Overview
Aus is a small, quiet settlement in the ǁKaras Region of southern Namibia, sitting at roughly 1,500 m above sea level on the edge of the Namib Desert. It lies along the B4 highway that connects Lüderitz on the Atlantic coast to Keetmanshoop in the interior, making it a natural waypoint for travellers crossing this remote stretch of southern Namibia.
The town itself is modest — a handful of guesthouses, a general store or two, and a fuel station — but its surroundings hold genuine rewards. The landscape shifts dramatically between the arid Namib plains to the west and the rocky highlands of the Huib-Hoch Plateau to the north, creating a setting that feels austere and quietly spectacular.
Aus is best known internationally for the feral horses that roam the desert plains nearby, a small population whose origins are debated but likely trace back to horses abandoned or lost during the First World War era and subsequent German colonial administration. The community is small, unhurried, and largely free of tourist crowds, which is part of its appeal.
Before You Go
Visas
Namibia has visa requirements that vary by nationality. Do not rely on outdated information. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and verify current rules directly with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security of Namibia before travel.
What to pack
- Layered clothing is essential: desert days can be warm even in winter, but nights at this altitude turn sharply cold
- Sun protection (hat, SPF, sunglasses) is non-negotiable in any season
- Carry sufficient drinking water, especially if you plan any driving or walking in the desert; reliable resupply points are scarce between Aus and Lüderitz
- A 4WD vehicle is advisable for any gravel-road exploration off the B4; some tracks in the area are unsuitable for standard passenger cars
- Fuel up whenever you can — the distances between service stations in this region are significant
Health
No specific vaccinations are mandated for Aus itself, but consult a travel health clinic well before departure regarding general Namibia requirements. Carry a basic first-aid kit; the nearest hospital with substantial facilities is in Lüderitz or Keetmanshoop. Verify distances and services locally, as these can change.
Getting There
By air
Aus has no commercial airport. The nearest practical option for international arrivals is Hosea Kutako International Airport near Windhoek (the main national hub), followed by a long overland journey south. Lüderitz Airport handles small charter and domestic flights and is significantly closer — verify current schedules and operators locally or through a Namibian travel agent, as services on this route are limited.
By road
The B4 highway is the primary artery. From Lüderitz, Aus is approximately 120 km east; from Keetmanshoop it is roughly 200 km west. The road is paved and generally in acceptable condition, but long, straight desert roads encourage speed — drive attentively. From Windhoek, expect a full day's drive of around 550–600 km via the B1 south and then west on the B4.
Self-drive
Self-driving is by far the most practical way to reach Aus. Rental vehicles are available in Windhoek; 4WD is recommended if you plan to explore beyond the main highway. Ensure your rental agreement permits gravel-road driving, as some contracts restrict this.
Getting Around
Aus is small enough to walk across in minutes. Exploration of the wider area — the wild horse viewpoint, the surrounding desert tracks, or the Garub area — requires your own vehicle. There is no local taxi service or public transport of note.
The Garub waterhole and viewing hide, managed by NamibRand-area conservation interests and accessed via a short gravel track off the B4, is the primary dedicated stop for wild horse observation. The track is typically accessible to standard vehicles, but confirm current conditions locally before visiting with a low-clearance car.
If you are continuing toward Lüderitz, be aware that mobile phone signal is unreliable along the B4 in places; download offline maps before departing.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in Aus is limited and should be booked well in advance, particularly during school holidays and peak travel months (July–August). Options are primarily small guesthouses and farm-style lodges in and around the village. There is no large hotel chain presence.
A small number of established guesthouses operate in the immediate Aus area; names and availability should be verified through a current booking platform or a Namibian travel specialist, as the accommodation landscape in small desert towns can change. Some farms in the surrounding area offer self-catering or bed-and-breakfast-style stays that provide a more immersive experience of the desert environment.
Camping is available at or near some lodges; confirm facilities before arrival. Wild camping outside designated areas is subject to Namibian regulations and landowner permission.
Things to See & Do
Wild Horses of the Namib
The main draw for most visitors is observing the feral horses — one of the world's few desert-adapted wild horse populations. The Garub viewing hide near the waterhole offers the most reliable sightings. Early morning and late afternoon tend to be the best times. Respect the horses; they are wild animals and must not be fed or approached on foot beyond the designated observation area. The population fluctuates due to drought and predation, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Desert landscapes and photography
The plains around Aus offer extraordinary light, especially at dawn and dusk. The open vistas, dry riverbeds, and rocky outcrops provide compelling subjects for landscape photography without competing with other tourists.
Kolmanskop ghost town
While not in Aus itself, the famous Kolmanskop diamond-mining ghost town — partially swallowed by desert sand — is located roughly 10 km from Lüderitz and is a logical addition to any trip through this corridor. Entry requires a permit; verify current arrangements and fees with the site operators or local tourism offices before visiting.
Stargazing
Light pollution is virtually absent in and around Aus. Clear desert skies make this one of southern Namibia's better spots for observing the night sky with the naked eye or binoculars.
Food & Drink
Dining options in Aus are very limited. Most visitors eat at the guesthouse or lodge where they are staying, and kitchen hours may be fixed — always confirm meal arrangements at check-in.
There is at least one small general store in the village where basic provisions can be purchased, but do not rely on Aus for a full resupply of specialist items. Stock up on food and drinking water in Keetmanshoop or Lüderitz before arriving if you have specific needs.
Alcohol is available at licensed premises. The Namibian Dollar and South African Rand are standard; card payment facilities may be limited or unreliable in this remote setting — carry sufficient cash.
Practical Information
Money
ATMs are not reliably available in Aus. Withdraw cash in Keetmanshoop or Lüderitz before arrival. Most small guesthouses prefer or require cash payment; verify when booking.
Connectivity
Mobile data coverage is inconsistent in and around Aus. Download maps, accommodation confirmations, and any essential information before leaving a larger town. Wi-Fi, if available at your accommodation, may be slow or limited.
Fuel
There is a fuel station in Aus; verify opening hours locally and never pass a fuel opportunity in this region with a less-than-full tank.
Emergency contacts
For police, ambulance, and fire emergencies in Namibia, dial 112 from a mobile phone or 10111 for police (verify these numbers are current before travel, as emergency services infrastructure varies regionally). The nearest hospitals with significant capacity are in Lüderitz and Keetmanshoop — know the route before you need it.
Safety
Aus itself is a quiet, low-crime environment. The primary safety considerations here are environmental rather than social.
Desert travel carries real risks: heat, dehydration, vehicle breakdowns on remote tracks, and rapidly changing weather. Always inform someone of your planned route and expected return time before driving off the main highway. Carry more water than you think you will need.
Wildlife, including venomous snakes and scorpions, is present in the area. Shake out footwear before putting it on, and exercise standard caution around rocky outcrops and dry vegetation.
Road safety on Namibian highways deserves serious attention. Long, straight roads, loose gravel shoulders, free-roaming livestock, and wildlife crossing at night cause accidents. Drive at a moderate speed, never at night in unfamiliar desert terrain if avoidable, and ensure your spare tyre and basic breakdown equipment are in order.