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The complete guide · the wild horses · drives · lodges · when to go
A tiny settlement on the B4 between Keetmanshoop and the coast, sitting where the southern Namib's gravel plains run into the rocky Aus Mountains. It isn't a busy tourist town, and that is exactly the point — wide silence, some of the clearest night skies in the country, and out on the plains towards Lüderitz, a herd of wild horses that has survived here for a century.
The first thing you notice on arrival is the quiet, open landscape stretching in every direction — wide desert plains, rugged mountains and very little else. Aus is not a busy tourist town, and that is a large part of its appeal.
The main draw is the chance to see the famous wild desert horses that live on the plains between Aus and Lüderitz — one of the region's most fascinating sights, and unlike anything else in Namibia.
Beyond that, many visitors use Aus as a base for exploring the surrounding desert, spotting wildlife, or simply enjoying the quiet beauty of the southern Namib. If you enjoy slow travel, scenic drives and Namibia's vast natural spaces, this is a place where the journey, the scenery and the peaceful atmosphere become the highlight rather than the gap between highlights.
Southern Namibia, in the Karas Region, on the main road between Keetmanshoop and the coastal town of Lüderitz — about 126 km inland from Lüderitz and roughly 213 km west of Keetmanshoop.
What makes Aus interesting is its position right on the edge of the Namib. The landscape shifts as you move through it, between desert plains, rocky hills and open spaces that seem to stretch endlessly. Because of that location it serves as a natural stopping point between Namibia's southern inland towns and the dramatic Atlantic coastline.
Most travellers combine Aus with Lüderitz and Kolmanskop, and often with the Fish River Canyon further east.
This is a quiet desert stop rather than a town full of attractions, and it is worth planning it as one.
Most visitors spend one to two nights, which gives you enough time to relax, explore the surrounding landscapes and, with luck, see the wild horses.
Aus also works well purely as a stopover if you are travelling between inland Namibia and the coast. Many people include it on the route between Keetmanshoop and Lüderitz, or when visiting Kolmanskop. Given how large the distances are in this part of the country, breaking the journey with a peaceful overnight here makes the whole trip more enjoyable.
Plan a little time simply to look at it. The wide plains, the mountain backdrop and the quiet are what make the place. Early mornings and late afternoons are when the light softens and the landscape becomes genuinely dramatic.
Accommodation here is about comfort, quiet and proximity to the landscape. Because Aus is a small settlement on the desert's edge, most options are lodges or guesthouses that let you slow down and take in what is around you.
The best known is Klein-Aus Vista, a private reserve outside the village offering several very different styles of stay — from lodge rooms to chalets hidden among the granite — all surrounded by wide views over the plains and mountains. The three below are all part of it.
Comfortable lodge-style rooms with wide views over the desert plains, spacious and positioned to make the most of the scenery. A peaceful place to land after a day of driving, and one of the best bases in the area if you are hoping to see the wild horses.
Private stone chalets built among massive granite boulders in the hills outside Aus, each set well apart from the others. Real privacy and dramatic desert views — the kind of place where you sit outside in the evening, watch the sun go down over the mountains, and hear nothing at all.
Well-equipped camping pitches surrounded by desert scenery, for travellers with a tent or camper who want the landscape up close while still having basic facilities. The open setting makes it a superb place for stargazing — the skies here are exceptionally clear.
A historic and welcoming guesthouse right in the village itself, with a charming atmosphere and a reputation for good food and friendly service. Comfortable and convenient as a base for exploring the area, and the easiest option if you are arriving late.
There are very few beds in Aus, and it sits on a busy self-drive route. Book ahead. We book all of these at the property's own rate, with no booking fee — send us your dates.
Less about attractions, more about the landscape and the wildlife. The plains, the rocky hills and the quiet make the setting for relaxed exploration rather than a schedule.
The main reason most people stop. The horses roam freely on the plains between Aus and Lüderitz, adapted to survive in a harsh environment, and there is a dedicated hide at the Garub Desert Horses Viewpoint where you can quietly watch them gather at the waterhole.
Early morning or late afternoon — and be prepared to wait.
The roads around Aus hold some of the most striking desert scenery in southern Namibia. The drive west gives you endless plains, distant mountains and wide sky. The drive is the experience, so stop along the way rather than treating it as transit.
Leave early. Cooler, softer light, and better odds on wildlife.
