Dusternbrook Guest Farm

Cheetah and leopard close to Windhoek

The colonial style farmhouse that is Dursternbrook Guest Farm, is situated 50kms north-west of Windhoek, and is en-route to Etosha National Park and Swakopmund. It is the oldest establishment of it's kind in Namibia, and is set high on a river bank, that overlooks the unspoilt, breathtaking, surrounding scenery.

The 14,000ha farm has been in the Vaatz family since 1942, and under the guidance of Johann Vaatz has become home to numerous plains game. More importantly it offers a wonderful opportunity to experience leopard and cheetah, not only in their natural environment, but on daily viewings and feedings. This is a the chance to see these two rare and elusive creatures together in the wild, not always experienced on a safari, and the protection and rehabilitation programme that accompanies their survival.

The guest farm prides itself on 'hearty home-grown hospitality, and a valuable Namibian encounter with dramatic scenery.' It is a small, intimate guest house, that offers an insight into the country's people and natural heritage. There is a swimming pool, and thatched roof lapa. Life revolves around the restored farmhouse, from where meals are served and daily activities depart. Fare often includes local game and beef dishes, home-made bread and traditional braai's.

Accommodation is in a combination of 4 double and 1 single room and 2 luxury tents. They are all en-suite.

Activities through the private game reserve, Otjihorongo, (Place of the Kudu) include a visit to the 50ha cheetah and leopard enclosure, morning and afternoon game drives, game viewing on horse back, a mountain drive, walking trails, (from 1-4hrs in length) and a 4x4 self-drive mountain trail.

Apart from the big cats, Dusternbrook Guest Farm also has white rhino, oryx, kudu, giraffe, zebra, klipspringer, warthog, eland, springbok, steenbok, wildebeest, hartebeest, ostrich, baboon, and a rich bird life. (Over 160 species have been recorded at Dursternbrook, including the South African shelduck, Cape vulture, ashy tit, ant-eating chat, and rockrunner.) Many guests enjoy the more adventurous game drives on horse back, as the game appear not to be too scared of the horses, allowing a closer view than imaginable.

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Cats Unlimited: the main activity at Dusternbrook is the viewing of leopard and cheetah in their natural environment.
Game drive: through the private game reserve, Otjihorongo ("Place of the Kudu"), offers you a first-hand impression of Namibian wildlife. The following game can be seen: oryx, kudu, giraffe, Burchell's zebra, waterbuck, warthog, cape eland, steinbuck, wildebeest (gnu), hartebeest, baboon, jackal, and rhino. Birdlife is also plentiful and diverse
Mountain Drive: This drive into the Khomas Highlands is very scenic, and besides oryx and kudu you could also see the rarely seen Hartmann's mountain zebra, which is endemic to Namibia. This drive we offer mostly in the morning as there are other activities in the afternoon. If you book two nights this drive is free
Horseback riding: from horse back you can get very close to the game - making this a unique and interesting ride
Birdwatching: about 160 species have been recorded at Düsternbrook (many more are probably present, at least seasonally). Many of these can be found right around the farmhouse, guest rooms, and campground. We have documented five southern African endemics (South African Shelduck, Cape Vulture, Ashy Tit, Anteating Chat, and Rockrunner). The walking trails offer particularly good birding venues. Our guides have some training in bird identification and we have checklists, binoculars, and field guides available on request
Walking: Choose between different marked walking trails from 1 to 4 hours in length