Duwisib Castle remains closed for renovations

Tourists on their tour through southern Namibia will have to continue to do without one of its attractions. Duwisib Castle can only reopen after a thorough inspection and renovation, Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) announced. NWR closed it in 2022 during the COVID-19 crisis.

Acting Managing Director of the state-run accommodation operator, Margareth Gustavo, cited comprehensive inspections conducted after the pandemic, the Namibian reports. These had identified "a number of operational requirements before reopening the site."

According to the report, she spoke of "appropriate standards for visitor safety" but did not provide any details. The closure would allow "the necessary assessments, maintenance works, and planning activities to be completed to support the long-term sustainability of Duwisib Castle."

The mansion was built in 1908 as a castle in the Neo-Romanesque style. Since its renovation in 1991, it has been part of Namibia's cultural heritage, along with its historic furnishings. NWR is responsible for oversight, maintenance and access and had established five guest rooms in the building.

Living a dream come true – but only for a few years

Duwisib Castle is located about 80 km southwest of Maltahöhe in the hilly and mountainous, dry bush savannah near the Namib Desert. Its surreal appearance reflects its incredible history (see post on Namibian.org, story on Padlangs Namibia and article on Wikipedia).

In 1907, Hansheinrich von Wolf, a German colonial officer, acquired the Duwisib farm for horse breeding. He commissioned the architect Wilhelm Sander, known for the railway station and the lighthouse in Swakopmund, to design the mansion.

In the then-fashionable Neo-Romantic style, and echoing the fortifications of the colonial troops, Sander gave the castle the form of a fortress. Later, he also designed Heinitzburg, Schwerinsburg, and Sanderburg, the 'three castles' in Windhoek.

Apart from the red sandstone, which came from the surrounding area, Wolf imported almost all the building materials from Europe. From the port of Lüderitz, these materials and all the furnishings were laboriously transported by oxcart some 300 km to Duwisib.

Money was hardly an issue. Having returned to Germany shortly after the colonial war in 1907, Hansheinrich von Wolf had married the wealthy Jayta Humphreys, who came from the USA. Duwisib Castle was the realisation of a dream for both of them.

Their horse breeding business proved successful. Unfortunately, they only had a few years to live their dream. In 1914, they were travelling to Europe to buy more horses when the First World War broke out. Wolf fell in the Battle of the Somme in 1916, and his heartbroken widow never returned to Duwisib.

Whenever Duwisib reopens, a visit is well worth the trip. The stark contrast between the warm, barren bush savannah and the cool, luxurious rooms is an experience in itself. A visit even inspired the composer of the German band Saltatio Mortis to write a song. Title: Schloss Duwisib.

Duwisib 80 km southwest of Maltahöhe in southwestern Namibia. The neo-Romanesque castle has been closed since 2022.  Photo (June 2009): Sven-Eric Stender