The journey from Namibia's capital to Ababis is about 250 km long and from Rehobot we first get to know Namibia's famous gravel roads. The Ababis guest farm is a good starting point for visiting Sossusvlei.

Solitaire (historically Areb) has been a small private settlement on the farm of the same name in central Namibia on the edge of the Namib-Naukluft Park since 1848. The oldest buildings are the shop, built in 1849, and the church, built in 1851, which has had its own organ since 1879. The current manager of the shop and bakery in Solitaire, Moose McGregor, made Solitaire famous with his apple pie: all major tourist guides refer to the apple pie in Solitaire, many with the addition of "best apple pie in Africa". His breads are considered to be some of the most delicious in Namibia.

We decide to take the spectacular Speetshoogte Pass on our tour. This is steeper than the Remtshoogte Pass, but thanks to some newly paved sections it is easy to navigate. In fact, the pass is not particularly challenging as long as you have a little experience with mountain roads. And the view and landscape are definitely worth the effort.

Shortly before our destination we reach Solitaire, a collection of a few buildings in the middle of nowhere. There is a gas station, a (broken) ATM, a grocery store and the bakery of "Moose" McGregor with the famous apple pie. This is actually almost unexpected in the middle of the Naukluft. The other facilities are probably as old and antique as the wrecked cars that are scattered around the buildings. The oldest buildings are the shop, built in 1849, and the church, built in 1851, which has had its own organ since 1879.

A wonderful farm with lots of space and very tasteful furnishings awaits us in Ababis. Kathrin and Uwe have managed to capture the style of Africa and create an oasis in the middle of nowhere. Together with the intern Irina, the tame springbok Susi and the dogs Sina and Nelson, they create an atmosphere that makes us feel like we have finally arrived in Africa. The very good food, game in various variations, does its part and we sit at the table together with the other guests and the hosts.

Weather

Weather conditions during the stay: sunny.

Accommodation

Rating: The Schulze-Neuhoff family farm is beautifully designed and is very quietly located on the edge of the Naukluft National Park. The service is very friendly and courteous and you immediately feel at home and "among friends". The food is fantastic and offers local cuisine with lots of game specialties. The rooms are practical but furnished with great attention to detail. From the terrace you look out over the vastness of the African savannah and spontaneously want to extend your stay by a few days.

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