Pokweni
The farm "Pokweni" is located about 140 km as the crow flies south-east of Windhoek on the D1230. Actually, it is a typical farm of the area, on which sheep farming with several thousand animals is also practiced. The van der Merwe family is now the third generation to run this farm.
Around the former farmhouse there are now several buildings with 17 double room apartments. A tennis court and swimming pool are also available.
The area is rich in wild life. Starting with the guinea fowl, which give up their usual "living area" near the barbecue for the guests, to the springbok, elegantly running through the dune landscape, to the cute ground squirrels, which trustingly stand at the watering points to gnaw on the acacia pods that fell from the trees. There's much to see.
En-suite Guestrooms
All 17 Double rooms, each with en-suite bathroom, are equipped with super silent air-conditioning, a fan, an insect screen door, a fridge, kettle, coffee and tea making facilities and a private furnished terrace. The rooms are cleaned daily and regularly supplied with fresh linen and towels. Laundry can be washed at the farmhouse at a small fee.
Free Wi-Fi is provided.
Mobile network (MTC) is available
Something quiet: Hennie's Farm
If you prefer even quieter surroundings, we offer the option of two fully equipped and spacious rooms on the neighboring farm.
Hennie's Farm forms a triangle with the airfield and Pokweni Farmstead and is located approximately 4km's from the main Farmstead.
Catering
Our food is a big attraction at Pokweni. Annalie is a brilliant cook and the Afrikaans expression from satisfied guests is often heard; “Dis baie lekker”.
Breakfast is a full spread offering cereals, bacon and eggs, fresh fruits, cold meat, cheese and more. Of course provisions for long flights are also supplied. A delicious dinner with countless variations of meat (produced on the farm), fine salads, various side dishes and dessert is served in the evening. Tea and coffee is free and other beverages can be obtained at reasonable prices. Fine South-African red and white wines are on offer. In particular the typical Namibian beer is very refreshing after a long flight and great care is taken to serve this perfectly chilled.
of course ...
we can ...
braai (barbecue)
There are special festive dishes on Christmas and New Year's Eve too. Christmas Eve usually has a turkey on the menu. New Year's Eve, Jos prepares a roast sheep during the day to be served in the evening. An evening walk on the dune with fireworks is a regular feature and delight.
The van der Merwe family
All this and more is brought to you by the Van der Merwe family. (A very typical Afrikaans surname.)
First, there's Annalie who primarily oversees the housekeeping and the preparation of food. She also concerns herself with your well-being and ensures that your stay is comfortable.
Jos is responsible for all things technical; water, electricity, vehicles and so forth. He also arranges all necessities needed on the guestfarm with Annalie . Somewhere in between, he sees to it that his farm and livestock are taken care of. Jos is also a keen glider pilot and instructor.
Then there are the two girls, Amelia and Helena. They are currently studying in Leuven, Belgium but love to lend a helping hand when they are visiting. Let’s not forget Emma who shows up wherever there might be something interesting or edible. Her two cat friends also give the added homely touch.
Van der Merwe family
Emma
Axel, Sandra. Annalie and Jos
Axel and his Team
Axel takes on the role of the flight operations manager, overseeing all aspects of flight operations for a duration of three months. His day kicks off at seven in the morning as he meticulously prepares the weather report. Following breakfast, he conducts the briefing, ensuring that oxygen and fuel are readily available at the airport. Offering valuable insights on optimal flying routes is second nature to him.
Axel takes charge of transporting the planes to the runway using a pickup truck, occasionally taking to the skies himself. As evening descends, he stands by the radio, patiently awaiting the safe landing of every glider. At night, on the farm, the day's flights are reviewed.
Back in Germany, Axel manages the containers responsible for ferrying the gliders to Pokweni. Loading and unloading these containers are additional responsibilities that fall under his purview.
Supporting Axel in these endeavors are Andreas Balk and Markus Langemann.
Andreas and his wife
Markus and his family and Conrad
Our employees
Pokweni has 11 friendly hard-working employees who we could not do without. They are the silent ones in the background always seeing to it that the important work is done. They live on the farm in their own homes, a short walking distance from the main homestead.
Reservations
Conrad Gerte is responsible for making all reservations and necessary
arrangements for your visit to Pokweni.
His contact details can be found under the section “Contact, Arrival, Data...”.