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Experiencing Ghaub

Activities

Our guests always praise the calmness exuded by the wide-open valley and the buildings of the former mission station with its age-old trees and sprawling lawns. But besides a place of relaxation, Ghaub is also a place of adventure.

  • Even more exciting than in Etosha: In the Ghaub nature reserve guests encounter white rhinos up close and at eye level

    Even more exciting than in Etosha: In the Ghaub nature reserve guests encounter white rhinos up close and at eye level. Photo: Alexander Heinrichs

  • The Ghaub limestone cave is the third largest cave in Namibia

    The Ghaub limestone cave is the third largest cave in Namibia. Photo: Alexander Heinrichs

  • Messages from our ancestors? At Ghaub, guests can discover rock engravings, including animals, tracks and abstract holes like these

    Messages from our ancestors? At Ghaub, guests can discover rock engravings, including animals, tracks and abstract holes like these. Photo: Sven-Eric Stender

Rhino drive (afternoons, 2-3 hrs.)

A charming contrast to Etosha: The mountainous area of our 30 km² nature reserve is home to game such as giraffe, oryx, impala, eland, blesbok, red hartebeest and mountain zebra. We almost always encounter white rhinos. Another highlight is the unique rock engravings of our ancestors. Experts rave about the elephant.

Rhino tracking (mornings, 2-3 hrs.)

Accompany the trackers of our "Rhino Patrol" on foot in their search of the white rhinos. You will learn a lot about the behaviour of the animals. With a little luck you will encounter the rhinos – on eye level. Fitness is required.

Please note:
  • Pre-bookings for the Rhino Drive and the Rhino Tracking are limited in order to make it possible also for our guests on site to decide to join. We therefore recommend that you arrive before 15:00.
  • The rhino poaching is a big problem also in Namibia. To protect our game, we have guarded gates on the thoroughfares and a "Rhino Patrol", who tracks down the rhinos every day. The revenues from Rhino drive and Rhino tracking help us to fund the protection of our game.

Cave excursion (mornings, 2-3 hrs.)

Not for claustrophobic visitors! Physical fitness is also a must: the deeper the cave, the less oxygen in the air. With a passage system extending to a length of 2.5 km, the Ghaub limestone cave is the third largest cave in Namibia. We have to crawl and climb in places, so please wear sturdy clothes and shoes. Helmets and headlamps are provided.

Farm tour (only for groups of 10 p. or more, booking 7 days in advance; mornings, 2-3 hrs.)

Agriculture in Namibia? Indeed! Since it is raining well in this region and there is plenty of groundwater, we at Ghaub do not only raise cattle, but also grow vegetables. The tour provides fascinating insights into an extraordinary farming operation.

Nature trails

Whether you want to take a walk or go on a hike – well-demarcated trails lead you through the mountain paradise of Ghaub with its over 250 bird species. A cemetery and a stone pulpit at the side of the road are historical reminders of a small missionary parish and the last fights between the German Schutztruppe and troops of the South African Union during World War One.

Tips for self-drive day excursions

See the largest meteorite ever found on earth on farm Hoba near Grootfontein (45 min. drive, open whole day, entry fee): The Hoba meteorite consists mainly of iron, weighs 50-60 tons and has a cuboid form with measurements of approx. 0.90 m x 2.70 m x 2,70 m. It is over 190 million years old and hit earth about 80,000 years ago.

In Grootfontein (45min. drive) the Alte Fort Museum (open mornings and afternoons) tells the history of the town, farming and the "Dorsland-Trek" of the South African Boers. more...

In the "living museum" of the Ju/'Hoansi-San in Grashoek (2 hrs. drive) San people/Bushmen demonstrate the life of their ancestors – from the crafting of weapons over hunting and gathering to song and dance. more...