Head to this reserve in the hills

Situated inside the well-known Daan Viljoen Game Park, the privately owned Sun Karros Daan Viljoen offers peace and quiet with all the necessary creature comforts.

If you’re driving the C28 back road to Swakopmund, be sure to stop over at the Sun Karros Daan Viljoen, which is less than 20 km west of Windhoek, in the hills of the Khomas Hochland. The Daan Viljoen Game Park dates back to 1907, but the lodge only officially opened its doors in October 2011.

Sun Karros Daan Viljoen consists of 19 four-star chalets, each with their own patio and braai from where you can look out over the reserve or enjoy some stargazing. The chalets are also equipped with air conditioning, a ceiling fan, satellite television, as well as a kettle, small fridge and basic kitchenware. For campers, there are 12 campsites on grass, with braai spots, power points and luxury ablution facilities.

The main reception area has a quiet reading lounge and a wellstocked kiosk. And with three modern conference venues to choose from, it’s no wonder Sun Karros Daan Viljoen is fast becoming a popular place for weddings and other functions.

When the Namibian heat threatens to sap your energy, make your way to the pool for a swim or relax on one of the sun loungers and order something from the Boma Restaurant. Bring your camera when you have sundowners at the Boma Restaurant to photograph the sunsets over the Khomas Hochland.

Explore the natural surrounds on one of the self-guided hiking trails or the off-road trail and don’t forget your binoculars. Expect to see mountain zebra, kudu, giraffe, oryx, eland, red hartebeest, springbok, blue wildebeest, black-backed jackal and baboon.

Birdwatchers are also in for a treat, as close to 200 bird species have been identified in the reserve, including Monteiro’s hornbill, crimson-breasted shrike, black eagle and black stork. Other endemic species include the rockrunner, Carp’s tit, white-tailed shrike and the very vocal rosy-faced lovebird.

Delve into the reserve’s history along the 3 km Buffalo Thorn Trail and the 9 km Red Bushwillow Trail that takes you past graves, the historical dam wall and ruins of the old mission school.

SADC citizen rates apply when you book at Sun Karros Daan Viljoen. Chalets from N$795 per person per night sharing (breakfast included), camping N$120 per person per night. Children get a discount. Park fees cost N$10 per vehicle (vehicles with up to 10 seats), plus N$30 per person (16 years and older).