Desert Homestead: Our full report
Just over 30km from Sesriem, Desert Homestead offers affordable accommodation in a lovely valley setting, ...
... with panoramic views of the Naukluft Mountains and rocky desert landscape. One of the better-value lodges in the area, it is both comfortable and unpretentious.The lodge is made up of a long row of 20 large, thatched chalets – 19 twins and one for a family – connected by sandy pathways. On our last visit in May 2016, building was underway to add a further five twin chalets.
- 19 twin chalets at Desert Homestead are built of brick with thatched roofs and concrete verandas. From a small veranda, glass patio doors lead into the bedroom, with views of the desert from the bed. Plain white cotton linen is softened by beige-coloured cushions, wooden headboards and bookshelves, and quirky metal sculptures of local wildlife. A long mirror above the desk reflects light into the room, and air-conditioning effectively cools the rooms, while think woolen blankets are provided for cooler nights. One of these chalets has a window seat in the bedroom that can be converted to a third bed for a younger child.
The long, narrow bathrooms are pleasantly paneled with dark stone, and each have a shower, washbasin and flush toilet, with a selection of handcream and soap dispensers. - The family chalet has the same clean modern feel, but comes with one double and one twin bedroom separated by a shared bathroom. There is a lounge area off the master bedroom with leather armchairs and a coffee table, a great space to shelter from the sun in the middle of the day. Outside the shared patio with wooden table and chairs is an ideal spot for a sundowner.
In balmy weather, homely meals are eaten on the wide veranda, with lanterns under the stars; on cold evenings, candle-lit dinners are served in the romantic indoor dining room, warmed by a fire.
Steps from the lounge and veranda area lead down to a small and sparkling pool, sheltered behind rocky outcrops and surrounded by sunloungers. Come here to cool off at the end of a hot day, while taking in the views.
The Desert Homestead offers a range of activities, with a particular focus on horseriding. The sunrise horseriding trip was great fun, even for a novice rider, with beautiful scenery and an informative guide. If horses are not your thing, consider sundowner drives, guided walks and excursions to Sossusvlei and the Naukluft Mountains. Desert Homestead can also book ballooning and scenic flights, as well as quadbiking. A short walking trail, taking roughly half-an hour, loops around the nearby hill and can be walked without a guide.
Our view
If you’re after a good-value, comfortable lodge from which to explore Sossusvlei, and don't mind being slightly further from Sesriem than other lodges, look no further than the friendly Desert Homestead.
Namibia expert
Geographics
- Location
- Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia
- Ideal length of stay
- 2–3 nights
- Directions
- Desert Homestead is accessed from the C19, 9km north-west of the C19/D854 crossing.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Half Board
- Food quality
- The food at Desert Homestead has a home-cooked feel, and the menu is varied and appealing.
Breakfast is a choice of healthy muesli and yoghurt or a full English breakfast.
on our last visit we don not have a change to eat here however on a previous visit we enjoyed a three-course dinner. The food was delicious and well-presented, focusing on a variety of game meats with sauces cooked in a homely style. For dessert, chocolate mousse was a particular favourite. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- No
- Drinks included
- Not included; to be paid for locally. We are told the borehole water is safe to drink but there is plenty of bottled water that can be purchased if preferred.
Special interests
- Riding holidays
- Desert Homestead is one of the best places for horseriding in Namibia, offering a wide range of guided riding within the Naukluft Mountains. With sunrise or sunset rides of one to two hours, or horse-trails for up to five nights, it is suitable for all experience levels.
- See ideas for Riding holidays in Namibia
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children of all ages are welcome.
- Property’s age restrictions
- None
- Special activities & services
- None
- Equipment
- Cots can be provided on request.
- Generally recommended for children
- Yes
- Notes
- The pool is unfenced and there are steps around the lodge so children should be supervised at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Desert Homestead
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Desert Homestead have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
93% success
45% success
27% success
11% success
10% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Generator back up
- Communications
- There is a central phone in the main area which guests can use and pay for locally. There is good cellphone reception at the lodge. Free WiFi is available in the main areas, but we found this to be unreliable.
- TV & radio
- No
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- All the bathrooms include flush toilets and hot and cold running water.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Medical care
- The nearest doctor is in Windhoek or Swakopmund. In an emergency, patients would be flown to Windhoek.
- Dangerous animals
- Moderate Risk
- Security measures
- The lodge managers live on site, and each room has a foghorn to raise the alarm in case of emergency. Each of the chalets is lockable.
- Fire safety
- There is a fire extinguisher in each chalet.