Several walking and hiking routes run through the rocky hills and desert terrain, where you may spot small wildlife, birds and unusual desert plants. A good way to stretch your legs after a long drive, and the best way to experience the silence properly.
Trails are on the reserve. Free for guests; day visitors may pay a small fee.
The abandoned diamond mining town, now filling with sand, is close enough to visit from Aus. Walking through the buildings is a fascinating look into Namibia's past and makes for remarkable photographs.
Check the hours first — it closes around lunchtime. See our Lüderitz guide.
Aus sits on the transition between the open plains of the southern Namib and the rocky hills of the Aus Mountains — wide gravel flats, scattered quiver trees and rugged hills, all within a short drive. The horses belong to the plains side of it.
They roam near the Garub Desert Horses Viewpoint, having adapted to an environment that should not really support them, and they have become one of the most fascinating sights in southern Africa. You can stop at the designated viewpoint along the road towards Lüderitz and watch quietly when they come in to the waterhole.
A classic desert climate: dry, sunny, often warm by day and considerably cooler once the sun goes down. Rainfall is very limited and clear skies are the norm. Because Aus sits inland and at some elevation, the swing between day and night is the thing to plan for.
| Season | Daytime | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Summer — Nov to Mar | 30°C+ | The hottest stretch, sometimes into the high thirties by midday. Evenings and early mornings cool nicely and are the time to be out. Highest chance of rain, usually brief afternoon thunderstorms |
| Shoulder — Apr to May | warm | The heat eases and days become very pleasant for anything outdoors. Skies are often exceptionally clear — excellent for photography and drives |
| Winter — Jun to Aug | 18–25°C | Mild and comfortable by day, but nights get cold and can drop close to freezing. Very dry, very clear air, with superb visibility across the plains |
| Shoulder — Sep to Oct | 25–30°C | Warming again towards summer, evenings still comfortably cool. Good conditions for travel before the peak heat arrives |
Overall the climate is sunny and dry for most of the year, so you can generally count on clear skies and good desert scenery whenever you come.
You can come at almost any time of year, but the cooler months from April to October are the most comfortable.
Through that period the daytime temperatures suit hiking, scenic drives and wildlife viewing without the intensity of summer. It is also the better window for photography: the clear desert air and soft morning and evening light do a great deal of the work for you. And if you are hoping for the horses at Garub, early mornings in the cooler months are especially rewarding.
That said, the hotter summer months have their own appeal. The landscape stays dramatic, the skies are often crystal clear, and the quiet of this remote region makes it a peaceful place to experience southern Namibia at your own pace.
The scale of the surrounding landscape is the first thing you notice. Distances between towns in this part of Namibia are large, and the driving becomes part of the trip rather than an interruption to it.
| Lüderitz | 126 km | ~1.5 hrs |
| Keetmanshoop | 213 km | ~2.5 hrs |
| Garub horse viewpoint | on the B4 west | short drive |
Aus sits on the B4, which makes it a convenient stopping point between inland Namibia and the Atlantic coast. Times vary with road conditions.
The run west to Lüderitz is particularly scenic and passes the Garub viewpoint, so build in extra time for it. Public transport in the region is limited, so most visitors explore by self-drive or guided tour. The main roads are generally well maintained, and driving gives you the flexibility to stop for photographs, wildlife, or simply to take in the space.
Pack for the swing rather than the average. Warm days and cool-to-cold nights are the defining feature, and the temperature drops quickly once the sun is down.
Light, comfortable clothing for the daytime, plus a genuinely warm layer for evenings and early mornings. Even when the afternoon feels hot, you will want the jacket by dinner — and in winter you will want a proper one.
A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential; the desert sun is strong year-round. Bring outdoor clothing you don't mind getting dusty — the environment is dry and sandy, and embracing that is part of the experience.
A small backpack or day bag is genuinely useful for carrying water, snacks and a camera on drives, short hikes and wildlife viewing. Add a reusable water bottle, lip balm and moisturiser: the dry air dehydrates you faster than you notice.
Much of the terrain is rocky, sandy or uneven, so comfortable walking shoes or light hiking shoes are the best choice — they handle gravel paths, desert trails and rocky ground around the hills and viewpoints. Sturdy closed shoes also keep sand and small stones out on short walks and roadside stops between Aus and Lüderitz. Bring sandals or casual shoes as well for evenings at the lodge.
Payment options are more limited than in larger towns, and so is the shopping. Both are worth sorting out before you arrive.
