Windhoek area: Midgard Country Estate

Fully revamped empire of the people

by Marita van Rooyen

Arriving at Midgard Country Estate after a scenic drive past giraffes, black-faced impalas and large numbers of baboons, guests are welcomed with fresh, ice-cold face towels, emitting the inviting scent of rose petals. Midgard literally translates into ‘home of men’, or ‘empire of the people’.

Originally used as a farm by the List family (from Ohlthaver & List fame), Midgard Country Estate has been operating as a fully-fledged lodge since 1993. Nestled at the foot of the Otjihavera Mountains, in the heart of the Otjozondjupa Region, Midgard still hosts the original farmhouse, made from clay bricks, that dates back to 1937. The estate also boasts some priceless historical collections acquired over the years. Apart from the historical value, old horse stalls and stunning views over the mountains, Midgard is the perfect venue for the business and leisure traveller. It has its own business centre, equipped with printer, copier and wi-fi hotspot.

There are four conference venues to choose from. The Midgard Room, which has a state-of-the-art audiovisual system for presentations, can seat a maximum of 100 delegates in banquet seating style. Then there is the Boardroom, which is an intimate venue for smaller workshops; the Homestead, that can seat up to 50 delegates and has its own fireplace, making it perfect for colder winter meetings; and the Garden Room, which can seat up to 40 delegates.

Midgard is also the perfect spot for sport enthusiasts, as it has a sports bar with pool table and four LCD screens; its own volleyball court; bowling alley (with bar); tennis courts; a life-size chessboard; gym; and a sauna. And the best news is that day visitors are welcome, the only prerequisite being that you partake of the breakfast, lunch or dinner buffet, or order something from the à la carte menu. The chocolate cake is highly recommended.

Ideal hideaway

For a weekend getaway or just a night away from the city life, the estate has a total of 46 air-conditioned luxury rooms, with en-suite bathrooms. This includes five family rooms, which are available on request, and five deluxe rooms if you are looking for some more space and your own private balcony overlooking the lush gardens. Each room has its own telephone, satellite television and electronic safe for storing valuables. And if you want to continue enjoying the view from your bed, feel free to order room service and enjoy a hearty breakfast in your room.

With a big play park, the estate is child-friendly, has two swimming pools, and an amphitheatre that seats 300 people and has amazing views over the mountains, especially when they are lit up at night – perfect for weddings or open-air concerts! It also has its own landing strip situated 2.5 kilometres away.

To get to Midgard Country Estate, take the B6 towards Windhoek International Airport, turn left on the D1510 just after Neudamm and continue for seven kilometres until the road becomes the D1202. Continue for a further 55 kilometres on this road until you are greeted by the ladies with their rose-flavoured facecloths. In total, Midgard is about 89 kilometres from Windhoek on this road.

www.midgard.na

This article appeared in the Feb/March ‘10 edition of Travel News Namibia.