The Wild Heart of GocheGanas

Where Nature Thrives and the Future is Protected

At GocheGanas Lodge nature flourishes in harmony, undisturbed by time and guided by purpose. Every effort we make, whether in wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, or ecological education, ensures that this natural sanctuary endures for future generations to experience and cherish

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Dedicated to Conservation

Passionate about wildlife

At GocheGanas, conservation is at the core of our philosophy. Our nature reserve serves as a refuge for threatened wildlife, a thriving landscape of indigenous flora and fauna, and a living showcase of Namibia’s geological richness. We are dedicated to protecting fragile ecosystems, restoring natural balance, and safeguarding species on the brink of extinction. Through every effort, we strive to preserve the integrity and beauty of the natural world—for today, and for generations to come.

A Land Shaped by Time

Geology & Landscape

Nestled in Namibia’s ancient highlands and cradled by the Auas Mountains, GocheGanas Lodge and Private Nature Reserve boasts a dramatic landscape sculpted over 600 million years, featuring weather-resistant quartzite formed under intense conditions and later marked by volcanic eruptions that created striking reddish outcrops like Kanonkop and Molar. With the majestic Moltkeblick peak as a backdrop, the area’s altitudes range from 1,714 m to 2,211 m, while the Usib River flows from the Auas slopes through grassy floodplains, showcasing the region’s breathtaking natural grandeur.

A Wild Kingdom

The Fauna of GocheGanas

GocheGanas Lodge, a timeless Namibian Nature Reserve nestled in the mountains, supports 25 large game species, including a thriving reintroduced White Rhinoceros population. Game drives reveal majestic Giraffe, sturdy Warthog, the endemic Hartmann’s Zebra, and Burchell’s Zebras grazing alongside large antelope herds like Eland, Kudu, and Oryx, as well as smaller elusive species. Predators such as Cheetah, Leopard, and Caracal roam the area, while the calls of Black-Backed Jackals echo at dusk, and nocturnal Aardwolf and Aardvark emerge. The Iseb River plains teem with Mongoose, Ground Squirrels, and Meerkats, while Chacma Baboons keep watch from above, showcasing the diverse and thriving wildlife of the region.

A Sanctuary of Flora

Namibia’s Botanical Treasure

GocheGanas is a highland savannah haven characterized by towering acacia trees like the Camel Thorn and Black Thorn, along with the elegant Shepherd’s Tree, providing essential shade, shelter, and sustenance for the reserve’s wildlife. Scattered throughout the landscape, Buffalo Thorn, Kudu Bush, and trumpet-thorned Catophractes alexandri contribute to the rich botanical diversity, while wild grasses anchor the soil and support grazing herds. Recognized for its dedication to preserving this natural heritage, GocheGanas received a “Tree Award” from the Botanical Society of Namibia in 2007.

A Symphony of Wings

Ornithology at GocheGanas

GocheGanas awakens to the diverse melodies of hundreds of bird species, from the iconic Namibian Ostrich and ground-dwelling Korhaan to the vibrant Crimson-breasted Boubou and the striking Lilac-Breasted Roller in the treetops. Raptors like the Black Eagle and Pale Chanting Goshawk soar overhead, while seasonal dams attract elegant wading birds such as Grey Herons and Egyptian Geese, and the nocturnal calls of owls and nightjars fill the evening air. At GocheGanas, every element of the landscape and its inhabitants narrates a tale of Namibian resilience, harmony, and untamed beauty.

The History of GocheGanas

Where it all began

The history of GocheGanas traces back to a 1903 lease and a 1910 sale to Andreis de Wet, followed by a 1913 transaction that included 175 ostriches, and a period in the 1910s when it attracted interest for horse breeding and even housed a police station by 1915. Transitioning through a cheese factory (1928-1936) and later becoming the Bonmilk dairy farm under Mr. I. Bonadei, a new era began in 1997 when the Ohlthaver & List Group and Mr. Udo M. Stritter acquired the land, leading to its transformation into the GocheGanas Nature Reserve and Wellness Village. Through the vision and dedication of Udo and Ingo Stritter, who developed the infrastructure and reintroduced wildlife, GocheGanas opened in January 2004, offering a unique Namibian retreat rooted in a century of evolving history.

Accommodation

Escape to a private retreat where timeless elegance meets untouched beauty of the Namibian wilderness.

Activities

At GocheGanas, we invite you to immerse yourself in nature and wellness. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or both, our range of activities and amenities ensures a truly unforgettable stay.