Naankuse

The Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary (N/a’an ku sê) is a passion project of conservationist Marlice van Vuuren and her husband Rudie. Located just a short drive east of Windhoek, its mission is to rescue endangered species such as cheetahs, leopards, and wild dogs. The sanctuary has visitors the rare opportunity to see predators up close while they are being prepared for release back into the wild. A special focus is also placed on supporting the San people, who receive medical care and employment opportunities here. In addition to animal encounters, Naankuse provides a luxury lodge and excellent culinary experiences focusing on fresh, local ingredients. Guests can participate in carnivore feedings or guided bush walks. Access from Windhoek or the international airport is straightforward via well-maintained roads. The project is funded almost entirely through tourism and donations. Naankuse can be visited year-round, with the dry months from May to October being handy for wildlife viewing.

Nearby cities

Otjiwarongo

A bustling urban center serving as the primary hub for cheetah conservation efforts in the nation.

Okahandja

Often referred to as the garden town of Namibia, functioning as the traditional center for the Herero people.

Grootfontein

A lush, green town situated in the fertile central-northern area, home to a major military base.

Otavi

A verdant agricultural town forming one corner of the highly productive 'Maize Triangle'.

Okakarara

A regional center promoting local commerce and agriculture, located near the imposing Waterberg Plateau.

Kalkfeld

A slowly fading railway stop that possesses a distinct ghost-town atmosphere along the road to Outjo.

Gross Barmen

A popular hot spring resort near Okahandja, famous for its therapeutic thermal waters and Rhenish mission history.

Hochfeld

A tiny rural junction serving as a vital meeting point for the scattered farming community in the central plains.

Waterberg Plateau

A striking sandstone table mountain rising from the Kalahari, famous for its rare white rhinos and lush vegetation.

Windhoek

The capital and largest city of Namibia, situated in the central highlands.

History & landmarks

Herero Heroes Memorial

A significant memorial site in Okahandja where the traditional leaders of the Herero people are buried, and where Herero Day is celebrate…

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Grootfontein Old Fort

An old Schutztruppe-era fort in Grootfontein, now housing the town museum with exhibits on local history.

Sanderburg

The smallest of the three historic castles in Windhoek, designed by the architect Wilhelm Sander as his own personal residence.

Katutura State Hospital

A massive and prominent health complex in the Katutura township that plays a crucial role in providing medical care to the residents of W…

More places

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Otjihase Copper Mine

One of the main copper mines near Windhoek, supplying concentrate to the Tsumeb smelter.

Van Eck Power Station

A coal-fired power station in Windhoek serving to stabilize the national power grid.

Namibia Breweries Limited

A state-of-the-art brewery in Windhoek, brewing internationally awarded beer according to the Reinheitsgebot.

Meatco Factory Windhoek

The main meat processing facility in Namibia, producing high-quality beef for export.

Namdia Diamond Trade

The state-owned company for trading and evaluating Namibian diamonds on the global market.

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Khomas Mountains

The mountains in the Khomas Highlands.

Heroes' Acre

An official war memorial south of Windhoek, dedicated to the Namibian freedom fighters.

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Auas Mountains

A mountain range south of Windhoek.