FARM FINKENSTEIN: RUSTIC CHARM AMID THE NAMIBIAN WILDERNESS

by Sara Essop

Tucked away in a vast expanse of Namibian wilderness, at the edge of the Auas Mountains, Farm Finkenstein is more than just a place to rest your head—it’s a journey through time. Owned and operated by the Finke family for four generations, Farm Finkenstein has evolved from a humble rest stop for ox-wagon travellers to a homely guest farm that continues to welcome visitors from around the world with its unique blend of history, nature, and heartfelt Namibian hospitality.

History

Bernhard Finke, the current owner, was raised on the farm, which was purchased by his great grandfather in 1903, following his travels around Africa with Cecil John Rhodes. Located approximately 17 kilometres from Windhoek, the farm once served as the first stop on the eastward journey from the city, offering much-needed rest and respite to weary travellers after a long day of traversing the rugged Namibian terrain by oxwagon.

During the early 1940s, Bernhard’s grandfather began offering tours through Southern Africa. In later years, people would come with their families and stay for a minimum of three weeks, often longer. These days, most guests are self-driving tourists arriving in the country or departing, who choose the farm for its convenient location, 25km from Hosea Kutako International Airport.

As expected, the busiest times of the year are during the summer holidays in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Travel trends change over time and Bernhard observes that before lockdown, guests used to travel either in large groups with buses or in small compact groups, trying to see as much as they could in as little time as possible. After lockdown, the bus groups became smaller, and the self-driving groups became bigger, with travellers taking more time to appreciate the beauty of the country. In the long run, this is expected to lead to more long-term stays and less short-term stays.

Location

Guests in search of the wide-open spaces and wildlife that Namibia is renowned for will not be disappointed. Situated close enough to the city to be easily accessible, yet far enough to offer a peaceful escape into nature, Farm Finkenstein allows visitors to experience the best of both worlds. It is surrounded by 5,000 hectares of land and located within a hunting association of approximately 100,000 hectares.

Nature conservation is a top priority at the farm, which operates with a strong focus on sustainability. Largely self-sufficient, the farm produces its own milk, meat, eggs, and vegetables, offering guests a true farm-to-table experience.

Accommodation

With just five en-suite rooms which can accommodate up to 12 guests, each stay feels intimate and personalised. Four of the five rooms are spacious with the capacity to add extra beds, and one is a family room. The rooms are designed to reflect the farm’s rich history and natural surroundings, with warm, earthy tones and traditional Namibian décor, and they have been recently renovated. Wooden accents and simple yet elegant furnishings add to the sense of home, while large windows offer panoramic views of the outdoors.

Despite the farm’s historic roots, the rooms are equipped with modern amenities, ensuring that guests don’t have to sacrifice contemporary comforts while enjoying an authentic farm experience.

Accommodation can be booked either on a roomonly basis, with breakfast, or on a half-board basis. Guests can socialise on the sun terrace, in the communal dining area or outdoors, and future plans include a small open venue with a fireplace and cooking facilities.

Activities

For those who see Farm Finkenstein as more than a stopover to other destinations, there are sufficient activities to keep them entertained. The farm’s location provides guests with the perfect opportunity to immerse themselves in Namibia’s stunning landscapes, which can be explored through farm tours and game drives, seeing wildlife and birdlife en-route.

Mountain excursions will take guests on hikes into the Auas Mountains, where they will be treated to beautiful scenery, crisp mountain air, along with invigorating physical activity. Tours of Windhoek city and Katutura township will delve into the history of the areas, offering deeper insights into their origins, while stargazers will be thrilled at the breathtaking, clear night sky.

The farm’s vast hunting grounds are home to abundant wildlife species including oryx, kudu, warthog and more, and the pristine setting and varied terrain provide the perfect backdrop for responsible and sustainable hunting adventures with professional guides.

For an even more unique activity, guests can try their hand at a basic blacksmithing course, which provides a hands-on experience of Namibia’s artisanal heritage, and gradually advances from crafting a beginner-friendly fire poker to a more intricate frying pan.

Bernhard runs the farm with his wife, who hails from the northern Namibia, and grew up travelling in Namibia and South Africa. They employ a small staff complement of between 3 and 6 locally recruited staff members depending on demand for services. The staff are given basic hospitality training as well as training in any other specialised areas within the hospitality scope, that they require.

Guests can book via mainstream booking portals and awareness of the property is driven through attendance at hospitality functions, and good relationships with travel agents and hospitality firms.

Namibia attracts a diverse range of travellers, primarily those seeking adventure, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. Bernhard’s advice to first-time visitors there is that they should bear in mind that most places are reached through gravel roads, which require much slower driving than one might anticipate. Most places have much more to see if one takes the time to discover them.

Appeal

According to Bernhard, guests here aren’t just room numbers; they’re treated as individuals with feelings. Farm Finkenstein has been a sanctuary for travellers for over a century. Its appeal lies in its proximity to the airport, its rich history, surrounding nature and homely atmosphere. From the early days of ox wagons to modern-day road trippers, Farm Finkenstein has evolved but remains true to its roots as a haven of comfort and rustic charm.

WEBSITE: https://farmfinkenstein.com

CONTACT: bernhard@farmfinkenstein.com

+264 81 124 7067

SOCIALS: Facebook, Instagram www.deheerlijkheidloenen.nl iwegereef@deheerlijkheidloenen.nl

De Heerlijkheid Loenen Bed en Breakfast, a historic building situated in Slijk-Ewijk is a recently renovated bed and breakfast with a garden and terrace.