About Us
57.500
Huntable hectares
33 + x
Game Species
14
Mountains
5
Generations
What We Offer You
Whether at Orua, Hohenau or Cowdray – these services are guaranteed at all three ranches.
From breakfast and lunch to coffee and cake, followed by dinner in the evening – we take care of your culinary needs throughout your stay.
Culinary Experience
Enjoy your stay to the fullest – we take care of your laundry, carefully washing and ironing it before returning it to you.
Laundry Service
Upon request, we are happy to arrange a reliable transfer to and from Hosea Kutako International Airport, as well as between our partner farms.
Airport-Shuttle
On all three ranches, hunting is primarily conducted by stalking.
Stalk Hunting
WELCOME TO ORUA
Location & Landscape
Orua is located in northwestern Namibia, halfway to Etosha National Park, between Omaruru and Otjiwarongo, west of the main road. The farm can be reached from Windhoek in approximately 2–3 hours.
On old maps, the farm is recorded under the name “Eremutua”, which means “Rock of the Slaves” in the Herero language. However, the original name used by the local population is “Orua Rekwara”, named after a black bird that inhabits the surrounding granite rocks.
These granite outcrops, together with ancient Bushman rock paintings, shape the fascinating and distinctive landscape of the area.
The Accommodation
At the farmstead of Orua, four separate buildings are grouped together, one of which is the main house. Guests and hunting companions have their own guesthouse with two double rooms.
The accommodation offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Each room has a private bathroom and a spacious veranda with a fireplace, where guests gather for dinner in the evenings.
For larger groups, we recommend the newly built, modern guest lodge on the neighbouring ranch, just 5 kilometres away. Guests staying there also have access to a swimming pool.
Your Hosts – The von Gossler Family
Orua is a family-run ranch with a long history. Since 1923, the ranch has been managed by the von Gossler family, through all the highs and lows along the way. Four generations have already loved, cared for and worked this land.
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Today, the strategic responsibility lies with Joring von Gossler and his wife Daniela, both of whom work professionally in Windhoek. Day-to-day life on the farm is shaped by Silke and Ortwin, together with Gisella and Rolf, the two main people responsible on site, and a well-established, long-standing team. Everyone works hand in hand – as if it had never been any different. Each person contributes with great dedication, for the benefit of the farm and its guests.
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In addition to its hunting operation, Orua also has a small cattle and sheep farming operation, sustainable charcoal production with wood vinegar extraction, and a small trucking business. These additional activities help generate weather-independent income, particularly during periods of drought. Everything is operated on a small scale, but with great dedication and commitment.
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Guests enjoy their meals together with the host family in a warm and convivial atmosphere. After a day of hunting, a sundowner around the open fire is a cherished daily ritual.
For those who feel a special connection to the land and its animals and want to experience an African ranch beyond hunting – authentic, diverse and warm-hearted – Orua is the perfect place.
Hunting at Orua
Orua provides a stable, naturally managed habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Alongside its rich birdlife and smaller mammals such as mongooses, ground squirrels and porcupines, the ranch is particularly characterised by large herds of oryx. Springbok also benefit from the increasingly open areas. Natural predators include leopards, numerous hyenas, many jackals and, occasionally, cheetahs.
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Healthy and sustainably huntable populations of black-faced impala, kudu, blue wildebeest and plains zebra can also be found on the farm. The wildlife population is complemented by smaller species such as warthog, steenbok, duiker and the rare Damara dik-dik.
Orua is a family-run hunting ranch with a deliberately limited number of hunting guests. Although approximately 30,000 hectares of neighbouring ranching land and can also be utilised for hunting, the focus is not on commercial lodge operations, but rather on providing a personal, authentic and down-to-earth hunting experience.
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Hunting is primarily conducted by stalking, with still hunting also available upon request. Hunters are accompanied by Rolf and Jesaya, who guide with experience, patience and an in-depth knowledge of the area.