Activities
4WD Safari
Fly-camping
Helicopter
Horse-riding
Hot air ballooning
Quad-biking
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is available at a charge of N$50 (£2.50) per load (correct May 2016).
- Money
- Currency exchange is available.
- Accepted payment on location
- Cash payments may be made in Namibian dollars and South African rand; Visa and MasterCard payments are also accepted.
Room types at Desert Homestead
Chalet
The chalets at Desert Homestead are built of brick with thatched roofs and concrete verandas.
Each chalet is painted white with white fabrics, and modern, dark wood furniture, including a cupboard and desk. From a small veranda, glass patio doors lead into the bedroom, with views of the desert from the bed. Plain white cotton linen is softened by beige-coloured cushions, while blue headboards and various decorative carvings add touches of colour. A long mirror above the desk adds light to the room.
The rooms are cooled by ceiling fans, although when we visited in April 2010 we found these ineffective when the mosquito net was down. The mosquito net was too small for the bed, too, but the manager assured us that new, well-fitting nets had been ordered.
The long, narrow bathroom has a shower, washbasin and flush toilet. A selection of handcream and soap dispensers is provided. The lack of lighting in the bathroom can make it seem quite dark, but the facilities are perfectly adequate – and there's even a large ladybird made of beads to show you which is the hot tap!
Other lodges in Namib-Naukluft National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Kulala Desert Lodge
The comfortable Kulala Desert Lodge offers fantastic views of the Namib and a private gate to the Namib-Naukluft Park - a bonus on guided excursions.
Hoodia Desert Lodge
The owner-run Hoodia Desert Lodge offers a high standard of accommodation, delicious food and excellent service in a stunning, peaceful setting just 22km from Sesriem.
BullsPort Lodge & Farm
A traditional Namibian farm, BullsPort offers warm hospitality and a genuine rural experience, with excellent hiking and horseriding.
Sossus Dune Lodge
One of only two properties inside the Namib Naukluft Park, Sossus Dune Lodge has a superb location, for visiting the dunes.
Zebra River Lodge
Zebra River Lodge offers a range of hikes around the Tsaris Mountains from a comfortable and homely base.
Little Kulala
A high-end lodge with spectacular views, Little Kulala, makes a great base for visits to Sossusvlei or a balloon ride over the Desert.
Rostock Ritz
The igloo-style chalets at Rostock Ritz offer exceptional desert views and make a convenient stopover between Swakopmund & Sossusvlei.
Barkhan Dune Retreat
Barkhan Dune Retreat is a welcoming lodge close to the impressive Spreetshoogte Pass, majors on hiking and relaxation.
Sossusvlei Lodge
Sossusvlei Lodge is one of the larger options in this area. However, it occupies a convenient location next to the Sesriem gate into the Namib-Naukluft Park.
Namib Outpost
About 30km from the gate to Sossusveli, Namib Outpost is a great base for exploring the dunes and surrounding attractions.
Dead Valley Lodge
Dead Valley Lodge is inside the Namib-Naukluft National Park, affording guests almost unprecedented access to the dunes.
Desert Camp
Desert Camp is an economical option for independent travellers who want to self-cater, and is well situated for access to Sossusvlei.
Desert Quiver Camp
Desert Quiver Camp is an economical option self-catering, well located for access to Sossusvlei.
Elegant Desert Lodge
Elegant Desert Lodge can be used as a base to visit Sossusvlei. It offers comfortable accommodation and facilities in the desert.
Corona Guest Farm
In central Namibia, north-east of the Namib-Naukluft, Corona Guest Farm offers a traditional farm stay and rugged hiking.
Namib Desert Lodge
Namib Desert Lodge is a good budget option in the Namib-Naukluft although, it is further from Sossusvlei than we'd typically suggest.
Sonop
Away from the hustle and bustle of the area immediately surrounding Sossussvlei, Sonop offers a luxurious stay in a remote part of the Namib Desert.
Camp Sossus
Camp Sossus is a offers top notch guiding in a remote wilderness area of the Naukluft Mountains with easy access to the famous dunes of Sossusvlei.
Desert Hills Camp
Conveniently located for the renowned dunes of Sossusvlei Desert Hills Glamping Camp offers a simple but comfortable tents in picturesque surroundings.
Le Mirage Lodge
Le Mirage Resort and Spa offers accommodation and a range of massage and beauty treatments in a Moroccan-style building in the desert.
Desert Grace
A stylish offering giving access to the famous dunes in the Namib-Naukluft National Park as well as to activities on a private nature reserve.
The Nest
Designed to emulate the appearance of a sociable weaver nest the opulent Nest at Sossus is arguably the most exclusive private property in the Sossuvlei area.
