Daan Viljoen Nature Reserve
Daan Viljoen Nature Reserve
4
About
Daan Viljoen Game Park.Just 24 km west of Windhoek lies a sanctuary for a relatively large population of game species typical of Namibia's highlands. Proclaimed before Independence to preserve the ecosystem of the Khomas Hochland, the park was named after a former Administrator, Mr Daan Viljoen, who played a major part in establishing the park.The convenient location of the park makes Daan Viljoen an ideal venue for day visits and a perfect stopover for tourists seeking the tranquillity of the bush.FACT FILEPark size: 40 km2Year proclaimed: 1968Natural features: Khomas Hochland Plateau, scenic views of the Windhoek valleyVegetation: Highland shrubland, with various Acacia species, kudu bush (Combretum apiculatum) and buffalo thorn (Ziziphus mucronata).Wildlife: Mammals are springbok, kudu, eland, gemsbok, blue wildebeest, Hartmann's mountain zebra, leopard and klipspringer. Of 200 bird species, endemics include Ruppell's parrot, white-tailed shrike and Monteiro's hornbill.Tourism: The newly renovate Sun Karros Daan Viljoen opened its doors in October 2011. This privately run establishment entered into Public Private Partnership with Namibia Wildlife Resort and Sun Karros Lifestyle Safaris now offers selection of services to the leisure, business and day visitor after three years of construction. The Main lodge comprises of 19 luxury contemporary chalets, 12 well-appointed campsites, three tech-fit conference rooms. The reception area holds a, lounge, kiosk and IT station for in house guests to connect. The Boma Restaurant and pool area is where leisure, business and day visitors can enjoy scrumptious daily meals and beverages.Conservation successesWith game drives and hiking trails, Daan Viljoen is easily accessible to residents of Windhoek and provides an ideal place for visiting school children to learn more about wildlife and conservation in Namibia.Key management issuesPoaching is problematic due to Daan Viljoen adjoining a high-density residential area. The Augeigas River, which runs through the park, is polluted.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Daan Viljoen Nature Reserve and nearby attractions
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
2 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
230 reviews
Excellent
63
Very good
91
Average
53
Poor
15
Terrible
8
Dan J
Charlottesville, Virginia, United States2 contributions
Oct 2022
I love to hike and I was looking forward to a day of hiking at Daan Viljoen. I had read about their 9km loop trail and restaurant and imagined I would do the trail then eat at the restaurant. But after arriving at the gate I was told the restaurant has been closed since the beginning of COVID. Of course I continued and next stopped at reception. But there I was told I wouldn't be allowed to do the 9km hiking trail as a solo hiker. I asked why and they said it was too dangerous and said I could do the 1.5km trail (one-way) instead. I couldn't believe it. I asked what made it dangerous and was told some hiker was bitten by a snake and couldn't get help. I mean, OK, but that can happen anywhere. There are dangers just about everywhere people hike. I asked him to elaborate on what snakes are at the reserve, but he only said "all kinds", apparently not able to name any even though he had just warned me about them.
So I started on the 1.5km trail, which I have to say is very poorly marked. There are only the occasional arrows painted in yellow on rocks, or thin meter-high poles painted in yellow. Yellow happens to blend in with the surrounding yellowish grass, so not a very smart color. This isn't serious complaint because the trail follows the dry river bed so it's impossible to get lost. The trail was nice, but very short and possibly not worth the trip to Daan Viljoen for any solo travelers.
So I started on the 1.5km trail, which I have to say is very poorly marked. There are only the occasional arrows painted in yellow on rocks, or thin meter-high poles painted in yellow. Yellow happens to blend in with the surrounding yellowish grass, so not a very smart color. This isn't serious complaint because the trail follows the dry river bed so it's impossible to get lost. The trail was nice, but very short and possibly not worth the trip to Daan Viljoen for any solo travelers.
Written October 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marius D
Windhoek, Namibia17 contributions
Aug 2022
Unfriendly staff at the Reception , apparently fully booked but you can not see a single soul .
We asked if we can see the Camping grounds since we have a big heavy Caravan .
