Aussenkehr is a nothing less than a miracle in the desert. This agribusiness grew out of the dreams of one farsighted individual, Dusan Vasiljevic, who realised that the climate here was perfect for growing table grapes. Vasiljevic’s farm hugs the banks of the Gariep River for some 15 kilometres and has spawned its own settlement, a tiny town and some rival agribusinesses. Aussenkehr’s success is rooted in the fact that they’re able to harvest their grapes three to five weeks earlier than growers elsewhere in the world. During the harvesting season, some 18 000 seasonal workers live here in little reed houses. While this area is famous for its table grapes, other crops like mangoes, citrus, lucerne and dates are also grown here.

Aussenkehr is on the C13, on Namibia’s southern border, some 50 km northwest of the Noordoewer border post with South Africa. It is a well-located stopping point if you’re en-route to Spitzkoppe, Ai-Ais Hot Springs, the Fish River Canyon, Lüderitz or Sossusvlei. This said, Noordoewer offers more accommodation and refuelling options. The Aussenkehr riverfront is lush green in the otherwise dry desert surroundings and this stretch of water is very popular for river rafting. There are also various scenic 4WD trails in the nearby Aussenkehr Nature Park - these all require permits which can be purchased from the Spar or at Norotshama River Resort.

FUEL:
Petrol is not available in Aussenkehr but they do sell 1-5 litre petrol bottles at the local shebeen. Diesel can also be obtained at the Aussenkehr Agrimark. Co-op tel: +264(0)63 297 425.
Take note: Garage or Petrol cards will no longer be accepted as a legal tender for purchase of fuel, spares or repairs in Namibia.
Cash, Debit and Credit cards are legal payment instruments, but many fuel stations choose NOT to accept Debit and/or Credit cards. But generally credit cards are accepted at garages in bigger and touristy towns. Take extra cash with still in case!

HEALTH:
There is a clinic with a nurse on duty that is visited by a doctor once a week.

ROAD INFO:
Info on the road C13/D212 between Aussenkehr and Rosh Pinah: in June 2018 this was a good gravel road, stunning scenery. Note that the road has had problems in the past wrt heavy rains and the Fish River comes down in flood. (Jun-2018).
The road from Noordoewer to Aussenkehr is good tar road. (Jun-2018).
You shouldn't miss Aussenkehr. The thousands of little reed houses erected for seasonal workers are something to see. It is a good road to travel. If you enter at Noordoewer, turn left on the C13 to Aussenkehr (nice places to camp are Amanzi Trails or Norotshama River Resort) and then the C37.
The C37 goes from Aussenkehr to Ai-Ais and is in a good condition, even for a city vehicle. Also more scenic than the D316 or the C10 to Ai-Ais. (Jun-2018).

SHOPS & SERVICES:
There is a Spar and a Tops bottle store. Spar tel: +264(0)63 297 094
There is a Standard Bank and FNB ATM, clothing shops (including sandals). (June-2018).

TOW-IN:
The farm might be able to help with Tow-in services if not the number is for Polka which is located in Okahandja offer a 24-hour service anywhere in Namibia. Alternative numbers are +264(0)62 500 132 or +264(0)62 504 250.

USEFUL NUMBERS:
Spar tel: +264(0)63 297 094.
Aussenkehr Agrimark tel: +264(0)63 297 425.
Aussenkehr Clinic tel: +264(0)63 297 195

4WD TRAILS:
There are also various scenic 4WD trails in the nearby Aussenkehr Nature Park - these all require permits which can be purchased from the Spar or at Norotshama River Resort.

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