About Elegant Farmstead
The Elegant Farmstead, previously known as Otjisazu Guest Farm, sadly closed indefinitely in early 2020 when ...
... the lease expired. The information here reflects things as they were on our last visit. Situated approximately an hour-and-a-half's drive north-east of the Namibian capital, Windhoek, in an area of commercial farmland that is home to a variety of plains game including giraffe, kudu, oryx and black-faced impala.
TThe Elegant Farmstead is a beautifully refurbished, stylish lodge with friendly staff and well-designed gardens and rooms. It makes for a tranquil and peaceful overnight stop at the start or end of your holiday, breaking the journey between Windhoek and Etosha. It also offers an opportunity to see plains game on drives or walks on the farm.
Our view
TThe Elegant Farmstead is a beautifully refurbished, stylish lodge with friendly staff and well-designed gardens and rooms. It makes for a tranquil and peaceful overnight stop at the start or end of your holiday, breaking the journey between Windhoek and Etosha. It also offers an opportunity to see plains game on drives or walks on the farm.
Namibia expert
Accommodation
11 bedrooms
Children
Best for 5+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Private activities
Self-guided walking
Traveller reviews of Elegant Farmstead
37 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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View galleryElegant Farmstead: Our full report
The Elegant Farmstead, previously known as Otjisazu Guest Farm, sadly closed indefinitely in early 2020 when ...
... the lease expired. The information here reflects things as they were on our last visit. Situated approximately an hour-and-a-half's drive north-east of the Namibian capital, Windhoek, in an area of commercial farmland that is home to a variety of plains game including giraffe, kudu, oryx and black-faced impala.
Years ago, the 28km2 farm served as a mission station for the German church and there is still a wall from the original building standing. Today, from the outside, The Elegant Farmstead looks every inch the traditional farmhouse. In keeping with this, there are goats, hens, geese and a pond with ducks close to the parking area, and the manager’s small dog roams the property. The farm animals are proving a hit, especially with younger travellers, who are allowed to help feed them.
The interior of The Elegant Farmstead, however, is a big contrast: light and modern, with high ceilings, whitewashed walls and shiny white-tiled floors.
The 11 spacious bedrooms, all located in the old farm buildings, include eight twin rooms, a family room that sleeps five and has its own veranda, and two triple rooms. All are beautifully decorated in soft browns and creams, with abstract art on the walls adding splashes of colour. Useful extras include a hairdryer, a torch and a clothes brush – all squirrelled away in a dressing table. Although all the rooms have air conditioning, none of them faces the sun, and their tiled floors and high ceilings make them feel cool both day and night. The en-suite bathrooms are clean and tidy, with a large shower, and shower gel is provided.
On a small patio in front of each room, two chairs face the garden, whose gravel surface is beautifully planted with grasses, aloes, cacti, small trees and palms. Although this area is shared with neighbouring rooms, it is otherwise quiet, the only sounds coming from the water fountain and the birds.
The main building of The Elegant Farmstead is made up of open-plan areas, some linked by wide arches. Huge windows look onto the front garden from the office/reception area, where some curios are in a glass display case and the day's dinner menu is displayed on a blackboard.
In the tastefully decorated lounge are large, comfortable leather sofas and armchairs, a coffee table, animal-skin rugs, and a beautiful tripod-stand lamp with a bright-red shade. Over the brick fireplace, a large rock shaped like the map of Africa is embedded into the wall, and as in the bedrooms, abstract art adds a touch of colour. There's also a mural depicting the mission as it was in 1878, and a small library – albeit with books mainly in German.
In an adjacent area, a selection of teas and coffee is available throughout the day, laid out on a cream-coloured Aga along with glass jars of home-baked biscuits. A delicious home-baked cake is served for afternoon tea at 3.00pm.
A wide archway leads to a cigar lounge, floored with polished black and white tiles. Here, a large wooden cabinet serves as an honesty bar, for guests to help themselves to brandy, whisky and cigars. More comfortable leather sofas, a coffee table and a selection of wildlife and interior-design magazines complete the scene.
Double doors lead from here to The Elegant Farmstead's well-tended gardens and patio, where pathways lead to seating areas and to a few shaded day beds. Large palms and other tall trees afford plenty of shade, while a separate 'dry' garden features a collection of succulent plants that need very little water and are able to survive the region's dry climate.
