Desert Homestead
Sossusvlei, Namibia
At a Glance
One of the best places in Namibia to enjoy superb riding on wonderful, responsive horses
Lovely cosy chalets all overlooking the plains with the mountains rising behind
Springbok and gemsbok spotted daily; and a good variety of other wildlife
Relaxed farmhouse style meals served in the main dining area or under the stars
Enjoy a dip in the lodge's large, refreshing swimming pool after a morning's ride
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
If you're visiting Sossusvlei, the best thing to do is avoid the summer, which is extremely hot. Therefore, the best time to visit southern Namibia is in winter (May and September) but bear in mind that the desert regions can be bitterly cold at this time of year. The climate of the southern coast is hospitable from February to May, but quite cool and misty year-round, and particularly windy in August.
Insider's View
The lodge has wonderful horses for some really super riding in beautiful surroundings
Enjoy sundowners watching the sun sink over the mountains beyond
A perfect base from which to explore this fascinating part of Namibia
Have a refreshing dip in the swimming pool
Enjoy a sleep out in the dunes
Call us on to start planning your holiday to Desert Homestead or take a look at our itineraries to Namibia
Description
Desert Homestead offers a wonderful base from which to explore the Namib-Naukluft area, and focuses on exploring the area on horseback; with a super stable of horses, it’s a lovely way to experience this corner of Namibia.
Situated in the lee of a towering rock-face, with beautiful views across to the Naukluft Mountains, Desert Homestead offers a wonderful base from which to explore this area. It’s a simple lodge, with just twenty spacious thatched chalets and a spacious family cottage, which are reached by sand paths, and a large main area with inside and outside dining, and a swimming pool for hot days.
The lodge prides itself on simple, hearty cuisine, and often delicious meals are served by the fire when the evenings are chilly. The main areas have lovely views across the rocky desert landscape through glass windows, and there are plenty of comfortable sofas in which to relax. In the afternoon, the lodge serves home made cakes, and there is always tea and coffee available.
The focus here is on the riding, and there is no better way to explore the landscape than on the lodge’s wonderful horses – there is a horse for every ability, and the rides tend to head out for three to four hours each day.
In addition to the riding, the lodge also organises guided walks, excursions to Sossusvlei and the Naukluft mountains, and game drives, including sundowner drives. The lodge can also book hot air ballooning and quad biking, and even scenic flights over the area.
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided by 20 thatched chalets. The interiors of the chalets have been luxuriously decorated in cream linens and colonial style dark wood riempie furniture, all of which lends to an old world charm. Ceiling fans help to take the edge off the desert heat. There is also a spacious two bedroom family cottage, which can accommodate up to six people.
Each chalet has its own en-suite bathroom and a veranda under a canopy with views that extend to the Rotterkaum Mountains.
Facilities
The lodge has a large swimming pool, a restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, and internet access on request.
Activities
Desert Homestead offers self guided walking trails, excursions to the Namib Naukluft and Sossusvlei, sundowner drives, and horse-riding including sunrise and sunset rides which the lodge is famous for.
Reviews
Louisa Verney (Staff)
Desert Homestead is a charming rustic feeling lodge close to the Namib-Naukluft National Park. The lodges 20 whitewashed cottages are simple but comfortable and are a perfect base from which to explore the area. All the cottages have fabulous views. The lodge also offers horse riding for people of all abilities.
Rose Gemmell (Staff)
Desert Homestead is a great value lodge with 20 rooms, one of which is a family suite which can sleep a family of six. For keen horse riders, Desert Homestead has 17 horses on the property to suit every level from total beginners to experienced riders. There are daily treks out across the desert moonscape finishing off with sundowner drinks. The lodge is designed in a rustic farm style and ideally positioned just a short drive from the main Sesriem and Soussevlei gate.
Experiences
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Hiking at Desert Homestead
Setting out on foot to explore this fascinating part of Namibia, self guided on trails used by the gemsbok and springbok in the area; it's a wonderful way to experience the Naukluft.
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Horse riding at Desert Homestead
Desert Homestead has a super stable of horses, and offers morning and afternoon rides in the reserve; these are tailored to all abilities, and you can often find yourself riding alongside a herd of gemsbok or springbok.
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Hot Air Ballooning - Sossusvlei
Enjoy the rocky landscape and sand dunes of Sossusvlei from above, soar over the Namib Desert as the landscape changes colour as the sun rises. What better way to view them than from above, drifting gently in a hot air balloon?
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Red Dunes and Dead Vlei, Sossusvlei
On the edge of the Namib-Naukluft are the iconic dunes of Sossusvlei, a dune sea slowly marching towards the Atlantic Ocean.
Holiday Ideas
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Active Namibia
Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etendeka Concession Area, Etosha, Okonjima
from £3700 pp inc flights & transfers for 12 nights
- Hike across the stunning Namib desert landscapes from one camp to another.
- Explore the rolling red sand dunes of Sossusvlei for picture perfect moments.
- Kayak alongside seals and marine birdlife at Pelican Point.
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Highlights of Southern Africa
South Africa, Namibia, Victoria Falls
from £7500 pp inc flights & transfers for 31 nights
- This month-long itinerary is the ultimate tailormade adventure for those who have a lot of time to play with.
- Explore one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town, before escaping to take on the lesser travelled Northern Cape.
- Journey through Namibia, immersing yourself in the otherworldly, arid landscapes and desert adapted wildlife before enjoying water-based activities in the contrasting Caprivi Strip.
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Imagine Namibia
Kalahari, Fish River Canyon, Aus, Sossusvlei, Naukluft, Swakopmund
from £3600 pp inc flights & transfers for 16 nights
- Explore the towering sand dunes of Sossusvlei that Namibia is so famed for.
- Stay at Fish River Lodge, with a spectacular position on the rim of the Fish River Canyon.
- Feel the eerie atmosphere of Kolmanskop, a deserted ghost town that has been absorbed by the encroaching desert.
Location & directions
Sossusvlei, Namibia
Situated five hour's drive south from Windhoek, and easily reached either by self-drive or transfer after a flight.
How to get there
Fly overnight to Johannesburg, and then to Windhoek on a day flight. Desert Homestead is approximately a five hour drive, and is situated in the Sossusvlei area.
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- Award-winning tour operator
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