Located 125 km east of the coastal town of Lüderitz, Aus is a charming Namibian village in the Karas region, at the southern end of the country. This small settlement nestled in the mountains is populated primarily by the Nama people, with around 300 residents living from livestock farming and agriculture. It serves as a waystation between Fish River Canyon and the Namib Desert. Some travelers have dismissed it as unremarkable, yet the region can surprise visitors who take time to explore during a trip to Namibia.

Following the defeat of the German Army by the Union of South Africa forces during the 1915 war, a prisoner-of-war camp was established in the locality. Initially it held 1,552 detainees, later increasing to 1,845. This number was reduced in November 1915 to 1,438 prisoners, guarded by a garrison of 600 soldiers. Due to extreme weather conditions—scorching summers and harsh winters—German troops decided to abandon their tents and construct brick huts. These gradually transformed into a proper village with solid buildings. Permanently closed after the end of World War I, the camp became an important national monument as of June 1985.

What to Do and See in Aus and Its Surroundings

Observe the Wild Horses of the Namib

If you venture across the arid plains of Garub, a ghost town located just 20 km from Aus, you may encounter the famous wild horses of the Namib. Upon seeing them, visitors often wonder what these animals are doing in such a desolate place. Multiple theories exist to explain this remarkable phenomenon. The most plausible story dates back to the early 20th century, during the German colonization of Namibia. Settlers who came to establish themselves brought horses for use as beasts of burden. When World War I drew to a close, numerous military horses from German and South African forces were allegedly released into the wild. Over the years, these animals reverted to wild instinct while becoming completely adapted to the aridity of Namibian plains. To learn more about their history, habitat, and protection measures, consider a detour to the Namibia Wild Horses Foundation site.

Explore Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park

For outdoor enthusiasts, a rewarding exploration of this impressive park is highly recommended. If you're ready for adventure, mountain bikes are available for rent to traverse the magnificent landscapes of Aus's mountains. Marked trails suit both beginners and experienced cyclists. To stretch your legs, you can embark on a memorable hiking expedition across the site's pathways. These routes feature various markers explaining the landscape, fauna, and flora of the region—a wonderful opportunity to deepen your knowledge.

Visit Local Historical Sites

To immerse yourself in the town's history, a visit to the remains of the prisoner-of-war camp is essential to include in your itinerary. This important national monument is located 5 km east of Aus village. As mentioned above, this is where German soldiers were held by South African forces during World War I. Continue your exploration at the Commonwealth Cemetery nearby. This site contains victims of the Spanish flu epidemic. On the grounds, you'll find the tomb of Mary Nelson, a nurse of that era and wife of Major Edward Nelson. She is remembered for sacrificing her life caring for those afflicted with the disease.

Climate in Aus

Aus experiences a semi-arid climate. Throughout the year, the weather is generally fair with minimal rainfall. Southern hemisphere winter nights are quite cool, so it is strongly advised to dress warmly.

Aus sits on the B4 road connecting Keetmanshoop to Lüderitz. You can rent a private car from the capital or other Namibian cities to reach it. For those preferring train travel, a Namibian railway line serves the village.