In warm weather, dinner is often served on a raised deck, overlooking a small, floodlit waterhole where wildlife sometimes comes to drink. In cooler weather guests eat in a thatched boma area, which doubles as the breakfast room. In the adjacent wine cellar, guests can choose their wine before dinner.
Steps from the boma lead down to a large turquoise swimming pool, with several comfortable sunloungers. After dinner, guests gather in the lower garden for cheese and biltong around the campfire.
Activities at The Elegant Farmstead focus on early-morning and afternoon/sundowner game drives and walks on the land surrounding the farm. During an afternoon drive on our most recent visit in March 2017, we were taken around the farm and along dry riverbeds before heading up the nearby Signal Hill for our sundowner. Amongst some cattle, we saw a number of giraffe, kudu, springbok, oryx, black-faced impala and a couple of blesbok, which have been introduced to the area.
For those wishing to explore the area on foot, it is possible to do so independently, or on a guided walking tour. There are two self-guided walking trails, of 5km and 8km in length; these are marked by painted rocks, and you can also get a map from reception. Guests are asked always to inform the staff if they are going for a walk independently.
It is also possible to do a cultural tour taking in local initiatives to support education and industry, as well as a Damara and a Herero village
Geographics
- Location
- Central Highlands, Namibia
- Ideal length of stay
- 1–2 nights
- Directions
- The Elegant Farmstead can be reached from Windhoek City centre on tar and gravel roads, in around 1½ hours under normal conditions. However, we have had recent reports that condition of the D2102 from the main arterial B1 road to Elegant Farmstead has deteriorated, forcing one traveller in a saloon vehicle – which they reported as otherwise fine for the rest of their trip – to have to turn around. We would now expect this road to be more manageable in a vehicle with better ground clearance, but travellers should be aware of the condition of the road and allow extra time to get to Elegant Farmstead. We would also encourage travellers to check for any updates with us before they travel.
It is worth noting that, at the time of writing (Dec 2017), the back road between Elegant Farmstead and the Windhoek International Airport is reported to be in a better condition. If you’re coming from the international airport, there is no need to drive through Windhoek city centre. Instead, you turn right off the B6 towards the city onto the M53 and thence onto the D2102. The journey in this direction takes approximately two hours. - Accessible by
- Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- On our most recent visit to The Elegant Farmstead, in March 2017, the food was generally tasty, with a home-cooked feel. Guests with any special dietary requirements or allergies should notify the manager in advance.
Breakfast is served 07.30–09.30am, and consists of a buffet of fruit, yoghurt, freshly baked bread, cake, cereals and jam, followed by a cooked breakfast. They also offer two breakfast specials named after two of the chefs, which makes a nice addition to the norm. The Moesikie-Full House Omelette is filled with cheese, ham, tomato, onions and peppers, while a Josuma-Special Brotchen consists of a roll topped with cheese, baloney, fried eggs and fired onions. Tea, coffee and fruit juice are available to drink.
A light lunch, of a sandwich and salad can be taken between midday and 2.00pm. .
Tea and coffee are available throughout the day, with homemade cake at 3.00pm.
Dinner is a four-course menu. We started with asparagus soup, followed by a Greek salad, then slices of roast kudu in a mushroom sauce with rice, carrots and peas. Although we enjoyed the first two courses we found the vegetables and the sauce of the main to be strangely sweet. Dessert was a malva pudding and custard. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Not available.
- Drinks included
- No drinks are included in the rates. The water is considered safe to drink.
Special interests
- Family holidays
- With a family room sleeping up to five, and two triple rooms, Elegant Farmstead is well suited to travellers on a family safari holiday in Namibia. Children (all ages welcome) can feed the farm animals, watch game at the waterhole or enjoy the spacious gardens and large pool.
- See ideas for Family holidays in Namibia
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children of all ages are welcome at The Elegant Farmstead.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions.
- Special activities & services
- The lodge does not lay on any special provision for children, but they are welcome to help feed the farm animals, and there is also a large swimming pool.
- Equipment
- No special equipment is available for children.
