Daan Viljoen Game Reserve

Just outside Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia, is a little gem of a game reserve that has become a must-visit destination for visitors on a wildlife safari or birdwatching trip in Namibia.

Gemsbok-in-Daan-Viljoen

The Daan Viljoen Game Reserve is situated in the hilly area of the Khomas Hochland about 25 km west of Windhoek. It is named after Daniel Viljoen, who was the South African Administrator of South West Africa (Namibia’s previous name) from 1953 to 1963.

One of Daan Viljoen’s great attractions is that visitors can walk around the park (the largest predator is the Black-backed Jackal) and there are 2 well-marked hiking trails to explore, as well as a 4×4 trail. Game viewing can be done from the comfort of the guest’s vehicles or they can book a game drive. The vegetation in the 4,000 hectare park consists of 301 species of plants, along with some 200 species of birds and about 30 mammal species.

Daan Viljoen provides excellent dry country birding and could yield some very special species. This includes Monteiro’s Hornbill, Verreaux’s Eagle, Rockrunner, Carp’s Tit, Short-toed Rock Thrush, Orange River Francolin, White-tailed Shrike, Rosy-faced Lovebird and Barred Wren-warbler. It is therefore a must-visit stopover on any Namibian birding tour.

Daan Viljoen is not just about the birds though… The park also hosts Gemsbok (Namibia’s national animal), Common Eland, Greater Kudu, (Hartmann’s) Mountain Zebra, Common Wildebeest, Hartebeest, Impala, Klipspringer, Giraffe and other antelope, as well as Common Rock Hyrax and Chacma Baboon.

Accommodation consists of 19 unique African “kraal” inspired chalets with a choice of BBQ facilities at each chalets or meals at the restaurant overlooking a large swimming pool. Daan Viljoen further offers conference facilities, meeting venues and wedding facilities. There are also campsites with communal ablutions available, and the reserve has become a popular overnight stay for people starting out on a self-driven trip around Namibia.

Join one of our Namibia Safaris and Tours to experience this wonderful safari destination with us.

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