Lodges and restaurants such as Klein-Aus Vista and Bahnhof Hotel Aus generally accept debit and credit cards, but smaller purchases or services may need cash, so carry some. Namibia uses the Namibian Dollar, and the South African Rand is widely accepted throughout the country.
ATMs are not reliably available in small settlements. Withdraw what you need beforehand in a larger town such as Keetmanshoop, and keep cash on hand for fuel stations, small shops and tips.
The restaurant at Bahnhof Hotel Aus is the popular choice in the village, known for a relaxed atmosphere and hearty meals, often traditional Namibian dishes and German-inspired cooking. Klein-Aus Vista, just outside town, serves meals with views over the desert — a good stop whether you are staying there or just exploring nearby.
There is a small local shop and service station in Aus for basic groceries, drinks and travel snacks, but the selection is limited compared with larger towns. Most visitors buy the bulk of their supplies earlier, in Keetmanshoop or in Lüderitz. Because the distances here are long, carry extra water, snacks and fuel as a matter of routine.
Facilities are limited but sufficient for a comfortable stopover, and most travellers find everything they need for a short stay.
There is a small shop and a fuel station in the village where you can fill up and pick up basics for the road. If you are staying at Klein-Aus Vista or Bahnhof Hotel Aus, meals are available at the lodge restaurants, so you needn't travel for dinner.
Fuel up whenever you can. Distances between towns are large and stations far apart — fill the tank passing through Keetmanshoop or before heading for the coast.
Not as widespread or fast as in larger towns, but most lodges and guesthouses provide internet for guests, usually in the main lodge areas and sometimes in rooms. It is generally good enough for email, messaging and planning the next leg, though speeds can be slow and it isn't suited to streaming or large downloads. Many visitors find the enforced disconnection is part of the appeal.
Generally available in the village and around the main lodges, with the strength varying by exact location. Namibia's major providers offer basic coverage, so calls and messages work within the settlement itself.
Travel out into the surrounding desert and reception weakens or disappears entirely. Download maps and any information you need before setting off on drives, hikes or wildlife trips — limited coverage is normal out here, and being prepared makes exploring far more relaxed.
Yes — Aus works well with children, particularly those who enjoy nature and wide open spaces. The area is safe and relaxed, with desert landscapes, wildlife and a great deal of fresh air well away from anything busy.
Children tend to enjoy spotting ostrich, springbok and, of course, the desert horses at Garub. Short nature walks around Klein-Aus Vista are a good way for them to explore while learning about the plants and animals that survive out here.
The night skies are worth staying up for — there is very little light pollution, and on a clear night the stars are extraordinary.
If your family enjoys nature, wildlife and slower-paced travel, Aus is a memorable stop on a Namibian road trip. The main things to plan around are the long drives either side of it and the cold nights.
At the Garub Desert Horses Viewpoint, a dedicated hide beside the B4 between Aus and Lüderitz, overlooking a waterhole. Early morning and late afternoon are best. There is usually no major entrance fee to stop at the public viewpoint.
No. They roam freely across a large area and come to the waterhole when they choose. Sometimes they are there immediately, sometimes you wait. Give yourself time and don't plan around a single quick stop.
One to two. That covers resting, the horses, a walk and the desert light. Longer if you want the reserve trails and the stargazing without rushing.
No. The B4 is tarred and well maintained, and a normal car reaches Aus and the Garub viewpoint comfortably. Some smaller roads in the region are gravel — reduce speed on those, especially around bends or after rain.
Lüderitz is about 126 km west, roughly an hour and a half. Keetmanshoop is about 213 km east, typically two and a half hours. Both on the B4.
Yes, as a day trip — it sits just outside Lüderitz. Check the opening hours before you set off, since it closes around lunchtime for general visitors.
Not reliably. Withdraw cash beforehand in a larger town such as Keetmanshoop. Lodges take cards, but smaller purchases, fuel stops and tips are easier with cash.
Winter nights can drop close to freezing, with mild days of 18 to 25°C. Even in summer, when days exceed 30°C, the temperature falls sharply after sunset. Bring a warm jacket whatever the season.
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A handful of beds on a busy road
The chalets in the boulders, the campsite under the stars, the guesthouse in the village — plus Lüderitz, Kolmanskop and the Fish River Canyon either side of it. Tell us your dates and route and a real person will put it together properly. No booking fees, ever.
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