Ultimately, it is not only about the desired trophy, but above all about an immersive and truly memorable hunting experience.
WELCOME TO HOHENAU
Location & Landscape
Just 45 minutes by car from Hosea Kutako International Airport, and situated at the foot of the Humansberg (2,067 m), the 6,800-hectare Ranch Hohenau stretches across the heart of Namibia’s thornbush savanna.
Distinctive mountain formations and picturesque dry riverbeds characterise the landscape, giving the area its unique charm.
The Accommodation
Located directly next to the main farmhouse is the guesthouse, newly built in 2019. It offers three guest rooms, each with two beds and a private bathroom. Depending on your preference, the beds can be arranged as either a double bed or two separate single beds.
Each of the three rooms has its own balcony, offering beautiful views across the rolling landscape of the Khomas Highlands.
A swimming pool next to the guesthouse provides the perfect opportunity to cool off and relax during Namibia’s warm temperatures.
The guesthouse is ideal for families and small groups of up to six people. Non-hunting guests can also enjoy a wonderful and exciting stay, with plenty to experience and explore.
Your Hosts – The Halenke Family
Hohenau has been owned by the Halenke family for four generations. In 1908, Otto Halenke acquired the ranch, and it has remained in the family ever since.
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In 1987, Helmut Halenke expanded the traditional cattle farming operation by introducing professional hunting on Hohenau. This laid the foundation for what is now the farm’s second main focus. In March 2012, Rainer Halenke took over responsibility for the farm. Later that same year, in December 2012, Wiebke, his now-wife, joined him at Hohenau and has been an integral part of the family and the ranch ever since.
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Daily life at Hohenau is characterised by a warm and welcoming family atmosphere. All meals are enjoyed together, creating plenty of opportunity for conversation and shared experiences.
Particular emphasis is placed on offering guests a wide variety of game meat. This gives visitors the opportunity to discover and appreciate the flavour of the species they have hunted – or may still have on their hunting list.
Hunting at Hohenau
Hohenau is a family-run hunting operation in the heart of Namibia, offering an impressive diversity of wildlife. Alongside its rich birdlife and non-huntable species such as honey badgers and aardwolves, the farm offers both passionate hunters and nature enthusiasts the opportunity to experience Namibia’s fascinating flora and fauna up close.
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Huntable species include oryx, hartebeest, mountain zebra and plains zebra. Kudu, white-tailed wildebeest, eland, waterbuck and warthog are also regularly encountered. Smaller antelope species such as steenbok, klipspringer and duiker complement the wildlife population. Species such as black-faced impala, springbok and ostrich are currently protected from hunting, but can often be observed.
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Predators are also present: jackals and baboons are regularly seen, while leopards, cheetahs and hyenas can occasionally be spotted with a little luck.
Hunting is primarily conducted by stalking, with still hunting also possible depending on the situation. Guests are generally accompanied by Rainer Halenke and the experienced professional hunting guide Simson.
Hohenau welcomes individual hunters, small groups and families, with each hunting experience tailored personally and individually to the guests.
WELCOME TO COWDRAY
Location & Landscape
Cowdray lies in the heart of southern Namibia, around 180 kilometres southeast of Windhoek, where the open savannah gradually gives way to the endless red sands of the Kalahari – or “Kgalagadi,” as the Nama call it. From Hosea Kutako International Airport, Cowdray can be reached in around two hours.
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The farm itself covers 7,500 hectares, with the surrounding hunting area extending to around 12,000 hectares through adjoining leased land.
What makes Cowdray special, is simply the feeling of the landscape. The deep red dunes seem to change colour with every hour of the day – glowing warmly in the morning sun, becoming rich and golden in the afternoon, and turning into deep shades of red at sunset. Between them stretch wide, open savannahs, scattered with camel thorn trees and natural bush, creating a landscape that feels both vast and wonderfully intimate.
