Plizio Visual Lab

Aus Desert Horses Area

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Animal habitat

Weather…

Near the small settlement of Aus, on the fringes of the Namib Desert, lives a unique population of feral horses known as the Namib Desert Horses. The exact origin of these animals is debated, but they are likely descendants of German cavalry horses or stud farm animals released during the chaos of World War I in 1915. Over several generations, these horses have undergone significant physiological and behavioral adaptations to survive in one of the harshest environments on Earth. Their survival is primarily centered around the Garub borehole, an artificial water point originally installed to service steam locomotives on the Lüderitz-Seeheim railway line. The population size fluctuates between 50 and 150 individuals, dictated largely by the severity of regional droughts and the availability of desert grasses. Today, they are managed by the Namibia Wild Horses Foundation, which provides supplemental feed during extreme crises. Despite predation from spotted hyenas and the extreme heat, these horses remain a powerful symbol of resilience and untamed desert life.

Location: Namibia
Top sights: Old Car Hudson 1930er · Schutzwall · Gefangenenlager von 1915

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	26	26	24	21	17	14	14	14	18	21	23	24
Rain mm	12	14	9	14	4	3	2	4	1	1	3	4

📋 Practical info

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Best season

The best months to see the desert horses are the cooler winter months from May to September, when they gather at waterholes for drinking. The dry season reduces vegetation cover, making the horses far more visible against the arid landscape.

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Best time of day

Early mornings and late afternoons are prime times, as the horses typically come to waterholes to drink. During the heat of midday they often rest in shaded areas, so plan your viewing for those cooler windows.

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Etiquette

Strictly do not feed or approach the wild horses; always remain inside your vehicle and keep a respectful distance of at least 50 metres. Sudden movements and loud noises should be avoided to prevent startling the animals.

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What to bring

Binoculars are crucial for spotting horses at a distance; a sun hat and sunscreen protect you from the intense Namibian sun. Also bring plenty of drinking water, as the climate is very dry, and a camera with a telephoto lens for safe photography.

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Getting there

The horse area is reached via gravel roads from Aus; a standard 2WD vehicle usually suffices in dry conditions, but check road conditions locally first. Clear signage along the route helps navigation, and it is advisable to start early to avoid dust from other vehicles.

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What to expect

The horses roam over a large area and may not be near the road; scanning with binoculars is essential to locate them. Be prepared to wait quietly at a waterhole for some time, as the horses often appear during the cooler hours.

Geography

Coordinates

-26.66000, 16.25000

Facts

These horses can go for up to 30 hours without water during the peak of summer.
The Garub water hole was established around 1908 for the colonial railway system.
The Namibia Wild Horses Foundation was formally established in 2012.
Horses may travel up to 20 kilometers a day between grazing areas and the borehole.
The population hit a critical low of fewer than 50 horses during the 1991 drought.
Genetic evidence suggests they originate from diverse European warmblood stock.