THE Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) says one of its historic resorts, Duwisib Castle, will remain closed until several operations, maintenance and infrastructure requirements are completed.
The resort has remained closed to visitors since 2022 due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic at the time and ongoing maintenance challenges.
The announcement comes amid allegations from insiders that the state-owned tourism company plans to privatise some of NWR’s resorts including part of this national heritage site – claims company has dismissed.
The announcement was made in a public notice signed by acting managing director Margareth Gustavo yesterday and addressed to tourists, tour operators, travel agents, stakeholders and the public.
NWR spokesperson Epson Kasuto on Monday confirmed the authenticity of the latest public notice.
“NWR hereby informs all local and international tourists, tour operators, travel agents, stakeholders, and the Namibian public that the Duwisib Castle has remained closed to visitors since 2022 and will continue to remain closed until further notice.
The closure was initially necessitated by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting disruption to tourism operations,” Gustavo says.
According to Gustavo, comprehensive assessments carried out after the pandemic identified “a number of operational requirements before reopening the site.
“As custodians of this important National Heritage site, we are committed to preserving its historical and cultural significance while ensuring that the facility meets the appropriate standards for visitor safety and operational readiness.
“The continued closure will allow the necessary assessments, maintenance works, and planning activities to be completed to support the long-term sustainability of the Duwisib Castle,” she says.
Duwisib Castle, located in the Hardap region, is one of Namibia’s best-known historical landmarks.
According to NWR’s website, the castle was built by the German army officer Baron von Wolf for his American bride Jayta in the early 1900s.
Apart from being a gift of love, Duwisib Castle was a dream turned into reality for Baron von Wolf, who had planned on breeding horses in this semi-desert environment.
Kasuto said he is not aware of the privatisation allegations.
“The assessment was internal which identified areas of need (maintenance); I am not aware of any plans to privatise the castle”.
