Daan Viljoen Game Reserve sits 25km west of Windhoek in the Khomas Highland hills. It is the closest game-viewing area to the capital and a useful half-day activity for visitors with limited time or for arrival and departure days when a more distant day trip is impractical.
The Wildlife
The reserve covers 3,953 hectares of Khomas Highland terrain: rocky hills, valleys, and small seasonal watercourses that support a range of the region’s wildlife.
Hartmann’s mountain zebra: The most commonly seen species; groups of 5 to 15 on the hillsides and at the waterhole.
Giraffe: Present; reliably seen.
Red hartebeest: Common; large herds on the open grassland sections.
Kudu, springbok, warthog, baboon: All present; varied encounters.
Birds: Over 200 species recorded; the acacia and valley bird communities are accessible from the game drive tracks. The reserve holds rockjumper and other highland species not easily found closer to town.
The Activities
Self-drive game circuit: A 10km game drive circuit accessible by 2WD; the main visitor activity.
Walking trail: A 3-hour hiking trail through the reserve; no guide required; take water.
Swimming: A small dam in the reserve allows swimming; popular with Windhoek residents on weekends.
Practical Notes
Entry: NWR entry fee at the gate; payable by cash or card. Time needed: 2 to 3 hours for the game circuit; half day including a walk. Facilities: Basic café at the rest camp; chalets and camping available for overnight.