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Namibia


Desert Homestead

Lodges near Sossusvlei - Namibia

The Desert Homestead is situated approximately 32kms southeast of Sesriem, the gateway to the dunes at Sossusvlei. The wide grassy valley is sheltered by the Nubib, Tsaris and Naukluft mountains, with a magnificent view of the distant dunes of the Namib Desert in the west.

The living areas of the Main Lodge are all open plan. The verandah is a prominent feature here, where guests can enjoy their meals or even a candle-lit dinner, completely sheltered from the wind.

Desert Homestead pride themselves on their creative farm style cuisine, with fresh vegetables from their very own desert gardens. Their dishes are prepared with the 'finest touch.' and their staff are well trained and friendly.

There is a cozy lounge, complete with ethnic African decoration and comfortable leather sofas, satellite TV (in a separate room), Internet facilities and a curio shop. The bar is attended by a friendly, well educated and communicative barkeeper. There is also a swimming pool in front of the main building.

Accommodation is in 20 thatched rustic chalets. They have all been lined up a good distance from each other, the main lodge and the open grassland. Each en-suite chalet, has been luxuriously decorated in pale linens, and furnished with dark wood riempie furniture. There is a either a large single or double bed, and the lights and fans are powered by a bank of batteries, charged by wind or solar energy during the day. All of the guest amenities (soaps, shampoo, body lotion etc) are environmentally friendly. Each unit has its own verandah under a canopy with views extending to the Rotterkaum Mountains.

The Desert Homestead has excellent riding horses, all docile and easy to handle. There are several outride options. Most popular with their guests are the sunrise and sunset rides. On the Sunrise Ride, guests meet for tea, coffee and biscuits. When the horses, riders and guides are ready, the ride begins. The scenery varies quite dramatically, from dry river beds to massive Camel Thorn trees, to mountain paths and wide open grassy plains. After about two hours of riding, guests discover a breakfast table under a camel thorn tree, with a delicious spread of cheeses, cold meats, fresh bread and muffins, yoghurt, muesli and fruit platters. Fresh orange juice and percolated coffee, of course. After a leisurely breakfast, guests mount up and ride for another hour back to the stables.

On the Sunset Ride, afternoon tea and coffee are set out on the lodge's verandah, and again, once the horses, riders and guides are ready, the adventure begins. Riders wind their way across the grassy plains, through ancient water courses, and eventually up a steep mountain track, where a they will be met by the friendly barman and a selection of cocktails After the refreshments and another magical desert sunset has fallen behind the horizon, guests mount up, and slowly make their way back to the stables.

The lodge also offers a sundowner drive in the evenings, which includes a leisurely nature drive, slowly winding up a mountain. There are also guided Sossusvlei and Naukluft excursions, not to mention tours to the Neuras Wine Estate.

There is also a 5 day, Sossusvlei, Naukluft and Horse sleep out package.

