Only 10km outside of the northern Namibian town of Otavi and at the foot of the Uiseb Mountains is the Gabus Game Ranch. Set on 7,000ha of private land, this destination represents the ideal stopover before continuing to either Etosha Park, the Caprivi Strip or further north to Owamboland. Otavi is a small agricultural town and together with Tsumeb and Grootfontein, they are defined as an area known as the 'Otavi Triangle', also known as the Otavi Mountain land.

Apart from the geographical advantage of being close to so many of Namibia's tourist hotspots, the region around Gabus Game Farm offers a variety of game, hiking and excellent photographic opportunities. This appeals to individual travellers and families alike.

Meals can be taken in the main thatched building. A healthy breakfast is served in the restaurant or under the Lapa. Dinner consists of game meat, farm fresh vegetables and salads. Lunch can also be ordered. Vegetarians can be catered for on request. The swimming pool is not only the perfect retreat from the hot Namibian sunshine, but also offers superb views of the nearby waterhole which is illuminated by night, offering round the clock game viewing.

Accommodation is in a selection of 6 rooms. En-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, mosquito nets and a private verandah overlooking the floodlit waterhole are standard:

• 9 x Luxury rooms: Recently built and finished in 2011.
• 3 x Bungalows: Twin beds.
• 1 x Double room: Twin beds, en-suite shower, bath and toilet.
• 1 x Family room: 1 x double bed plus 1x single bed connecting to children’s room with 2 x single bed. Also includes a fridge, kettle, tea/coffee station, en-suite shower and toilet.
• 1 x Honeymoon Suite: Twin beds, en-suite shower and toilet, jacuzzi overlooking the floodlit waterhole.

The activities at Gabus Game Ranch revolve around viewing wildlife & hiking.

Accommodation in Namibia

Game drives

Morning or afternoon game drives are conducted by Heinz Kuehl. Wildlife includes eland, kudu, zebra, waterbuck, black-faced impala, black wildebeest and giraffe. Sightings of cheetah or leopard are possible, but not guaranteed.

Horse-back riding

Instead of the usual vehicle safari, why not try your hand at game viewing on horse back?

Guided hiking/walking/trekking

There are many plants and herbs en-route, as well as a good chance to see game crossing the tracks ahead. The strange impressions in the bizarre rock formations, the mystic world of a stalactite cave and ancient bushmen paintings make for an exciting and interesting day out by foot.

Birding

Over 200 different species of bird have been recorded in and around Gabus Game Lodge. Hides close to various waterholes, offer superb photographic and birding opportunities.

Museum

Visit the farm-owned museum and learn about local cultures and traditions.

Directions:

2 km west of Otavi (on the C39 towards Outjo) turn north onto the D3031. The entrance to Gabus is 8km along this gravel road.