- Generally recommended for children
- With spacious gardens, farm animals to feed, animals visiting the waterhole and a large swimming pool, we think that there is enough to keep youngsters occupied here.
- Notes
- Children must be supervised by their parents at all times, and particularly around the pool area, which is not fenced.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Back-up generator
- Communications
- The lodge has cellphone reception, with a stronger signal in the rooms than in the main area. Guests may use the landline phone, fax and internet service in the reception area, where there is also free WiFi.
- TV & radio
- There are no TVs or radios
- Water supply
- Mains
- Water supply notes
- The toilets are flush and the showers are plumbed in
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Medical care
- The nearest doctor is located in Okahandja, and there are many hospitals and medical centres in Windhoek, around an hour-and-a-half's drive away.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- The lodge is surrounded by an electric fence, and there is also an electric gate which is guarded during the day and locked at night.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in all the rooms.
Activities
4WD Safari
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Private activities
Self-guided walking
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- Full Laundry Service - Extra Charge
- Money
- There is no currency-exchange service. Each bedroom has a safe, and there is also a large safe in the office that can be used by clients; only the manager has a key.
- Accepted payment on location
- Visa and Mastercard are accepted, as is cash in Namibian dollars and South African rand, but not travellers’ cheques.
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Elegant Farmstead's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Elegant Farmstead.
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When to go to Central Highlands
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Elegant Farmstead in Central Highlands
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Central Highlands in January
The Central Highlands experiences the heart of the rainy season in January. The Erongo Mountains and Otavi Highlands see localised showers, creating a refreshing change in the landscape.
Days can be clear and warm, with temperatures around 30°C/86°F, while others bring spectacular thunderstorms. These rains can cause flash floods in ephemeral rivers, temporarily transforming the usually dry landscape. The greening environment makes a striking contrast, especially in the rocky terrains of Spitzkoppe and Brandberg.
Many birds in the region, including those in the Waterberg Plateau Park, are in full breeding plumage, and migrant species are abundant. Wildlife in areas like the AfriCat Foundation near Otjiwarongo may be more dispersed due to increased water availability, making sightings less predictable.
- Variable weather, hot with occasional rain
- Thunderstorms possible in the Erongo Mountains and surrounding areas
- Wildlife dispersed, harder to spot
- Birdlife spectacular in the Waterberg Plateau
- Fewer tourists, lower rates for accommodation
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in January
Central Highlands in February
February is typically the wettest month in the Central Highlands. The variation in weather is significant; areas like Okahandja and Otjiwarongo can experience heavy rains, while the Erongo Mountains might see more sporadic showers. Some days are clear and hot, while others bring cloudy skies and spectacular thunderstorms. These rains can make travel challenging, especially on unpaved roads to attractions like Spitzkoppe.
The landscape turns vibrantly green, particularly noticeable in the usually arid areas around Brandberg. This abundance of water and vegetation makes wildlife viewing in places like the Waterberg Plateau Park more challenging, as animals disperse widely. However, it's an excellent time for birdwatching, with many species raising their young and insects becoming more prevalent.
- Hot and humid with some rainfall
- Lush landscapes in Otavi Mountains
- Excellent birdwatching opportunities
- Wildlife viewing challenging but rewarding
- Few tourists, good deals on accommodation
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in February
Central Highlands in March
March usually sees the rains in the Central Highlands tapering off, and daily temperatures can spike to close to 40°C/104°F. The Erongo and Otavi Mountains may still experience occasional showers, but many days are clear with strong sunshine. Late afternoons might bring short, spectacular thunderstorms, particularly around higher elevations like Waterberg Plateau.
The landscapes across the region, from Okahandja to Otjiwarongo, are often at their most vivid green. This abundance of vegetation can make wildlife spotting more challenging in areas like the AfriCat Foundation, as animals have plenty of cover. However, it's an excellent time for hiking in the Erongo Mountains or exploring the rock art at Brandberg – though it’s recommended to hike in the early mornings to avoid the soaring temperatures and last of the summer storms in the afternoons.
Many birds and animals are finishing raising their young, making it an interesting time for nature observation.
