The Okapuka Game Drive is a small-group wildlife safari that runs from Windhoek to Durstenbrook Guest Farm (also known locally as Okapuka Lodge), roughly 40 minutes from the city. Unlike the municipal reserves closer to town, this private farm safari is built around a working game farm and its dam, where a resident hippo herd wallows in the mud, a genuine rarity so close to Windhoek.
Affiliate disclosure: This experience is operated by an independent third-party supplier and booked through Viator. We may earn a commission if you make a booking through our link, at no additional cost to you.
Key Facts About the Okapuka Game Drive
- Afternoon game drive on a private farm approximately 40 minutes from Windhoek
- Departs at 12:30pm with hotel pickup from centrally located Windhoek accommodation
- Small shared-vehicle safari, maximum 12 travellers
- Wildlife typically includes giraffe, oryx, kudu, springbok, zebra, warthog and a resident hippo dam
- Supplied by Chameleon Safaris
- Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 42 combined Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
Why Consider the Okapuka Game Drive
Windhoek has several game-viewing options, and this one is distinguished by its farm setting and dam. Multiple travellers highlight seeing hippos and giraffe at close range, along with a scenic sundowner stop with drinks and snacks at a viewpoint overlooking the farm. It suits travellers who have an afternoon free in Windhoek and want a wildlife outing without travelling all the way to Etosha, as well as those who want to pair it with our other Windhoek city and cultural tours to build a fuller day.
What to Expect
After hotel pickup, the drive to Durstenbrook Guest Farm takes about 40 minutes to an hour. On arrival, guests typically have time to look around the farm’s accommodation area before boarding open safari vehicles for the game drive itself. Reviewers report the actual driving and viewing portion runs shorter than the advertised four-hour window, often closer to one and a half to two hours once transfer and farm time are included, so it is worth setting expectations accordingly rather than planning the whole afternoon around it. The drive typically ends at a high point on the farm with drinks and snacks while the sun sets over the surrounding hills.
Activity Sequence
- Hotel pickup from central Windhoek accommodation at approximately 12:30pm
- Transfer to Durstenbrook Guest Farm (Okapuka Ranch)
- Time to view the farm’s lodge and grounds
- Open-vehicle game drive with a local guide
- Sundowner stop with snacks and drinks at a scenic viewpoint
- Return transfer to Windhoek accommodation
Duration
Listed as approximately 4 hours including hotel transfers. Some travellers report the game-drive portion itself is shorter, closer to 1.5–2 hours, with the remainder made up of transfer and farm time.
Inclusions
Scenic game drive, driver/guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, round-trip shared transfer, transport by air-conditioned minivan, and bottled water. Snacks and drinks are provided at the sundowner stop.
Exclusions
Gratuities beyond what is noted in the listing, personal travel insurance, and any optional extras not stated in the itinerary. Confirm current inclusions directly on Viator before booking.
Meeting Point and Pickup
Pickup is offered from centrally located Windhoek accommodation; guests staying outside the central area should confirm pickup eligibility with the operator. Start time is 12:30pm.
Preparation and Safety
Sun protection, a hat and a light jacket for the open vehicle are worth packing, along with a camera or phone for photos, since the safari vehicles are open-sided. The farm is not wheelchair accessible. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Participation Restrictions
Most travellers can participate. Infant seats are available on request. This tour/activity has a maximum of 12 travellers per departure. Wildlife sightings, including which species are seen on a given day, cannot be guaranteed and vary with the animals’ own movements.
Cancellation Terms
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Confirm current pricing and availability directly on Viator before booking.
Supplier Responsibility
This experience is operated by Chameleon Safaris, an independent Namibia-based operator, not by Namibia Travel Guide. Booking, payment and customer support are handled through Viator; Namibia Travel Guide does not process payments, control availability or manage cancellations for this activity.
Plan More of Your Windhoek Visit
See our Windhoek tours for other city and wildlife options, browse our Windhoek guide for wider planning, or check our Travel Planning page for trip preparation. Read our affiliate disclosure for how this listing works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I definitely see hippos on the Okapuka Game Drive?
Sightings are common, since the farm’s dam is a known hippo habitat, but wildlife viewing on any farm or reserve cannot be guaranteed on every departure.
Is this the same as a Daan Viljoen game drive?
No. This is a different private farm and operator to our Daan Viljoen Game Drive Safari listing. Okapuka centres on Durstenbrook Guest Farm and its hippo dam, while Daan Viljoen is a separate reserve closer to Windhoek.
How long is the actual game drive?
The listing is approximately 4 hours including transfers. Some travellers report the on-reserve driving and viewing time is shorter, closer to 1.5–2 hours, so plan the rest of your afternoon with that in mind.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off from centrally located Windhoek accommodation is included as standard.