If we know how it looks like we can do bookings for the future since i think its quite child friendly .
The answer was NO you can not see nothing , they are fully booked and may not show me the camping grounds witch apparently is now smaller and on a different spot .
We asked if we may talk to a Manager since it feels they are showing us away for the future too , and we where shown away telling us we can mail the big boss !
I do not think we will go there soon again .
We asked if we can see the Camping grounds since we have a big heavy Caravan .
If we know how it looks like we can do bookings for the future since i think its quite child friendly .
The answer was NO you can not see nothing , they are fully booked and may not show me the camping grounds witch apparently is now smaller and on a different spot .
We asked if we may talk to a Manager since it feels they are showing us away for the future too , and we where shown away telling us we can mail the big boss !
I do not think we will go there soon again .
Written September 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wolfgang B
4 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Very nice park, with spectacular views and close enchanting encounters with giraffes 🦒 and wildebeest. However, unquantified staff, not really interested in giving advice. We wanted to do the 9 km walk only halfway and return the same way, they: no that’s not possible you may get lost, 😂
Afterwards we liked to to go to the restaurant to have something to drink, they: do you camp here? We didn’t, they: sorry then we can’t serve you !!! What a nonsense, the management should be fired immediately 🔥😡👎
Afterwards we liked to to go to the restaurant to have something to drink, they: do you camp here? We didn’t, they: sorry then we can’t serve you !!! What a nonsense, the management should be fired immediately 🔥😡👎
Written February 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rose M
1 contribution
Oct 2022
Unfortunately what could be a really neat place has clearly been badly mismanaged. The place was completely empty as they closed the pool and restaurant, so the only thing to do is the game drive. It was a nice little road and we did see a few animals, which is the only thing we can recommend when visiting this place. We then did the long walking trail which the ranger at reception advised, but it turned out to be a really rough experience. The trail is poorly marked; there are no sign posts with information or mileage, no shade anywhere for resting at the occasional benches, no water features or animals to be seen. The first part is alright through the hills, but then the second half is along a riverbed with nothing to see and the end is a sudden steep uphill. At the end we commented how we didn't see anything and it was so hot even at 9-10am, and the ranger said of course it's too hot to see animals - but when I asked why she recommended we do the trail then she didn't have an answer. If you only have a weekend like we did and you just want to spend time in nature then this can be nice, but keep your expectations low and bring lots of water with you.
Written October 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wida D
Pretoria, South Africa5 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
We loved every moment at the private camping sites at Daan Viljoen Lodge just east of Windhoek and we will definitely go there again. The private bathroom and washup facilities at each camp site was excellent and clean. The staff are friendly and helpful all around. The restaurant is available with tasty meals if required. We had more than enough shade at the camping sites for our caravans. Baboons are sometimes present but if no food or colourful items are laying around, they leave you alone. We saw eland, kudu, rooihartbeest, giraffe, ostrich, impala, springbuck and lots of birds.
Written April 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christian M
Copenhagen, Denmark6,232 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Daan Viljoen Nature Reserve is an expansive natural haven with wild (though not dangerous) animals, making it a safe destination for hiking.
We embarked on the 9 km long, well-marked Rooibos Trail, weaving up and down gentle hills and small rocks in a savannah-like landscape. The trek takes approximately 2.5-3 hours, requiring ample water and perhaps a light snack. Hiking shoes or boots are recommended.
Surprisingly, we encountered no fellow hikers along the way, and wildlife sightings were moderate. However, the 5 km drive from the park's entrance to the reception offered glimpses of giraffes, wildebeests, monkeys, and turtles.
Rooibos Trail is suitable for anyone in reasonably good shape, with a difficulty level ranging from easy to moderate. The entrance fee is remarkably affordable for both guests and vehicles.
We embarked on the 9 km long, well-marked Rooibos Trail, weaving up and down gentle hills and small rocks in a savannah-like landscape. The trek takes approximately 2.5-3 hours, requiring ample water and perhaps a light snack. Hiking shoes or boots are recommended.
