Discover Namibia: Highlights and Hidden Gems

Guided full day hike through the Kalahari with 2 over-nights.

Hiking and spending the night in the vastness of the African savannah offers the most intense nature experience. The red sand dunes and the grass and tree planes of the Kalahari will captivate every traveller. Feel the hot desert wind on your skin. Watch antelope herds in the vast veld or spot giraff es feeding among the trees. Experience the sunset.

Enjoy an African Braai at the campfire on a dune before listening to the sounds of the night, either in a tent or even outside under the starry sky. In the morning, shortly before sunrise, grab a hot cup of coffee and watch gnus and zebras on the water hole before experiencing that magic moment when the sun comes up in glittering gold just behind the dunes. All of a sudden, the temperature turns comfortably warm, the night is over, a new day has begun. Africa. The Trans-Kalahari Walk perfectly combines a comfortable stay at the lodge with exhausting but rewarding physical activities and campfire romanticism in the Kalahari dunes.

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.

Our safari vehicles will do a breathtaking drive across the Namib's Valley of a Thousand Hills property, where you could potentially see some of the common wildlife – like oryx, springbok and ostrich.

Namib's Valley of a Thousand Hills has several 4x4 trails ranging from slightly challenging to extremely challenging. Come and test your off-road 4x4 skills at Namib's Valley of a Thousand Hills.

Namib's Valley of a Thousand Hills has marked hiking trails to assist hikers in finding the best lookout points. Namib's Valley is located on elevated ground overlooking the Gaub valley. This creates an unbelievable view over the Namib. There is plentiful wildlife as most of them can roam free out of the Namib-Naukluft Nature Reserve, abundant birdlife can also be enjoyed.

Namib's Valley of a Thousand Hills is located in close proximity to several conservation areas allowing you to explore stunning landscapes of mountains, dunes and infinite horizons. Some of the nearby attractions worth mentioning are Sossusvlei, Namib-Naukluft National Park, Gamsberg Nature Reserve, Kuiseb Pass and Spreetshoogte Pass.

The guided Nature Excursion combines game drives and walking safaris on an informative excursion to explore nature, spectacular wildlife, and archaeological sites where guests can view magnificent rock engravings and paintings.
The guide will address the guests’ preferences allowing them to determine their desired level of activity. The itinerary includes a variety of walking trails, but if guests prefer more driving; the guides will adjust the program accordingly. Eland, Kudu, Mountain Zebra, and Giraffes are some of the animals that can be seen. If guests choose to be more active, they will climb up beautiful granite rock boulders and walk along a dry riverbed to learn the skill of reading and tracking animals to gain in-depth knowledge of the Small Big Five living in this unique ecosystem. If guests have a particular interest in ornithology, they will be rewarded on these trips, as some endemic bird species of northwestern Namibia inhabit these areas and are commonly sighted during these Nature Excursions. Endemic birds like the Damara Hornbill, Hartlaub’s Francolin, and White-tailed Shrike, or rare sightings in this region such as an African Jacana, Saddle-billed, or Woolly-necked Stork, can be observed. At stunning locations, delightful refreshments await, providing the perfect ambiance to share tales of the remarkable sites encountered during the nature excursions.

3–4 hours
Minimum 2 / Maximum 6 Guests
AM Excursion: 07h00–11h00
PM Excursion: 17h00–20h00

Please note
A 2-hour Nature Excursion, perhaps more suitable for kids, is available for booking.

Special note
Private Vehicle & Guide
(1-5 persons) can be booked at an additional rate.

Guests can immerse themselves in the nightlife of the African Bush by joining the night drive, typically departing after dinner. This excursion presents opportunities to observe the shy African Wildcats, Genets, Jackals, and Owls among others.

1 – 2 hours
Minimum 2 / Maximum 6 Guests
PM: After dinner around 21h00– 23h00

Depending on the weather conditions, guests, accompanied by their guide, will depart early in the morning (half an hour before sunrise) following coffee/tea and rusks, to meet the Rhino Rangers, who oversee the tracking and monitoring of the Rhino. En route to meeting the Rangers, guests will have the opportunity to witness the breathtaking highlights of a sunrise in the African Bush. The Rangers, along with the guest guide, will provide an initial introduction to the tracking procedure and the Black Rhino Custodianship Project itself. Afterwards, they will be tracking a Rhino allowing guests to approach this iconic animal in its natural habitat. Following this unforgettable experience, the guests will drive back on an informative nature excursion to the camp/lodge in time for a hearty brunch.
The Rhinos oversee our land, and we respect their environment, and our activity is designed around their comfort.
Soft drinks, fruits & cookies are served during this unforgettable excursion.

