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Desert Homestead Lodge

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Stunning panoramic views
- Affordable yet stylish lodging
- Guided horse riding safaris

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Overview

Desert Homestead Lodge sits in a grassy valley to the south of the Namib Naukluft National Park, central Namibia. Sheltered by the Nubib, Tsaris and Naukluft mountains, and with the dunes of the Namib desert rising to the west, the lodge offers stunning panoramic views, with oryx and springbok commonly sighted at the adjacent waterhole. The lodge provides a relaxing stay in unpretentious and secluded farm-style accommodation. Great service, excellent value and a stunning location near to Sossusvlei and Sesriem will make for a unique and memorable stay.

The lodge offers warm and traditional farmhouse hospitality, with recently renovated eco-friendly energy facilities. The spacious main areas have cream walls, exposed brick and beams, and large windows overlooking the plains. The lodge has a comfortable and unpretentious feel, with large leather sofas in the lounge where guests can enjoy all-day tea and coffee, and home-made cakes in the afternoon. Stools line the bar, and restaurant-style dining can be enjoyed on the lantern-lit veranda on warm evenings, or beside the dining room fire when the nights are colder. The partially shaded sun deck features sun-loungers and a large pool overlooking the watering hole. Complimentary WiFi is available in the main areas, a safety deposit box is available at reception, and there is shaded parking to avoid vehicles over-heating. It is not possible to park directly alongside individual rooms, but guests with large luggage will be assisted by staff.

The accommodation comprises twenty thatched chalets; nineteen twin and one family unit. The décor is simple but stylish, with white linen sheets warmed by beige soft-furnishings and wooden features. The bedrooms are somewhat cosy in size, but a decent-sized en-suite bathroom and private shaded veranda expands the feel of each bungalow. All chalets contain air conditioning, mosquito nets, and a tea and coffee station. A laundry service is available at additional cost.

Desert Homestead Lodge provides an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area, and specialises in horseback riding. Excellent instructors offer a variety of rides catering to different experience levels, ranging from beautiful sunrise or sundowner trips, to five-day treks into the mountains. Although wildlife beyond the abundant oryx can be sparse, and there may be little carnivore action, nature and game drives are available, along with self-hikes, guided walks, and hot air ballooning, all of which combine to provide superb opportunities to take in the breath-taking scenery. Trips to the striking white clay pans and towering red sand dunes of Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei can be also organised, with unbeatable photography opportunities, particularly at sunrise.

Although there are no activities catering specifically to children, children of all ages are welcome. There is one chalet perfect for families, with a master double room and a twin room connected by a shared bathroom along with a separate lounge area. In addition, one of the standard units houses a window seat in the bedroom which can be converted into a bed for a young child, and cots are available on request. Although rarely visited by dangerous animals, parental supervision is essential at all times, since both the lodge and pool are unfenced.

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What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 536 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • Trip was great and all the arrangements were excellent so thank you for all the help!

    Drivers and transfers were all good - on time and very good service on each trip.

    Accommodation was lovely - Douar Samra was amazing (weather could have been better but lovely regardless). Riad in Marrakesh was also great!

    All in all a great trip and we loved the variety of the mountains, Marrakesh and the coast.

    Thanks you once again!

    MissingHardeep S reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains on 15 April 2024

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

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