A FARM IN
AFRICA

Farm history

The farm ‘Okosongomingo,’ home to Waterberg Guest Farm, has been in the Schneider-Waterberg family since 1909. Your host, Harry Schneider-Waterberg, is a third-generation German Namibian, proudly continuing the family tradition.

Throughout its century-long history, the farm has embraced various operational practices. Today, it remains a fully functional cattle farm, specialising in breeding Santa Gertrudis. This breed, originally from Texas, was imported to Namibia by Harry’s father in the late 60s and has proven to be hardy and exceptionally well-suited to Namibia’s dry climate. In the past, the farm has also earned a reputation for breeding Arabian horses.

The cattle ranch 'Okosongorningo'. has been in the Schneider-Waterberg family since 1909.

A FARM IN
AFRICA

Farm history

About the Farm

The farm ‘Okosongomingo’, on which the Waterberg Guest Farm is located, has been in the Schneider-Waterberg family since 1909. Your host, Harry Schneider-Waterberg, is a third generation German Namibian, carrying on the family tradition.

Over the century of its existence the farm Okosongomingo has seen various operational practices. Today it is still a fully operational cattle farm breeding Santa Gertrudis, a cattle breed originating from Texas and imported by Harry’s dad to Namibia in the late 60s, which has proven itself as hardy and extremely well adapted to Namibia’s dry climate. In the past the farm has also gained a reputation for its breeding of Arab horses.

The cattle ranch 'Okosongorningo'. has been in the Schneider-Waterberg family since 1909.

A FARM IN AFRICA

Farm history

About the Farm

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The cattle ranch 'Okosongorningo'. has been in the Schneider-Waterberg family since 1909.

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The Schneider Horses

The “Schneider” horses, a unique Arab mix breed, were developed in the 1950s and 1960s by Harry’s father and gained renown in endurance riding circles beyond Namibia’s borders. These horses not only won several local endurance races in the 1970s and 1980s but also competed internationally. However, during the severe drought of 1996, many breeding mares had to be sold, and the breed struggled to recover for years afterward.

In 2016, Harry and Sonja decided to use the remains of the original stud to rebuild the herd and reconnect with the legacy of the Schneider horses. Waterberg Guest Farm has since invested in stables, trainers, and leopard-friendly breeding programmes, which protect young foals from predators until they are old and big enough to defend themselves.

Today, you can engage with these renowned horses through various equestrian activities offered at Waterberg Guest Farm. Whether you're interested in trail rides, riding lessons, or simply spending time with these gentle creatures, our horse activities provide a memorable and authentic experience for guests of all ages.

The “Schneiders” horses, a unique Arab mix breed was developed in the 1950s and 1960s by Harry’s father and became well-known in the endurance riding circles beyond Namibia’s borders.

Your host Harry Schneider-Waterberg with a heard of Santa Getrudis cattle.

Our Cattle

Originating from Texas, USA, Santa Gertrudis cattle are bred to thrive in arid areas. From birth, these cattle remain in the bushveld all year round, feeding solely on natural grass, complemented by seasonal salt licks. In addition to their hardiness and adaptability, Santa Gertrudis cattle are strikingly beautiful with their reddish-brown skin.

A significant threat to our meat production is the leopard, which naturally roams our area in large numbers. These predators have every right to be here, having existed long before cattle farming and horse breeding began. Therefore, our cattle management practices are specifically focused on protecting calves from falling prey to leopards.

To prevent overgrazing and maintain environmental balance, our cattle and horses are regularly rotated between camps based on a utilise-and-rest principle. Many of these activities are still carried out on horseback, reminiscent of the old days before Land Cruisers, the modern cowboy’s “horse.”

The Location

Waterberg Guest Farm is ideally located halfway between Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, and the world-famous Etosha National Park. It is an easy three-hour drive from Hosea Kutako International Airport on the fully tarred B1 road, making Waterberg Guest Farm the perfect place for your first, midway, or last stop in Namibia. Alternatively, Waterberg Guest Farm is also accessible by small plane, thanks to our 1,400-metre compacted soil airstrip.

The farm is nestled in the exceptionally beautiful Waterberg area, bordering renowned conservation sites such as the Waterberg Plateau Park and the Cheetah Conservation Fund. The farm Okosongomingo forms the nucleus of the Waterberg Conservancy, a private conservation initiative comprising several neighbouring farms dedicated to preserving the indigenous flora, fauna, and fragile ecosystems that are rapidly disappearing across Africa.

The Waterberg area is home to a diverse array of free-roaming Namibian wildlife, including majestic leopards, elegant cheetahs, wily jackals, and herds of antelope such as eland, kudu, and oryx. You may also encounter the graceful steenbok, klipspringer, and tiny dik-dik. Additionally, the area is officially recognised as a birding hotspot, with a staggering 240 different bird species identified on Okosongomingo alone. The rich biodiversity makes the farm a paradise for lovers of flora and fauna alike.

Our guests are cared for in a style that reflects the spectacular surroundings. Over the years, we have built nine secluded bush bungalows, situated between 160 and 400 metres from the main homestead, where you can soak up the atmosphere of the unspoilt African bush. Recently, we also created a self-catering two-bedroom villa with two ensuite bathrooms, a lounge area, and a fully equipped kitchen.

To fully enjoy the variety of activities we offer, we recommend staying for at least two nights.