Hornbill Tour (22 Days Namibia-Botswana-Zimbabwe)

These drives are the perfect way to getting acquainted with the Kalahari Desert. The approx. 3 hour morning or sunset drive with panoramic views across the Kalahari dunes is something to remember forever.

Join a 2-hour morning drive with a dedicated tour guide. After a leisurely drive guests will arrive at one of the red dunes. The red sand of the dunes invites all children to play. The family will spend some relaxed time on the dunes with coffee and hot chocolate. The guide will share some interesting facts on fauna and flora with the children (and their parents). Morning only. Subject to availability. Rate enquiries directly at the Lodge.

Explore the Kalahari on foot and on your own initiative. A trail map is available at the reception.

Explore the Kalahari on foot with a guide. May only be booked directly at the lodge.

Ready for a thrilling but safe experience? Join our guided night walk (3km) with UV light and a laser pointer after dinner. May only be booked directly at the lodge.

Experience the wild expanse of the Gondwana Canyon Park where the fences of ten farms were dismantled to recreate a Namibian Eden. Take a guided drive to the Fish River Canyon to be inspired by new perspectives. Celebrate sunrise amidst the quiver trees and sunset from a hillock, overlooking spectacular scenery. The Canyon lodges are comfortable havens to take a break from the road. Explore and discover the ancient wonderland, or simply luxuriate in the peace, lounging at the poolside, snoozing in the coolness of your chalet or sitting on the terrace dipping into a book.

This hike (about 6 km) takes you right into Gondwana Canyon Park. You are accompanied by a guide who will gladly share his knowledge about the fascinating desert landscape around the canyon. This tour does not include the Fish River Canyon. (Approx. 3 hours)

We drive you to a spot with a grand view. Watch the sunrise while enjoying coffee and tea. Then we walk back the short distance to the lodge. This tour does not include the Fish River Canyon. (Approx. 1 hour)

Especially for guests who want a break from the wheel or those on a fly-in safari. You are taken to the two major lookout points along the Fish River Canyon. Our guide will tell you all about the canyon's fascinating geology. (Approx. 3 hours)

The 3 hour drive is the perfect opportunity for you to acquaint yourself with the geology, flora and fauna of the Gondwana Canyon Park. This tour does not include the Fish River Canyon. It starts at Canyon Lodge or Canyon Village. Approx. 3 hours

All guests are invited to wrap up the day with a short excursion to our very own ‘local’ mountain. Have a drink and watch the sun go down.

Self-guided trip to the Wild Horses viewpoint at Garub

Lüderitz is just 120km away and the ghost town of Kolmanskop only 115km (tar road). Klein-Aus Vista is the ideal starting point for a trip to both places. 20km from Aus, on the way to or back from Luderitz, visit the Garub water hole where the wild horses and several other animals of the desert plains can be found.

Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park, (God’s Window), min. 4 persons per excursion

Explore the flora and fauna of the Succulent Karoo desert on your own. You have five different hiking trails to choose from. They are well marked and take you through the wildly romantic scenery of the Aus Mountains. Duration: between 2 and 5 hours

There is a choice of different routes on well marked trails : varying from 18 km to 35 km - mostly single track trails, recommended for riders with intermediate skills - Rent dual suspension bikes.

These drives in the late afternoon present an opportunity to experience the incredible scenic beauty of Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park at dusk. (min. 3 persons per excursion)

