Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
It was built in 1909 by Baron Captain Hans Heinrich von Wolf. After the German-
Nama wars, the loyal Baron commissioned architect Willie Sander to design a castle that
would reflect his commitment to the German military cause. He also married the step-
daughter of the US consul to Dresden, Miss Jayta Humphreys, and planned on ruling over
his personal corner of German South West Africa.
Although the stone for the castle was quarried nearby, much of the raw material was
imported from Germany, and required 20 ox wagons to transport it across the 330km of
desert from Lüderitz. Artisans and masons were hired from as far away as Ireland, Den-
mark, Sweden and Italy. The result was a U-shaped castle with 22 rooms, all suitably for-
tified and decorated with family portraits and military paraphernalia. Rather than win-
dows, most rooms have embrasures, which emphasise Von Wolf's apparent obsession
with security.
As history would have it, WWI broke out, and the Baron re-enlisted in the Schutzruppe,
only to be killed two weeks later at the Battle of the Somme. The Baroness never returned
to Namibia, though some people claim that the descendants of her thoroughbred horses
still roam the desert. In the late 1970s, ownership of the Duwisib Castle and its surround-
ing 50 hectares was transferred to the state, and is now administered by NWR.
ALL-IN ONE
A welcoming stop on the road in these parts is
Betta Camp Site
( 081 128 4419;
www.bettacamp.net
;
cnr
C27 & D826; campsite/chalets per person N$80/200)
, roughly 20kms past Duwisib. Apart from petrol and camp-
sites if you want to crash the night, make a beeline for the kiosk where you can stock up on supplies and indulge
in the most delicious homemade goodies. Snaffle down freshly baked farm bread, apple pie, pancakes and mouth-
watering sweet treats (
breakfast N$50, dinner N$100)
. There is even firewood and barbecue packs.
Sleeping
Duwisib Castle Rest Camp $
(campsites per person N$90)
This very amenable camp (with sparkling amenities block)
occupies one corner of the castle grounds and is well set up with campsites containing bin,
braai
and bench seating. The adjoining kiosk sells snacks, coffee and cool drinks. Book
through the NWR office in Windhoek.
CAMPGROUND
