When in Windhoek: Go for a Hike

Windhoek has an advantage over most capital cities. While it is the financial and business hub of the country with a bustling CBD and sprawling suburbs, a 20-minute drive will take you to the outskirts of town where development ends and commercial farmland with its grass, trees, birds and wildlife stretches out to all sides. This makes getting out to find peace in nature after a hard day’s work or a long flight very easy, and what better way to do this than going for a hike. Whether you just want to go for a quick stroll, do a day mission or spend a couple of days exploring the hills and valleys of Windhoek’s surroundings on foot, is all up to you.

A day mission or spend a couple of days exploring the hills and valleys of Windhoek’s surroundings on foot, is all up to you.

Avis Dam

Situated on the eastern fringe of the city, Avis Dam was built in 1933 to provide potable water for Windhoek. Unfortunately the little to no yearly inflow the dam gets meant it wasn’t the most reliable source of water and it has long since been dismissed as a water reservoir. For a long time Avis Dam has purely been used as a recreational area, and because of its proximity to the city it is a favourite for joggers, dog walkers, horse riders from the nearby stables and birders.

Avis has different hiking routes that range from just a quick walk along the dam wall to wider circuits that take you into and over the surrounding valleys and hills. The busiest times at Avis are usually early mornings and late afternoons when visitors come for their pre- or post work exercise, while on weekends families and bigger groups of friends will often wander along the trails enjoying the fresh air and good company.

The dam itself completely dries up in some years, but when it does have water as at present, it attracts a large number of birds. Depending on the time of year, birders are likely to see everything from crimsonbreasted shrikes and Egyptian geese to migrants like European bee-eaters. Be on the lookout for various raptors hunting mice and other critters between the rocks and reeds as well as the occasional unexpected visitors like great white pelicans.

Farm Windhoek

With its 70 km network of trails and jeep tracks for walking, mountain biking and running, Farm Windhoek on the outskirts of the southern and southeastern suburbs is extremely popular among locals and visitors alike. Trails are interlinked and signposted at every junction providing information on the distance to the next junction as well as the elevation and the average slope for the more technical minded. Trails vary in length and you can choose one that suits the time at your disposal or the type of activity you prefer.

Some trails will give you beautiful views of the city to the north or of the foothills of the Auas Mountains in the other directions. Also keep an eye out for wildlife that can include anything from guineafowl, jackal and warthogs to even kudus.

Khomas Hochland Hiking Trail

For the serious hikers who want to spend some time in nature as well as enjoy the challenge of a multiple day hike, the Khomas Hochland Hiking Trail will tick all the boxes. It is a sixday hike on the picturesque KhomasHochland Plateau, which takes you on a 91 km circular route across five neighbouring farms – Düsternbrook, Otjiseva, Onduno, Godeis and Monte Christo. The trail starts and ends at Düsternbrook Guestfarm, just 50 km northwest of the city.

The route gives hikers a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Khomas Hochland by exploring its dry riverbeds and waterfalls, open plains, thorn-tree woodland, deep gorges and interesting rock formations. As the trails wind through rugged scenery and unspoilt nature, hikers have time for birdwatching, spotting wildlife and identifying trees and geological features.

Accommodation consists of neat campsites that have everything you need, from water to wood and braai equipment as well as a shower and toilet. Backpack or slackpack options are available. The slackpack option is quite a treat as the night’s host farm provides meat and other fresh farm-style goodies for a well-deserved dinner.

For those in search of a more relaxed weekend getaway instead of six days of epic hiking, Düsternbrook and Godeis also offer day hikes or weekend trails with accommodation on the farm for a perfect weekend break.