EXPERIENCE THE NAMIB
DESERT ON HORSEBACK
For the more adventurous spirit, Desert Homestead Lodge offers a unique experience where guests can ride out onto the private reserve and sleep out in nature. The reserve is situated between the majestic red sand sea of the Namib Desert and the rugged Naukluft mountains.
Leaving the stables and lodge behind, an unforgettable journey set off through wide open plains riding over a varied terrain changing from soft, sandy, stretched open fields, to rockier mountain trails, through dry riverbeds, under social weavers nests and around camelthorn trees.
The experienced guide will eagerly tell more about the environment, fauna and flora. Riders are almost guaranteed to come across a herd or two of grazing Oryx, springbok, or Zebra and some varieties of smaller carnivores, such as Jackal and bat-eared foxes.
Riding takes place at a comfortable pace so that everyone feels comfortable. Slower riders can hang back while more experienced riders go for long stretched-out gallops over grassy plains while winding the way towards the tented Camp, where refreshments await for a truly remarkable sundowner with magnificent views. After watching the sunset over the majestic mountains it’s time to kick off the boots, relax and enjoy the Namibian night skies. While Dinner gets ready on the campfire true Namibian style a refreshing shower awaits.
Dinner is served next to the crackling fire whilst conversation is sure to revert to the day riding. Then it’s time to retire to the comfortable tent or even a stretcher outside, for those who prefer to sleep out in nature under starry skies to get some rest before the next day’s riding.
Riders will wake up the next morning to the smell of coffee brewing and bacon and eggs cooking over an open fire while watching the horses being prepared for the next stretch of riding. After a hearty breakfast, it is time to stretch the legs once again and set off on horses who eagerly await the rest of the adventure.

This experience can be tailored. There are three different offers.
The ‚Namib Night‘ begins in the afternoon and consists of two stages of riding and one overnight stay in tents. The ‚Desert Experience‘ begins early in the morning and has three stages slightly
longer riding with an overnight stay in tents.
‚Stars of the Namib‘ with five stages of riding and two overnight stays (Namib Outpost / tented camp) offers a very intense experience for horse lovers, coupled with the exploration of nature in the Namib Desert. Riding to the next destination is done during the cooler time of the day while enjoying some lunch and downtime during the heat of the day.
Horses vary from very tame and easy to ride -even if for those who have never ridden before-, to ones that are just as easily manageable, but willing and able to give a more exciting ride.
Beginners are just as welcome to join on this adventure as more experienced riders.

SOSSUSVLEI EXCURSION
• Drive to the Sossusvlei dunes in a safari 4x4 vehicle accompanied by a Guide with in-depth knowledge of the area
• Departure seasonally, depending on national park opening hours. Activity is possible in the early morning or afternoon (in the morning preferably for photography – departing before sunrise. In the afternoon preferably for experiencing the dunes more in private, fewer visitors will be there)
• Minimum of 2 guests or single supplement applicable; small groups only (maximum of 6 guests per vehicle)
• Activity duration is approx. 1⁄2 a day (approx. 6 – 7 hours)
• Rate includes a picnic in the dunes, guide, water, entrance fees

SUNDOWNER DRIVE
On the Witwater Reserve – 7000 ha.
• A relaxing way to end the day and enjoy beautiful views and a sundowner with drinks and snacks
• Starts in the afternoon and lasts 2 – 2 1⁄2 hours, departure times change seasonally; guests are back at the lodge just before dinner
• Minimum of 2 guests or a single supplement applicable, max. 6 guests per vehicle
• Includes sundowner-drinks and snacks

OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA

• Quad biking
• Hot air ballooning
• Scenic flights
The team at Desert Homestead Lodge will be happy to organize all activities of other providers in the area.
The reception team informs the guests in detail about the start and departure times, depending on the season, as well as about meeting points, equipment, clothes etc. of the activities of the next day during the dinner.
For participation in afternoon activities, check-in is necessary until 2 p.m. In the case of a later arrival, it is not possible to guarantee a performance or attendance due to the different start times.

Explore the national park with our guides who are familiar with the waterholes and the animals that visit them. Let them introduce you to African wildlife from the elevated seat of a game vehicle. Early mornings or late afternoons provide the best game viewing times. And, after Etosha enchantment return to the lodge to dive into the cool waters of the pools. Dine on the veranda under a dome of stars, sit next to a blazing fire or watch the ruby sun sink gracefully into the landscape. Be at peace.

Explore the National Park and its amazing wildlife in a 9-seater game vehicle. Refreshments, snacks, entrance fees to the National Park and passenger liability insurance are included.

Explore the national park with our guides who are familiar with the waterholes and the animals that visit them. Let them introduce you to African wildlife from the elevated seat of a game vehicle. Early mornings or late afternoons provide the best game viewing times. And, after Etosha enchantment return to the lodge to dive into the cool waters of the pools. Dine on the veranda under a dome of stars, sit next to a blazing fire or watch the ruby sun sink gracefully into the landscape. Be at peace.