  • Desert Homestead: Food
  • Desert Homestead: Horses
  • Desert Homestead: Lodge
  • Desert Homestead: Room
  • Desert Homestead: Main Lodge
  • Desert Homestead: New Homestead Bedroom
  • Desert Homestead: New Homestead Mainarea
  • Desert Homestead: New Homestead Mainarea2
  • Desert Homestead: Plains Ride
  • Desert Homestead: Pool
  • Desert Homestead: Riders (2)
  • Desert Homestead: Riders
  • Desert Homestead: Riding View
  • Desert Homestead: Room Interior
  • Desert Homestead: Horse Riders
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  • Activities at the Lodge
  • Activities around Sossusvlei
Horse back activities
The Desert Homestead has excellent riding horses, all docile and easy to handle. You can choose between several outrides options. Most popular are our sunrise and sunset rides.
The Sunrise Ride
Guests meet for tea, coffee and biscuits at sunrise and then drive across to the stables. Once the horses and riders are ready and comfortable, the ride begins. Th Ge scenery varies quite dramatically, from dry river beds to massive camel thorn trees, to mountain paths and wide open grassy plains. After about two hours of riding, guests discover a breakfast table under a camel thorn tree, with a delicious spread of cheeses, cold meats, fresh bread and muffins, yoghurt, muesli and fruit platters. Fresh orange juice and percolated coffee, of course. After a leisurely breakfast, guests mount up and ride for another hour back to the stables.
The Sunset Ride
Afternoon tea and coffee are enjoyed on the lodge veranda, after which guests are driven across to the stables. Once horses and riders are ready and comfortable, the adventure begins. Riders wind their way across the grassy plains, and through ancient water courses and eventually up a steep mountain track, where a friendly barman with a selection of cocktails awaits them. Once the gin and tonics and snacks have been enjoyed with yet another magical desert sunset, guests once again mount up, and slowly make their way back to the stables. We also offer a sundowner drive in the evenings which includes a leisurely nature drive, slowly winding up a mountain, and culminating in gin and tonics and snacks, before venturing home again.
Guided Sossusvlei Trip
A guided trip from the Desert Homestead to the dunes at Sossusvlei
Ballooning over Sossusvlei
Drift over the dune fields at Sossusvlei and enjoy a champagne breakfast wherever the wind takes you
Guided Hikes
learn about the dune fields on an expertly guided walk
Scenic Flights
light aircraft regularly depart on scenic flights over Sossusvlei and its surroundings

Directions:

From Windhoek
drive south on the B1 to Rehoboth. Approx. 5km south of Rehoboth, turn west onto the C-24 driving through the small settlements of Klein Aub and Rietoog, before turning west again onto the D1206. After approx. 35km one arrives at Bullsport. From Bullsport one turns briefly south on the C-14 to Maltahohe (approx. 500m) before turning west again on the D-854. Follow this road to a T-junction approx. 75km and then turn north on the C-19 for 3.3km before reaching the Desert Homestead and Horse Trails on your left side.
From Swakopmund
drive to Walvis Bay. From Walvis Bay drive south-east towards Solitaire on the C-14. At Solitaire, turn south (towards Sesriem) on the C-19 and drive for approx. 95km before arriving at the Desert Homestead and Horse Trails on your right side.

Map of the Desert Homestead | Namibia

Betesda Rest Camp

Budget choice, catering for both large bus groups and individual travellers

Desert Camp

Competitively priced self catering lodge - very close to the entrance to the Namib Naukluft Park

Desert Homestead

Mid-range accommodation offering some of the best value for money in the area. Horse riding an added activity

Hoodia Desert Lodge

Mid range lodge located only 22km from the Sesriem gate to the Namib-Naukluft Park

Kulala Desert Lodge

Up-market lodge with private entrance to the dunes at Sossusvlei

Kulala Wilderness Camp

Up-market tented lodge, on the same private reserve as Kulala Desert Lodge

Le Mirage Desert Lodge & Spa

Moroccan inspired architecture seems strangely out of place in Namibia. The location, spa and general amenities are good.

Little Kulala

Luxury lodge with guided tour to the dunes using the lodges own private entrance, excellent choice for those looking for a little extra luxury

Little Sossus Lodge

Reasonable value for money

Moon Mountain Lodge

A new hotel with raised rooms built on wooden platforms 40km from Sesriem

Namib Desert Lodge

Budget choice, fairly far from the dunes

Namib Naukluft Lodge

Good solid choice, on a beautiful property some distance from the park entrance

Sesriem Campsite

Closest to the dunes - camping only

Sossus Dune Lodge

Brand new luxury camp inside the Namib Park borders

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

Most luxurious lodge in the area, air-conditioned rooms and private butler

Sossusvlei Lodge

Large establishment right next to the Sesriem Campsite, best for keeping driving to a minimum

Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp

Luxury lodge on the same property as the Kulala lodges decorated in african colonial chic style

Weltevrede Rest Camp

Good budget option, cheaper rates equate to less favourable location (in terms of distance)

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