Daan Viljoen Game Park
- State reserve
- Tourism
- 39.4 km2
Proclaimed before Independence to preserve the ecosystem of the Khomas Hochland, the park was named after a former Administrator, Mr Daan Viljoen, who played a major part in establishing the park. The convenient location of the park makes Daan Viljoen an ideal venue for day visits. With game drives and hiking trails, Daan Viljoen is a perfect stopover for tourists seeking the tranquillity of the bush and an ideal place for visiting school children to learn more about wildlife and conservation in Namibia.
Daan Viljoen Game Park is managed by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism while the accommodation facilities are run privately under a Public Private Partnership with Namibia Wildlife Resorts. Accommodation within the park has recently been extensively renovated and is now run by Sun Karros Lifestyle Safaris. Facilities include conference facilities and accommodation.
| Park size: | 39 km2 |
| Year proclaimed: | 1968 |
| Natural features: | Khomas Hochland Plateau, scenic views of the Windhoek valley |
| Vegetation: | Highland shrubland, with various Acacia species, kudu bush (Combretum apiculatum) and buffalo thorn (Ziziphus mucronata) |
| Wildlife: | Mammals include springbok, kudu, eland, gemsbok, blue wildebeest, Hartmann's mountain zebra, leopard and klipspringer. Of 200 bird species, endemics include Rüppell's parrot, white-tailed shrike and Monteiro's hornbill. |
| Tourism: | Resort with 19 contemporary African chalets, 12 camping site and picnic sites. Activities include game drives, hiking trails and mountain biking trails. |
| Key management issues: | Poaching is problematic due to Daan Viljoen adjoining a high-density residential area. The Augeigas River, which runs through the park, is polluted. |
Literature for Daan Viljoen Game Park
» See our Literature and other resources section for more general information
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Daan Viljoen Game Park - Profile
Daan Viljoen Game Park - Profile
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Invasive alien plants in the Daan Viljoen Game Park
Shapaka, T.N., Cunningham, P.L. and Joubert, D.F. 2008. Invasive alien plants in the Daan Viljoen Game Park. Dinteria, 30: 19-32
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The birds of Daan Viljoen Game Reserve
Clinning, C.F. and Jensen, R.A.C. 1971. The birds of Daan Viljoen Game Reserve. Windhoek: Divison of Nature Conservation
Popular illustrated guide to the commoner birds of the reserve, with complete checklist at time of publishing -
The distribution and invasive potential of fountain grass Pennisetum setaceum in Namibia
Joubert D. F. & Cunningham P. L. 2002. The distribution and invasive potential of fountain grass Pennisetum setaceum in Namibia. Dinteria, 27, 37-47
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