- Less rainfall, though humid and hot
- Erongo Mountains ideal for hiking
- Animals well-fed after months of plentiful rainfall
- Migratory birds begin to depart
- Few tourists visit during March, so rates often low
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Central Highlands in April
April in the Central Highlands central Namibia is dominated by dry weather, with decreasing chances of rain. Temperatures in areas like Okahandja and Otjiwarongo start to fall towards the end of the month, making daytime conditions pleasant for outdoor activities. The nights might have a slight chill, especially in higher areas like the Erongo Mountains.
The landscape remains verdant from the recent rains, creating beautiful scenery around attractions like Spitzkoppe and Brandberg. This is an excellent time for photography, with clear air and spectacular landscapes. Wildlife viewing at places like the AfriCat Foundation or Waterberg Plateau Park can be rewarding, with animals in great condition after the rainy season. However, finding big game can still be challenging as water remains widely available.
April offers good value for tourists, with many lodges still charging low-season rates.
- Cooler nights, pleasant daytime temperatures
- Easter brings a slight increase in visitors
- Wildlife more visible as vegetation thins
- Fresh air and green landscapes
- Great time for photography in Spitzkoppe
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in April
Central Highlands in May
By May, central Namibia starts drying out rapidly. Days are typically warm with crisp, clear mornings and blue skies. Evenings are cool, with temperatures potentially dropping below 10°C/50°F overnight. If the rains have been good, areas like the Erongo Mountains and Otavi Highlands remain green, but wildlife starts to concentrate around permanent water sources.
The air quality and clarity in the region can be amazing, making this an ideal month for photography at iconic locations like Spitzkoppe or Brandberg. This is an excellent time for hiking in the Erongo Mountains or exploring the Waterberg Plateau, with comfortable temperatures and increasingly good wildlife sightings.
Many lodges in the area still offer low-season prices, making May a great value month for visiting the area.
- Dry, warm days and cool nights
- Landscapes transition from green to gold
- Excellent visibility for wildlife viewing
- Moderate rates as high season approaches
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in May
Central Highlands in June
June brings dry conditions. Skies are blue and largely cloudless over areas like Okahandja and Otjiwarongo. Days are lovely and warm, but nights can be cold, sometimes approaching freezing in exposed areas like Spitzkoppe. Visitors should pack warm clothing for early morning activities, such as game drives at the AfriCat Foundation.
Wildlife viewing in the region, especially around Waterberg Plateau Park, follows dry-season patterns with animals congregating around water sources. The clear air makes this an excellent time for photographers to capture the dramatic landscapes of the Erongo Mountains or Brandberg.
Historically, June has offered lower rates, but with increasing popularity, some lodges now consider it part of their high season, so early booking is advisable.
- Clear, crisp days and cold nights
- Erongo Conservancy offers great game drives
- Stargazing opportunities in the Brandberg area
- Wildlife concentrates around water sources
- Moderate lodge rates, increasing number of visitors
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in June
Central Highlands in July
July in the Central Highlands offers reliably warm daytime temperatures above 20°C/68°F and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Rain is extremely rare, and clear skies provide perfect conditions for stargazing in areas like the Erongo Mountains. However, the occasional cold front can pass over the area, and nights can be very cold, potentially dipping below freezing in exposed areas like Spitzkoppe. Visitors should dress in layers and be prepared for chilly mornings and evenings.
As vegetation becomes sparse, game concentrates around water sources, making this an ideal time for wildlife viewing at places like the AfriCat Foundation near Otjiwarongo, or Waterberg Plateau Park. The dry conditions also make this a great time for hiking and rock climbing activities in the region.
Lodges typically charge high-season rates, and popular spots can book up well in advance.
- Dry days, cold nights in the Central Highlands
- Peak season for wildlife viewing begins
- European holidays bring more family travellers
- Higher rates, advanced bookings necessary
- Excellent time for hiking in Waterberg
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in July
Central Highlands in August
August marks the height of winter in the Central Highlands. Expect cloudless skies and warm sun during the day, but nights can drop to freezing in exposed areas like Spitzkoppe or the Erongo Mountains. Visitors should bring warm clothes for chilly mornings and evenings, especially for activities like early game drives.
The landscape is at its driest, with golden-brown vegetation dominating. This makes wildlife viewing excellent, particularly in areas like Waterberg Plateau Park or the AfriCat Foundation near Otjiwarongo, as animals congregate around remaining water sources.
