Duwisib Castle

Duwisib Castle was built by Baron Captain Heinrich von Wolf in 1909. After the German-Nama war the 'Baron' went home to Dresden and married the step-daughter of the US consul. The couple commissioned an architect to build a castle that would reflect von Wolf's commitment to the German Military cause. It was also hoped that the castle would resemble some of the existing German Forts in Namibia. Much of the raw materials for the construction of the fort was imported from Germany. After landing at Luderitz the materials were transported by ox-wagon for over 600km through the Namib Desert. Workmen were hired from Ireland, Sweden, Italy and Denmark. The resulting castle consisted of 22 rooms.

While travelling to Europe in 1914 the First World War broke out and their ship was diverted to Rio. The Baron's wife was still an American and found passage to Europe on a Dutch ship, legend has it the Baron had to travel disguised as a woman. On arrival in Europe the Baron rejoined the German army, and was killed at the battle of the Somme in 1916. His wife never returned to Duwisib Castle, deciding to settle in Switzerland, and after the war sold the castle to a Swedish family.

One of the legends around the castle is that the Baron's horses escaped into the Namib Desert and where responsible for the Namib Desert Feral horses which are found in the region.

Duwisib castle was transferred to the state in the late 1970's, and was opened to the public in 1991. The castle now houses a collection of 18th and 19th century antiques, armour and paintings. The campsite is well shaded and offers a good overnight stop between southern Namibia and Sesriem and the Naukluft Mountains.