- Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park/ Wild Horses



		Wild Horses


		With the Wild Horses of the Namib Desert on the left, desert on the right. Straight as a die, the black line of the road cuts through vast yellow-brown plains where vegetation is sparse. And suddenly you see them: dark spots which turn the shape of horses as they get closer.

		With a bit of luck you can spot wild horses in the Namib plains while you drive down the long slope of the escarpment on your way from Aus to Lüderitz. Predominantly they stay north of the road in Namib Naukluft Park. Depending on the availability of grazing their numbers fluctuate between 100 and 160. They regularly come to the drinking trough at Garub, about 20 km west of Aus.

		According to the latest findings the herd was started by runaway horses from a stud farm near Kubub south of Aus. They were then joined by South African Army horses which were lost near Garub in 1915, during the First World War. Over the decades the horses have adapted their feeding and drinking habits to the harsh conditions at the edge of the Namib. They would not be able to survive without the drinking trough at Garub, however, and during periods of severe drought fodder had to be brought in to ensure the herd’s survival. The aim is nevertheless to keep human interference at a minimum.



		Experience the Wild Horses Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park (Klein-Aus Vista) offers scenic drives which are a great opportunity to learn about the horses, watch them in their habitat and take photos. These drives are possible due to a special concession that grants access to the south-eastern part of state-owned Namib Naukluft Park.

		You can also drive to Garub, of course: a gravel track (quite suited for city cars as well) to the drinking trough turns off from the tar road. With a little luck the horses can be watched from a shelter as they come to drink. But keep your distance (risk of injury!) and do not attempt to feed them under any circumstances.


		- For more information see www.wild-horses-namibia.com. - More about the Sperrgebiet Rand desert system at - Sperrgebiet Rand Park/Desert. - For more on excursions see Sperrgebiet Rand Park/Activities.