Surprisingly, we encountered no fellow hikers along the way, and wildlife sightings were moderate. However, the 5 km drive from the park's entrance to the reception offered glimpses of giraffes, wildebeests, monkeys, and turtles.
Rooibos Trail is suitable for anyone in reasonably good shape, with a difficulty level ranging from easy to moderate. The entrance fee is remarkably affordable for both guests and vehicles.
Written December 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hendrik k
1 contribution
Jul 2022
I visited Daan Viljoen today. A very unfriendly German blond women told me that i am not allowed to go inside by car. and look at the dam with waterbirds. I was only allowed to walk on the tar road. I am 64 and have knee problems and it was very difficult for me to walk there. I told her that its difficult to walk sofar. I was not allowwed to take a shortcut to the dam. She argy with me. They are very unreasonible to elderly people. The view at the dam was disappointed. There is no picnic spot or a place to relax. the old pinic and braai spots is still there but u are not allowed to go in there. The restaurant is also closed. Sit in u car on the one direction short road to look at no game visible. Please dont go there. This is not the only place in Namibia.
Written July 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah b
Lytham St Anne's, UK2,363 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
We visited for a few hours on way back to the international airport which is only 90 minutes away. We enjoyed our day visit and drove the 6km driving route (4 wheel drive high clearance only), plus several detours and hiking trails. We had been hoping to see the Augeigas Dam from the mapped trail but were disappointed to find this was inaccessible today as the lodge was closed to day visitors including the surrounding trails and roads.
However we managed to cover most of the bit of park that was accessible in our available 3 hours anyway.There are toilets available opposite the reception area.
Interesting historical cemetery in the middle of the Stengel Dam walk. Interesting walk for birdwatching.
The reserve holds many species of animal and bird and for the smallest reserve in Namibia it is a great way to spend a few hours. As keen birdwatchers we were keen to see the speciality birds and found the Rock Runner. My husband managed to photograph it well having struggled to do so elsewhere.
However we managed to cover most of the bit of park that was accessible in our available 3 hours anyway.There are toilets available opposite the reception area.
Interesting historical cemetery in the middle of the Stengel Dam walk. Interesting walk for birdwatching.
The reserve holds many species of animal and bird and for the smallest reserve in Namibia it is a great way to spend a few hours. As keen birdwatchers we were keen to see the speciality birds and found the Rock Runner. My husband managed to photograph it well having struggled to do so elsewhere.
Written January 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gourmant2
Malta283 contributions
Feb 2024 • Business
My colleague and I had a couple of hours to spare and decided to visit this nature reserve that’s less than 30 minutes from Windhoek.
We ended up driving one of the trails and saw various wildlife lounging about. It was around midday so none of the animals we saw were active.
Regardless it was a fantastic experience to see giraffes 🦒 wildebeest monkeys and even an ostrich.
Was a real fun visit!
We ended up driving one of the trails and saw various wildlife lounging about. It was around midday so none of the animals we saw were active.
Regardless it was a fantastic experience to see giraffes 🦒 wildebeest monkeys and even an ostrich.
Was a real fun visit!
Written February 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
janeinthegarden
Cambridge, UK26 contributions
Oct 2022
Wonderful resort with super comfy beds and good amenities. The reserve is particularly good for birds. Friendly staff in restaurant (but not in reception) outstanding breakfast. Excellent place to unwind after an international flight
Written November 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are staying at the lodge, without a car. Are we able to hire someone at the reserve to drive us around? How can one visit without a vehicle?
Written August 12, 2022
Quante ore bisogna dedicare a questo parco?un pomeriggio può bastare?
Written April 13, 2018
One night is enough .
Written June 15, 2019
Comment s'y rendre si nous n'avons pas de voiture? How Can we go there if we don't have a car?
Written January 27, 2017
Vous devrez prendre un taxi ,qui doit vous couter 200 /250 nd aller simple.
Written June 15, 2019
Can we go to Reserve for Team Building on a weekend as Day visitors
Written October 3, 2016
You certainly can, requires the necessary arrangement, we have done a day conference there
Written October 8, 2016
Showing results 1-4 of 4
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing