IBENSTEINSAFARIS · NAMIBIA
Two giraffes in the bush
Experiences

Wild encounters, unhurried days

Ten thousand hectares of savanna, mountains and forest, explored by vehicle, on foot, on horseback and from the air.

The highlight

White rhinos, protected on Ibenstein


Rhinos have walked this earth for millions of years. Today they need people who protect them, and on Ibenstein, they have them.

Our white rhinos are watched over day and night, and for their safety we never make public where they are. They are so used to us that we can come remarkably close: standing just a few steps from these ancient giants is, for many guests, the highlight of their whole journey.

  • Monitored around the clock
  • Their location stays private
  • Visited only together with the family, by vehicle or on horseback
Two white rhinos at sunset
The game-drive vehicle under a pink evening sky

Game drives

René and the family take you out themselves: no anonymous guides, but people who know every track, every waterhole and every animal on the farm. In the open vehicle through valleys and plains, in the morning or the afternoon, on request with a sundowner at the end.

With the ownersDrinks & snacks includedIn the game camp · always game to watchMorning or afternoon
Who you may meet on a game drive

Wildlife on Ibenstein


All our outdoor activities take place in the game camp, so you can always watch game: plains game, rare visitors and plenty of small creatures, and around 300 bird species for those who bring binoculars.

  • Giraffe
  • Oryx (gemsbok)
  • Kudu
  • Eland
  • Nyala
  • Springbok
  • Impala
  • Waterbuck
  • Blue wildebeest
  • Zebra
  • Warthog
  • Jackal
  • Fox
  • Meerkats
  • White rhino
  • Leopard, very rarely seen
  • Sable antelope
  • Red hartebeest
  • Steenbok
  • Ostrich
  • Baboon
  • Bat-eared fox
A little extra

Once, we set up a camera trap at a dry waterhole in the hills, and it was fascinating to see who passed by during the night, even the rarely seen leopard.

On horseback

Horse riding

Short and long outrides in the game camp, sunset rides, riding with the rhinos, lessons and Liberty training: everything about riding on Ibenstein has its own page.

René’s small aircraft on the farm airstrip

Scenic flights with René

Take off in a small aircraft with René at the controls and see the farm, the hills and the Kalahari fringe from above. Flights usually take off early in the morning, when the air is calm and the light is soft. Only one guest flies at a time: the whole view is yours.

Usually early morningOne guest per flight30 minutes or longer

Bush lunch & bush dinner

A table laid out in the open, far from everything: pampas grass and wild flowers, candles in old bottle glasses, a fire crackling beside you and the sky turning pink over the hills. An exclusive special activity that takes a great deal of preparation, set in the game camp with game all around. A full bush lunch or dinner is organised for groups of six to eight guests; from four guests we set a smaller table. Travelling as a couple? Just ask, other guests may like to join. Please book it together with your activities; if you like, you arrive on horseback. Just the two of you? Choose our romantic dinner for two under the stars instead, it is set close to the farmhouse, so it cannot be reached on horseback.

Exclusive special activityFrom 4 guestsFull setting for 6 to 8By vehicle or on horseback
The game-drive vehicle parked high above the plains in the evening light

Sundowners at a special place

We drive you through the game camp, with game to watch along the way, to the spots where the evening is at its most beautiful. A cold drink in hand, the savanna below you, the sky turning from gold to violet.

In the game camp · always game to watchDrinks & snacks
View across the rocky plateau towards the mountains

Mountain hike

Climb one of the farm’s mountains for a view across the whole valley. The path is rocky, so you should be sure-footed.

In the game camp · always game to watchSure-footedness required
For bird lovers

Game drive with a focus on birding

A guided game drive with an eye for the birds. With around 300 species on and around Ibenstein, there are many birds to see.

GuidedIn the game camp · always game to watchBring binoculars
Simmental calves in the evening light

Simmental drive with René

A drive across the farm with René to the places that matter for the cattle: the camps, the water points and the grazing. He explains how the herd is managed and tells the story of the Simmental on Ibenstein, one of Namibia’s traditional breeds, and of the family behind it.

By vehicleSpecial activity
For experienced riders

Cattle driving on horseback

A guided outride on which you help us move the Simmental herd: real farm work in the saddle. For experienced riders only, and only on request when the farm work allows.

Always guidedOn requestExperienced riders
The pool in the shade of the trees, with a farm dog keeping watch
Wellbeing

Massages & the pool

After a long ride or a day in the bush: on request, a masseuse comes out to the farm and your massage takes place right here on Ibenstein. In between, the pool in the shade of the palms and trees is waiting for you.

Massage on requestPool for all guests
Getting here

We collect you from the airport


On request we pick you up at Hosea Kutako International Airport or in Windhoek and bring you to the farm, and back again at the end of your stay.

Transfers are charged per car: one price, however many guests travel. Please add your flight details to your booking request.

Hunting is offered only on a very limited basis. Please contact us personally.

Your stay at Ibenstein

Put together your days

Tick the experiences you would like in the booking request, and we will plan them around your stay.

Or call us: +264 81 149 2535

Send a requestBook online