WHITE HOUSE GUEST FARM

Grunau. South Namibia.

By Donnie Rust

Standing out like a beacon upon a backdrop of arid shrublands, the White House Guest Farm offers travellers and road trippers, true Afrikaner hospitality under Namibia’s magnificently clear skies. Set on a 112-year-old farm, the guest farm was opened in 1995 and offers guests a historic farm-style accommodation, great food and fun activities in the sublime, calm beauty of South Namibia Grunau.

A small community with a permanent population of roughly four hundred people, Grunau is an important overnight bolthole for those embarking on sightseeing tours along the west coast of Africa and for businesspeople and families travelling between Cape Town and Windhoek. While a wellrelied upon spot to refuel the car and stretch the legs, travellers often stop for multiple days to enjoy the rejuvenating calm of the vast desert shrublands.

own standards. Also, they can prioritise strong relationships and partnerships over a bottom line. Which is everything out here.

We were lucky enough to speak with Nita De Wet, a member of the second generation of De Wets managing the guest house and discussed what it’s like to manage a business in the middle of nowhere.

The Withuis Guest Farm

Nita explains that managing an operation like The White House Guest Farm, is unique and over two generations the De Wets have become experts at planning ahead. Their independence comes with pros and cons. Not owned or supported by big corporate entities they are entirely responsible for their own fate, but this makes them light on their feet, quick to act and free to set their

“Obviously you have to have good relationships with reliable suppliers and subcontractors that understand your business needs,” she explains, “For example, when we look at new suppliers the first thing we consider is their logistics, quality, pricing and frequency of delivery and if they understand how important this is.”

Open communication like this is mirrored in the way the De Wets discuss new developments and plans for their business. As an example: road travel, for business and leisure, from South Africa through Namibia is growing in popularity and Grunau’s strategic location makes it an increasingly competitive market. To keep ahead of things like this, Nita tells us that the family take the time to have regular sit downs to talk things through. Making sure they’re all on the same page with their decisions. It brings to mind the adage of failing to plan is planning to fail.

Family Traits

Namibia is in the middle of a drought and Nita explains that major onsite developments are currently on hold. However, innovation is always part of life out here and the family have always tackled challenges head on. While other businesses may swoon under the heat, the De Wets get busy and find a way to improve the guest experience in spite of circumstances.

“A problem can always be solved if you are able to look at things from a different perspective,” she says, “This is not the first drought that our family has gone through, and a plan is always made. Giving up is just not a family trait.”

In this instance, one may notice the greenery surrounding the White House standing out against the parched dryness. This is not by accident and Nita explains that they wanted to offer guests some greenery to enjoy. However, being in the middle of a drought such use of water was impossible and they had to make a plan.

Instead of using the limited potable water, they made their own grey water system to filter and reuse all water waste from the property. This allows them to enjoy a grassy lawn and a vegetable garden even in the middle of the drought. It sets them apart from their competition in the area and provides them with a means of ensuring zero water wastage until the overdue rains.

Guest Experience

For almost thirty years, the De Wets have worked hard to keep their standard of guest care, and according to Nita this starts with looking after all members of the team. The onsite staff who are locally recruited, have worked for them for generations and are a part of the family. Happy staff means happy customers, but there are a few things that make Afrikaans hospitality extra special.

“We use honest advertising and keep our word,” she says, “Going out of our way to accommodate their needs. We aim for true hospitality. Which is more than just being pleasant and checking rooms. It is going out of our way to be good hosts.”

The Accommodation

The White House has a communal dining room, fully equipped kitchen, living room and braai area. In each room guests can find a fridge well stocked with the essentials: cold beer, wine, soft drinks and water. Teas, coffee, sugar and milk are available in the kitchen and each room has its own private shower and toilet facilities, and the main building is fully equipped with modern amenities.

Activities

There are a host of activities available that promise to give the full experience of this unique travel destination. The White House is situated 115 km from the Fish River-Canyon (C12), and 125 km from Ai-Ais hot springs (C10). Interestingly, the area of Grunau is known for a succulent plant called Lithops (beeskloutjies) and, more specifically, the Mickberg-gensis, a sub species of the Karasmontana group which can be found on the farm.

A site seeing trip of between 3-4 hours is available and includes a visit to the Rose-Quartz quarry. Rose quartz has a beautiful delicate pink colour which is used to make jewellery.

Hikers, cyclers, mountain bikers and dirt bikers will love the area, but will need to bring their own bikes and equipment. The old farm dam has been converted into a swimming pool with clear water for the children and a Jungle Gym that will make kids very happy and adults very jealous.

Meals

As explained on their website, guests are welcome to self-cater while they stay, however it is suggested that they take the chance to enjoy a proper Afrikaans braai. Braai packs are available, and nothing comes close to sitting around a fire, with the smell of lambchops under that endless sky. For those who are visiting this region for the first time, the delicious catalogue of flavours that come with a braai will immortalize the experience in your mind. And for those who have experienced it before, you know exactly what we’re talking about.

Afrikaner Boerekos, literally translated as “Farmer’s Food,” is to Afrikaners what spaghetti is to Italians. This traditional, hearty country-style cuisine is enjoyed wherever Afrikaans is spoken and typically features a plate piled high with vleis, rys, aartappels, en pampoen (meat, rice, potatoes, and pumpkin).

At White House Guest Farm, Boerekos is given special attention, with Nita proudly revealing that the lamb served in theirs comes directly from their own farm.

Rates

Rates are shown below but these are due to increase from 01 March 2025.

Family Accommodation

There are three family rooms that consist of one double bed and two single beds (one of these rooms is on the side of the building and has its own private entrance and small kitchenette), and two-family chalets that include a double bed and a bunk bed.

4 pax = N$ 1020 per room per night

3 pax = N$ 950 per room per night

2 pax = N$ 880 per room per night

Two Family Chalets, consisting of double beds and a bunker bed. The chalets are all equipped with a kitchenette, well stocked fridge with cold beer, wine, soft drinks and water, private barbeque area and ensuite bathroom with shower, toilet and wash basin.

4 pax = N$1020 per chalet per night

3 pax = N$950 per chalet per night

2 pax = N$880 per chalet per night

Student Accommodation

There is a smaller student room which includes two single beds. Perfect for older children, kids with friends, or students.

2 pax = N$600 per room, per night

1 pax= N$600 per room, per night

The Twin Chalet offers much more than the Student Room With each chalet having the abovementioned amenities.

2 pax = N$880 per room, per night

1 pax = N$660 per room, per night

Camping

There are four campsites suitable for tents or caravans and each one comes with an electrical outlet, water faucet and light as well as a communal ablution block, with showers, toilets and basins.

N$200 per person per night

Child Policy

Children under 6 years old stay for free Children under 12 years old pay half price. Children 12 years old and up pay full price.

ADDRESS: Farm Mickberg 262, Grunau, Namibia

TELEPHONE NUMBER: +264 81 351 0534

EMAIL: withuis@iway.na

WEBSITE: www.withuis.net