Daan Viljoen Game Park

The beautiful Daan Viljoen Game Park sits in the Khomas Hochland about 18km west of Windhoek. Because there are no seriously dangerous animals, you can walk to your heart's content through lovely wildlife-rich desert hills, and spot gemsboks, kudus, mountain zebras, springboks, hartebeests, warthogs and elands.

Daan Viljoen is also known for its birdlife, and over 200 species have been recorded, including the rare green-backed heron and pin-tailed whydah - if you're serious about birding, the park office sells a handy identification booklet. Daan Viljoen's hills are covered with open thorn-scrub vegetation that allows excellent wildlife viewing, and three walking tracks have been laid out. The 3km Wag-'n-Bietjie Trail follows a dry riverbed from near the park office to Stengel Dam. A 9km circuit, the Rooibos Trail, crosses hills and ridges and affords great views back to Windhoek in the distance. The 34km Sweet-Thorn Trail circuits the empty eastern reaches of the reserve. One group of three to 12 people is permitted on this trail each day, and includes accommodation in a shelter halfway along. Water is available at the mountain hut, but note the Augeigas River is polluted and is unsuitable for filtering. Advance bookings are required. To get to Daan Viljoen, take the C28 west from Windhoek; Daan Viljoen is clearly signposted off the Bosua Pass Hwy, about 18km from the city. You're welcome to walk in the park but no motorcycles are permitted. There's no public transport to Daan Viljoen, but persistent hitchers will eventually get a lift.