Explore the National Park and its amazing wildlife in a 9-seater game vehicle. Refreshments, snacks, entrance fees to the National Park and passenger liability insurance are included. Departing morning or afternoon.

Guests can make the most of the landscaped gardens — relaxing in the shade under the trees or at the pool; or visit the exciting reptile park, play a game of tennis, explore the reserve by following one of the marked walking trails, be pampered in the spa or workout at the gym. For the slightly more adventurous, there’s the option of accompanying one of Mokuti’s experienced game guides in an open safari vehicle into Etosha National Park. With its vast number of wildlife species, guests will be sighting and photographing ‘til the sun sets.

The early morning hours promise breathtaking moments in Etosha National Park. A morning bush walk brings you up close and personal with nature. Allow our experienced guides to take you on a journey of discovery filled with entertainment, awakening all your five senses. Afterwards, enjoy a scrumptious breakfast and nature's sweet serenade especially for you

Experience a game drive on our 4300 hectar reserve. A sundowner leads you into the starry night and an opportunity to discover the thrill of nocturnal life and splendour not seen during the day. Sit down to a boma fire, enjoy a traditional meal alive with flavour and authenticity. Sink into the call of the wild, owls hooting and the 'sawing' of the ever elusive leopard

Join our Conservation Team on a visit to the Ontouka Reptile Park and learn fascinating facts about African reptiles. Book your front row seat at a spectacular crocodiles feeding session! Inhabitants of the park include some of the world’s most dangerous snakes, crocodiles, turtles, goanna, chameleons and many more

Game drives in 9seater game viewing vehicles

Game viewing cruises on Chobe river available in the mornings or afternoon for unforgettable sunset cruises.

All guests at the resort, as well as visitors to the Lodge are invited to enjoy this daily educational activity affectionately referred to as the ‘Vulture Culture’ experience.

This program is for guests at the resort, as well as visitors. It focuses on the ecological importance of raptors and scavengers in order to maintain and to build an overall awareness of conservations issues these birds face. By educating about the feeding habits and conservation of vultures, we are not only creating awareness of the conservations issues that faces these birds, but benefiting their living environment within the area.

The experience occurs daily at 1300hrs in front of the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, and lasts approximately 30 minutes.

The activity is great for photography and bird identification, and to date is thoroughly enjoyed by guests and visitors.

At 1245hrs, our resident guide gathers the guests sitting at the Buffalo Bar to join him to head to down to the feeding area. Carcasses from The Boma dinner the previous night are thrown out to attract circling vultures. This is an amazing experience as there is activity in the sky at 1245hrs and by 1300hrs – it is heaving with over 100 vultures and other birds of prey.

Situated on the edge of the waterhole at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, the Siduli Hide offers guests a chance observe wildlife in a unique way.

A suitably trained and qualified Professional Guide escorts guests into the hide, which is designed to look like a termite mound. This involves a short walk (5 minutes) from the lodge to the hide. Once hidden within, guests wait for a variety of mammal, reptile and bird species to visit the waterhole to quench their thirsts or to sample minerals at the nearby salt-lick.

We recommend early morning and late afternoon trips to the hide. Times will vary slightly with the seasons, but we normally meet set off for the hide at 0615hrs and at 1615hrs in the afternoons.

Time spent in the hide will vary, but we sell it as a minimum of a two hour sit. We confirm on 2 guests and currently we can take a maximum of 6 guests. No children under 16 years allowed (unless special permission is granted).

In the morning, clients will be offered tea/coffee at Vic Falls Safari Lodge, before going into the hide. In the afternoon, we will include soft drinks, mineral water and a limited amount of beer (people need to be in a sober state due to close wildlife interactions). Ideally, the pickup times should be 15 minutes prior to the departure times above.

Please note that due to seasonal changes and the fact that this is an authentic wild experience, we cannot guarantee wildlife sightings. Saying this, the drier it gets, the more chance there is of having some very good close up encounters!

Further points to consider: Guests must be able to sit quietly for long periods of time and should not suffer from claustrophobia! Due to the possibility of close interactions with wildlife, this experience is not for the faint-hearted! This activity is ideal for photographers, small groups and wildlife enthusiasts, who are after a ‘non-touristy” experience.

Rack rate: US$50.00 per person.