Route of the day
All points shown were part of the original itinerary. Not all were visited — decisions made along the way are a natural part of any expedition. We kept them on the map in case you wish to explore them yourself.
What we lived
Day eight was a long one on the road. Breakfast at seven at Klein Aus Vista, then straight into the jeeps.
Our first stop was Helmeringhausen, a small village — barely a stop at all, just a bathroom break and a coffee for anyone who wanted one. From there we drove to Duwisib Castle, paid the entry fee — 80 Namibian dollars per adult, 50 for the child — and toured the building. Lunch followed a minute or two down the road at some roadside tables, a simple meal before the long stretch ahead.
We reached Büllsport around five in the afternoon. Along the way: ostriches, a tortoise, and a couple of jackals. The radios, tested throughout the drive, worked perfectly. On arrival we were greeted by the farm dogs — some of them very much wanting to play, one arriving with a ball already in its mouth. After settling in, the group split: some headed to the pool to sit in the quiet and read, others set off on one of the walks the lodge recommends. Either way, the afternoon was unhurried.
Dinner was beside a bonfire, home-cooked and unhurried. We were the only ones there. One of those evenings that stays with you precisely because nothing about it was arranged for effect.
Photo of the day
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Our tips
Duwisib Castle does not currently offer overnight accommodation within the castle itself. The nearest option is Duwisib Guestfarm, situated a short walk from the castle, with rooms, a bungalow and campsites available. Worth considering if you plan to spend more time in the area.
Did you know?
Duwisib Castle was built in 1908 by German military officer Baron Hans Heinrich von Wolf as a gift for his American bride, Jayta Humphreys. The materials were imported from Germany; the stonemasons came from Italy, Sweden and Ireland. Von Wolf planned to breed racehorses in the semi-desert — an ambition that never came to pass. The couple left for Europe in 1914 and never returned. World War I broke out, and the Baron was killed in battle. His wife returned to America, leaving the castle exactly as it was. It has stood largely untouched in the Namib ever since.
Tomorrow we head to...
Rest day