Overview
Aus is a small settlement in the Karas Region of southern Namibia, sitting in a transitional zone where the Namib Desert meets the arid highlands. The town is modest in size — a few hundred residents — but punches above its weight as a stopping point for travelers exploring the southern corridor between Lüderitz on the Atlantic coast and the vast Fish River Canyon to the east.
The area's most photographed attraction is the herd of feral horses that roams the desert plains nearby. Known locally as the 'Wild Horses of the Namib,' these animals are descended from horses that were released or abandoned during the early twentieth century, and they have adapted remarkably to one of the harshest environments on Earth. A designated viewing point with a water trough allows observation without disturbing the herd.
Aus also carries quiet echoes of World War One history: a German prisoner-of-war camp once stood just outside town, and a small memorial and ruins mark the site. For travelers interested in the layered colonial history of Namibia, this adds a thoughtful dimension to what might otherwise seem like a fuel-and-food stop on the B4 highway.
Before You Go
Visas
Namibia has a visa policy that varies by nationality. Do not rely on any single source for current requirements. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and verify directly with the Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration before travel.
Health
Consult a travel health professional well before departure. Southern Namibia is generally at lower malaria risk than the north, but confirm current conditions with your doctor. Sun exposure in the desert is intense; carry high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, and ample water at all times.
What to Pack
- Layered clothing: desert temperatures swing dramatically between day and night, especially May–August
- Sturdy closed-toe shoes or hiking boots
- Sufficient cash in NAD or ZAR — card facilities are very limited in Aus
- A jerry can or extra water if driving onward into remote areas
- Paper maps or offline GPS; mobile coverage is patchy in the region
Getting There
Aus is located on the B4, the main tar road linking Keetmanshoop (roughly 120 km to the east) and Lüderitz (roughly 120 km to the west). Most visitors arrive by private vehicle or self-drive rental car, which is by far the most practical option in this part of Namibia.
The nearest town with meaningful services and a regional transport hub is Keetmanshoop, which has a railway station on the TransNamib network and connections to Windhoek. Intercape and other long-distance coach services serve Keetmanshoop; from there, onward travel to Aus is most easily done by private arrangement or rental car. Verify current coach schedules directly with operators, as timetables change.
Windhoek's Hosea Kutako International Airport is the main international gateway to Namibia. From Windhoek, Aus is approximately 500–550 km by road, typically a full day's drive along well-maintained tar roads. Fuel is available in Aus itself — verify hours locally, as small-town stations can keep limited hours.
Getting Around
Within Aus, distances are short enough to walk between the few facilities in the settlement. For any sightseeing — the wild horse viewing point, the POW camp ruins, or excursions toward Lüderitz or Fish River Canyon — a vehicle is essential.
The roads in the immediate area around Aus are predominantly tar (B4) and well-maintained gravel. A standard 2WD sedan is generally adequate for the main routes, but if you plan to venture off the main road or visit farms and lodges on gravel tracks, a high-clearance 4WD is advisable. Check road conditions locally before setting out, especially after rare but intense rainfall.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options in and around Aus are limited but sufficient for an overnight stop. The area has a small number of guesthouses and farm lodges that cater to self-drive travelers on the southern Namibia circuit. Booking ahead is strongly recommended, particularly during the May–September peak season, as capacity is low.
Farm stays and lodges on private land outside the town centre are a popular choice, often offering a more immersive desert experience than the settlement itself. Verify availability, rates, and exact access directions directly with properties, as details change. Camping may also be available at some establishments — confirm locally.
Things to See & Do
Wild Horses of the Namib
The feral horse herd — typically numbering in the dozens — is the primary draw. A waterhole and viewing shelter on the D707 road a few kilometres outside Aus provides a respectful vantage point. Early morning or late afternoon visits tend to yield the best sightings. Do not approach or feed the horses.
World War One POW Camp Memorial
The ruins of Aus Camp, where German soldiers were interned by South African forces from around 1915, lie a short distance from the town centre. Information boards explain the site's history. It is a sobering and historically significant stop that receives relatively few visitors.
Desert Landscape and Photography
The granite hills and plains around Aus offer striking desert scenery and are popular with landscape photographers, particularly at golden hour. The Namib's silence and scale are palpable here.
Gateway Activities
- Fish River Canyon: One of Africa's largest canyons, accessible within a few hours' drive east. Hiking in the canyon floor is seasonal — verify permits and open dates with NamibRand and Namibia Wildlife Resorts before your visit.
- Lüderitz: The colonial-era Atlantic port town with Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) German architecture; accessible westward on the B4.
Food & Drink
Aus has very limited dining options — travelers should not expect restaurants in the conventional sense. A small shop and fuel station serve basic provisions. Some guesthouses and lodges include meals as part of their offering; confirm this when booking.
Stock up on food and water before arriving if you are passing through, especially if heading onward to remote areas. Keetmanshoop or Lüderitz are better places to resupply. Tap water safety and availability should be confirmed locally; carrying bottled or purified water is sensible practice in the Namib region.
Practical Information
Money
Bring sufficient cash before arriving in Aus. ATMs and card payment facilities are either absent or unreliable. The nearest reliable banking services are in Keetmanshoop.
Connectivity
Mobile signal is intermittent and can drop to zero in parts of the surrounding desert. Download offline maps (e.g., Maps.me or Google Maps offline) and relevant travel information before leaving a larger town.
Emergency Contacts
Verify local emergency numbers before travel. In Namibia the national emergency number is generally 10111 (police) and 10177 (ambulance), but connectivity in remote areas cannot be guaranteed. Inform someone of your route and expected arrival times when traveling through isolated desert terrain.
Fuel
Fuel is available in Aus. Confirm opening hours locally and always top up when you have the chance — the next station may be far.
Safety
Aus and the surrounding region are generally considered safe for travelers exercising standard precautions. The primary risks are environmental rather than social: extreme heat, dehydration, and vehicle breakdowns in remote areas are realistic concerns.
Always carry more water than you think you need — at least 2–3 litres per person per day minimum, more in summer. Let someone know your intended route when heading into the desert. A basic vehicle emergency kit (tyre repair, jump leads, tow rope) is sensible for self-drive travelers.
For the latest government travel advisories, consult your home country's foreign affairs or state department website before departure.