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There is a quietness here that is difficult to put into words. Long horizons, red sand beneath your feet and the sound of the Kalahari around you create a sense of being far away from everyday life.
Cowdray is a place where you don't simply visit the Kalahari – you experience it.
The Accommodation
At Cowdray, comfort, warm hospitality and excellent food come together to create a truly carefree hunting and nature experience. Four stylish chalets, built in 2020, accommodate up to eight adults, with additional space for children. Each chalet is designed as a peaceful and comfortable retreat after a rewarding day in the bush.
Private verandas open onto the vast Kalahari landscape, while air conditioning, modern amenities, well-stocked refrigerators and complimentary Wi-Fi ensure a comfortable stay. The shared swimming pool offers the perfect place to cool down, relax and simply take in the beauty and silence of the Kalahari.
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Food is much more than simply part of the stay at Cowdray – it is an important expression of our hospitality and family atmosphere. Our kitchen combines European influences with a touch of African flair, with freshly prepared meals served every day – from generous breakfasts to beautifully prepared evening dinners.
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Meals are enjoyed either in the cosy dining room of the ranchhouse or beneath the thatched roof of our traditional lapa. It is here, often after a long day outdoors, that guests come together, share stories and enjoy the evening.
We are happy to accommodate special dietary requirements, including vegetarian, gluten-free and diabetic-friendly meals, as well as individual preferences. With advance notice, we can prepare your meals according to your personal needs.
At Cowdray, we believe that good food, good company and the feeling of being at home are an essential part of the experience.
The chalets are also particularly well suited to non-hunting guests, offering a peaceful and comfortable retreat for those who simply want to relax and experience the beauty of the Kalahari.
Your Hosts - The Ling Family
Since 1939, Cowdray has been in the hands of the Ling family, now in its fourth generation. Over the decades, a deep and lasting connection to the Kalahari has grown – a family tradition shaped by sheep farming, hunting and sustainable tourism, always with a profound respect for nature and the wildlife that calls it home.
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The foundations of hunting on Cowdray were laid by Reinhild and Rainer Ling. Today, the ranch is managed by their son Günther Ling, whose main focus is livestock farming. At the same time, he oversees the hunting operation and, as an experienced hunting guide, brings his passion, knowledge and expertise to a responsible and ethical approach to hunting.
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Their daughter Carola Ling-Dreßler and her husband Marcus Dreßler are responsible for the tourism side of the ranch, creating memorable nature and safari experiences for guests. They are supported by Günther’s wife Doreen Ling and a dedicated team who ensure that both the farming and tourism operations run smoothly.
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As a family-run ranch, warmth, personal attention and genuine family hospitality are at the heart of the Cowdray experience. Guests are invited to enjoy not only comfort and untouched nature, but also to become part of a living family story that has grown over generations – a stay shaped by warmth, authenticity and genuine encounters.
Hunting at Cowdray
Cowdray lies within the unique ecosystem of the Kalahari, providing an ideal habitat for a diverse range of wildlife. Springbok, oryx, blesbok and black wildebeest are regularly encountered, often moving across the open landscape in impressive herds.
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Depending on population numbers and annual hunting quotas, additional species may be available for hunting, including blue wildebeest, hartebeest, kudu, plains zebra, warthog, steenbok and duiker.
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Hunting is primarily conducted through classic stalking, requiring patience, experience and a good level of physical fitness. In the vast openness of the Kalahari, natural cover is carefully used to approach game quietly and with control. Shots are often taken from a traditional shooting stick, providing a stable rest while maintaining the mobility and authenticity of the stalk.
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Given the vast, open terrain and limited natural cover, hunting shots are often taken at distances exceeding 150 metres. Accuracy, composure and a steady shooting position are therefore essential for a successful hunt.
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At Cowdray, hunting is not simply about the trophy – it is about reading the landscape, understanding the game and experiencing the Kalahari on its own terms.
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