August is one of the most popular times to visit the Central Highlands, especially for families. Attractions like Brandberg's rock art sites or hiking trails in the Erongo Mountains are particularly appealing in the cooler weather. Early booking is essential for the best lodges.
- Warm days in the sun, very cold nights
- Spectacular stargazing in Erongo Mountains
- Wildlife viewing at its best in the region
- Peak season rates, limited availability
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Central Highlands in September
September in the Central HighlandsCentral Highlands brings blue, cloudless skies and fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities. Rain is almost unheard of, and as the month progresses, both days and nights get warmer. Daytime temperatures in areas like Okahandja and Otjiwarongo can reach the low 30s °C/80s °F .
The air becomes dustier, which can create hazy conditions for photographers capturing the dramatic landscapes of Spitzkoppe or the Erongo Mountains. Wildlife viewing is at its peak, with animals congregating around remaining water sources. This makes September an excellent time to visit places like the AfriCat Foundation or Waterberg Plateau Park.
It's one of the most popular months for visitors, especially safari enthusiasts, and lodges charge high-season rates. Early booking is advisable for prime locations.
- Warm days, temperatures rising steadily
- Landscapes golden brown, great for photos
- Excellent month for wildlife observation
- High season rates, book well in advance
- Himba cultural tours available near Opuwo
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Central Highlands in October
October is typically the hottest and driest month in the Central Highlands. Temperatures build throughout the month, with daily highs potentially exceeding 40°C/104°F in areas like Okahandja and Otjiwarongo. Despite the heat, the low humidity makes conditions bearable.
This is the peak of the dry season, making it an excellent time for wildlife viewing in places like Waterberg Plateau Park or the AfriCat Foundation, as animals gather around scarce water sources. However, dust and occasional smoke can make the air hazy, challenging for photographers. The Erongo Mountains and Spitzkoppe offer dramatic, parched landscapes.
October is popular among wildlife enthusiasts and commands peak-season prices. Towards the end of the month, visitor numbers may decrease slightly, offering a window for last-minute bookings.
- Hot and dry throughout Central Highlands
- Prime time for game viewing in reserves
- Waterberg Plateau offers scenic hikes
- Peak rates, limited availability at lodges
- Spitzkoppe ideal for rock art enthusiasts
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Central Highlands in November
November in the Central Highlands can be unpredictable. Mornings are often hot and cloudless, but afternoons may bring cloud cover and cooler temperatures. Areas like Okahandja and Otjiwarongo might experience spectacular late-afternoon thunderstorms as humidity builds. These storms are typically localised and may be absent from more arid areas like Spitzkoppe. Places receiving good rain, such as the Erongo Mountains, quickly turn green, bringing a sense of renewal to the landscape.
This is an exciting time for wildlife, with many mammals giving birth. Once rains arrive, wildlife in areas like Waterberg Plateau Park becomes more dispersed, making game viewing more challenging. However, November is excellent for birdwatchers, with migrant species arriving in breeding plumage, especially noticeable in the diverse habitats of the Central Highlands.
- Variable weather, possible early rains
- New vegetation growth begins if it rains
- Wildlife viewing good in Erongo region
- Shoulder season, rates become more moderate
- Bird watching excellent as migrants return
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Central Highlands in December
December marks the start of the rainy season in the Central Highlands and is one of the hottest months. In areas like Okahandja and Otjiwarongo, clear mornings often give way to building clouds and occasional spectacular thunderstorms. These rains are generally welcomed, refreshing the parched landscapes of places like the Erongo Mountains and Spitzkoppe. Even short showers can trigger a rapid greening, providing food for young animals.
Wildlife tends to disperse widely, which can make game viewing at locations like the AfriCat Foundation or Waterberg Plateau Park more challenging. However, many birds are breeding, sporting their most colourful plumage.
The holiday season can make popular attractions and accommodation options busy, especially in cooler areas like the Erongo Mountains. Visitors should book well in advance and be prepared for potential weather-related changes to their plans.
- Hot with possibility of rain showers
- Landscapes green where rain has fallen
- Otavi Mountains offer scenic game drives
- Best time for birding enthusiasts
- Holiday season brings more local tourists
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in December
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