Helmeringhausen

Helmeringhausen is a small, private settlement located in southern Namibia, specifically in the ǁKaras Region within the Berseba Constituency. It is situated approximately 200 km northeast of Lüderitz and 500 km south of Windhoek, at the intersection of national roads C14 (Goageb - Walvis Bay) and C13 (Rosh Pinah - Helmeringhausen), and road D414 (Aus - Mariental). The entire settlement is built on private land, with all infrastructure, apart from the roads, forming part of Farm Helmeringhausen. The elevation of Helmeringhausen is 1394 meters (4573.49 feet) above sea level.The settlement was founded as a farm during the German colonial era by Hubert Hester, a member of the German Schutztruppe, who purchased the 10,700-hectare farm in 1919 and named it Helmeringhausen. Initially, Hester played a crucial role in sustaining the isolated community by regularly traveling to Bethanien for supplies and mail, which helped establish Helmeringhausen as a central hub for surrounding farmers. Today, the Helmeringhausen Hotel & Guestfarm, owned by the Basler family, is a prominent feature, offering 22 en-suite rooms, self-catering units, and an adventure camp with glamping tents. The hotel is known for its apple crumble and provides a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and a souvenir shop.Activities available at Helmeringhausen Hotel and on the 11,000-hectare Farm Helmeringhausen include guided farm drives to explore the scenery, bird watching in the lush garden, and sundowner walks. Wildlife such as Kudu, Springbok, Ostrich, Duiker, Meerkat, and Bat-eared fox can be observed during nature drives. The settlement also features a small airfield (ICAO code: FYHH) and a private agricultural museum, which displays old farming implements, a historic fire engine, and ox-wagons used for Duwisib Castle. Tennis courts are also available. Helmeringhausen serves as an important supply station for the surrounding farm areas, with a petrol station, supermarket, and post office. Historically, the area was known for Karakul sheep breeding, which continues alongside cattle and goat farming.