibia 

Daan Viljoen Nature Reserve in the Khomas Hochland is Namibia’s smallest game park. Nonetheless its convenient location to Windhoek has proved to be an ideal stopover for individual travellers, families and the business community alike. Visitors enjoy the tranquil ‘close to the city’ bush experience, an abundance of highland wildlife and the natural actions and rhythms of the dam.

The park and resort is open throughout the year from sunrise to sunset. One of Daan Viljoen’s great attractions is that visitors are allowed to walk around the park and there are 2 well marked hiking trails. Mountain biking is also allowed and the park is a popular spot for Windhoek’s mountain biking fraternity. There is also a small route for those wishing to do some game viewing from the comfort of their vehicles. Booking in advance, especially in the Namibian holiday season, is advised as residents from the capital city use Daan Viljoen as a welcome break and weekend retreat. Overnight visitors with reserved accommodation may enter up to midnight.

Daan Viljoen Park previously formed part of the “Augeigas Reserve”. A mission station with school facilities for about 80 scholars was completed in 1930 and the severe drought of 1932 resulted in the construction of various wells and planning of a few dams. It was during this period that the Augeigas Dam with a wall measuring 21.5m in height was completed. After an exceptional good rainy season in 1934, the veld recovered to a great extent, water was abundant in dams and wells.

Epic Namibia Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound