Beyond the Auas Mountains

Tranquillity and panoramic views - these are the words that flood my mind as I reflect on my weekend escape to the outskirts of Windhoek. Namibia is renowned for its wide-open spaces, diverse landscapes and picturesque views, with the outer reaches of Windhoek offering all that and more. Made up primarily of rolling hills and valleys, the terrain surrounding Windhoek offers a glimpse into the country’s stunning natural landscapes and the chance to spot wildlife without the need for a lengthy journey.

With the goal of exploring three different locations that are suitable for a first or last night’s accommodation in Namibia, I hopped into my hired Toyota Fortuner, and made my way south towards my first stop, located a mere 29km from Windhoek. Gocheganas Lodge, nestled within the borders of a 6 000-hectare private game reserve, serves as a perfect introduction to the enchanting game reserves that lie on Windhoek's periphery. Upon parking my vehicle, I was greeted by friendly staff members who escorted me to the main lodge area, where visitors are treated to a refreshing iced tea. The 360-degree panoramic vistas of mountains surrounding the lodge were incredible, deepening my appreciation for the beauty Namibia has to offer. Gocheganas beautifully merges elegance with the essence of nature, incorporating the four natural elements and centring wellness as its core theme. The lodge, featuring 16 rooms, provides a serene atmosphere along with a Wellness Spa that boasts all the desired spa amenities, including a wood-fired sauna, over 15 massage treatments, and a heated indoor pool – making it perfect for wellness-focused travellers. With afternoons dedicated to game drives in the nature reserve, guests can observe wildlife such as meerkats, plains zebra, rhinos, and various antelope. After a delightful dinner, there is time to relax by the fire circle, a spot frequently appreciated by lodge visitors looking to relish the evening sky adorned with stars before heading to their comfortable rooms along a softly lit pathway- all of which I was lucky enough to experience.

As dawn broke, the sounds of nature greeted me with the call of the Francolin bird, while I admired the sunrise from the comfort of my bed through the large glass windows designed for this very experience. With no rush to have breakfast before 9am, Gocheganas truly allows its guests to unwind and soak in the stunning sights and sounds of nature. After a hearty breakfast with a view, mornings can be spent at the spa. The Camel-thorn escape—a 60-minute full body massage in nature—is the standout experience I suggest as it captures the central theme through an immersive encounter with nature.

Bidding farewell to Gocheganas, I journeyed to my second stop Gmunder - a lodge beautifully decorated in a sophisticated yet vintage safari style. Renowned as the most opulent accommodation on the outskirts of Windhoek, Gmunder is located an estimate 35 minutes’ drive from Windhoek International Airport. Greeted with an exotic mocktail, I took just a few steps and felt as though I had entered a scene from Indiana Jones! Surrounded by stunning mountain vistas and expansive grasslands Gmunder exudes a charm and ambiance that transports you back in time, embracing the allure of the old world. The luxurious main area and suites are adorned with memoirs from a past life, complemented by a warm and personalized service. Designed for the premium traveller, guests can enjoy a fully inclusive experience that features three gourmet meals daily, a selection of beverages, and various activities, which provide excellent value. With limited time to enjoy this gem I was treated to a delectable salmon salad made with produce sourced directly from the lodge's farm, which I was fortunate enough to tour after lunch. The lodge's name pays homage to an Austrian heritage linked to the oldest ceramic company in Europe, established over 500 years ago. With sustainability at its heart, practices such as sustainable farming, solar energy, and environmental protection are implemented to preserve Namibia's natural resources. I highly recommend the farm tour, as it offers valuable insights into these practices and showcases Gmunder's commitment to conservation.

With the sun soon to set, I drove towards Sandwerf, my third and final stop for the weekend. Situated on the edge of the quaint settlement of Dordabis and just 51 minutes from Windhoek International Airport, Sandwerf has the charm of a rustic, family-run ranch combined with a sleek, modern interior. The high ceilings, white walls, horse portraits, and contemporary metal bed frames are just a few features that describe the rooms. As the most family friendly option, each room is equipped with a splash pool and miniature horse pens beside the bungalows that visitors can interact with. While making your way to the restaurant, don’t be surprised if you spot some playful geese, chickens, or a group of friendly resident dogs also enjoying a stroll. Less opulent than its competitors in the region, this lodge offers more than just a place to stay or a quick stop for travellers; it provides a chance for guests to unwind and reconnect with nature. The philosophy of healing and environmental stewardship is embraced at Sandwerf, with horsemanship retreats, agritourism, and community empowerment underpinning every aspect of its ethos. The tour of the horse stables featuring amusing views of alpacas embodies this philosophy and is an essential experience for travellers visiting this one-of-a-kind lodge with limited time in Windhoek. From the most tender lamb shank at dinner to a wake-up call from a chicken and a hearty breakfast, Sandwerf delivers an experience that few can boast in Namibia.

In the blink of an eye, it was Sunday morning, signalling the time to say farewell to Sandwerf. On the drive home, I pondered my weekend experiences, realizing how each destination enriched my appreciation for the frequently underestimated locations near Windhoek. We reveal these hidden treasures, allowing you to provide your travellers with experiences beyond the typical highlights. Though each accommodation is unique, they all share a comforting and peaceful ambiance that I look forward to revisiting and sharing with friends, family and guests.