Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WARTIME AUS
After the Germans surrendered to the South African forces in 1915, Aus became one of two internment camps for
German military personnel - military police and officers were sent to Okahandja in the north while non-commis-
sioned officers went to Aus. Since the camp quickly grew to 1500 prisoners and 600 South African guards, resid-
ents were forced to seek shelter in flimsy tents. However, the resourceful inmates turned to brick-making and con-
structed houses for themselves - they even sold the excess bricks to the guards for 10 shillings per 1000. The
houses weren't opulent - roofs were tiled with unrolled food tins - but they did provide protection from the ele-
ments. The prisoners also built several wood stoves and even sank boreholes.
After the Treaty of Versailles the camp was dismantled, and by May 1919 it was closed. Virtually nothing re-
mains, though several of the brick houses have been reconstructed. The former camp is 4km east of the village of
Aus, down a gravel road, then to the right; there's now a national plaque commemorating it.
Namtib Biosphere Reserve $$$
( 683055;
www.namtib.net
; campsite per person N$90, s/d N$800/1270)
In the beauti-
ful Tirasberge, this private reserve is run by ecologically conscious owners who've cre-
ated a self-sustaining farm in a narrow valley, with distant views of the Namib plains and
dune sea. There is an incredible wealth of nature on display here, and it's certainly worth
spending a night or two out here getting acquainted with all the empty space. To reach the
reserve, take the C13 north of Aus for 55km, then turn west on the D707; after 48km turn
east onto the 12km farm road to the lodge.
LODGE
Getting There & Away
Aus is 125km east of Lüderitz on the B4. Travel in this region typically requires a private
vehicle.
THE AUS-LÜDERITZ ROAD
If you've come to Aus, chances are you're heading for Lüderitz. Between Aus and the
coast, the road crosses the desolate southern Namib, which is distinct from the gravel
plains to the north. The area is distinguished by the pastel-coloured Awasib and Uri-
Hauchab ranges, which rise from the plains through a mist of windblown sand and dust -
the effect is mesmerising and ethereal.
About 10km from Aus, start watching out for feral desert horses. About 20km west of
Aus, turn north at the sign 'Feral Horses' and follow the track for 1.5km to Garub Pan,
which is home to an artificial waterhole.