3 – 4 hours
Minimum 2 / Maximum 6 Guests
AM: 07h00–11h00
No children under 12 years

We depart from the lodge or the camp early in the morning to explore this magnificent Private Reserve on foot. Rusks and Coffee are served before we depart. We walk along dry riverbeds to learn the skill of tracking animals and to gain knowledge of the Little Big Five living in this unique ecosystem. Endemic birds like the Damara Hornbill, Hartlaub’s Francolin, and White-tailed Shrike, or rare sightings in this region such as an African Jacana, Saddle-billed, or Woolly-necked Stork, can be observed.
Includes Refreshments

2 hours
Minimum 2 / Maximum 4 Guests
AM: 07h00–09h00

A telescope is available at the lodge and the camp for guests to do star gazing on their own before or after dinner.

If your clients are marking a special birthday, anniversary, or any cherished occasion, why not indulge them with a spectacular brunch amidst nature? Imagine every guest feeling like royalty, attended to by their chef and waiter in the great outdoors. Our attention to detail knows no bounds when crafting these brunch surprises. We weave enchantment for your guests amidst picturesque settings, with elegant tablecloths, authentic crockery and cutlery, and sparkling crystal glasses. It’s an experience that will linger in their memories, a genuine Instagram-worthy moment.

We can also arrange a special dinner setup for Honeymooners or any other special occasion. Dining under the stars next to a crackling fire to the sound of Nature.

Please keep in mind that our Wilderness Feasts are available by pre-booking only, due to logistical considerations. We can offer our Wilderness Feast as a stand-alone product, or we can offer the Wilderness Feast in combination with our Nature Excursion or the Guided Walking Safari.

The meals will be offered at an additional rate.

*Full Day Etosha National Park Experience Full Day Etosha National Park Experience Full Day Etosha National Park Experience Full Day Etosha National Park Experience

For our Full Day Game Drive, we depart after an early Breakfast,
in time for the Gate Opening at The Etosha National Park,
and we return around Sunset, after a full day to Toshari Lodge,
just in time for our Scrumptious Dinner.

Half Day Etosha National Park Experience
Afternoon Half Day Excursion
Afternoon Half Day Excursion
We depart after lunch from Toshari Lodge and return by Sunset,
just in time for our Scrumptious Dinner.
* Full day includes Park entrance fees, two cool drinks, water and also a packed lunch.
* Half day includes Park entrance fees and 2 bottles of water.

Toshari Game Drive - Etosha Credit: Lerike

Toshari Game Drive - Etosha Credit: Quiver & Co

Credit: Lerike

Credit: Lerike

Credit: Lerike

Credit: Lerike

Credit: Lerike

Credit: Lerike

Credit: Neeltjie

Credit: Neeltjie

Credit: Neeltjie

Credit: Lerike

Credit: Lerike

Credit: Lerike

Immerse yourself in expert Spa Treatments with mind and body benefits,

using Natural, Namibian Products.

We offer wonderful, professional massages in

beautiful surroundings –

submerged in nature right here on our property!

Our Spa is open Daily from 07:00 until 21:00.

Please book in advance at Reception.

Massage Room Credit: Melanie

Massage Room Credit: Quiver & Co

Massage Room Credit: Melanie

Join us on a guided visit to the Omapaha Himba Village and discover the customs and lifestyle of
the Ovahimba Tribe. This Village was established to conserve the Himba Culture and Traditions.
Omapaha is not a show village, nor a human zoo. It is a cultural exchange where people can
learn about these amazing nomadic people before their heritage become lost forever due to
the fact that the western world is evolving at the speed of light…
The people at the village currently take care of 15 orphaned children.
The funds generated by these tours are being used to take care of them and the families in the
village responsible for taking care of the orphans.

Duration: 2-2.5 Hours

Credit: Rhona

Offsite Himba Village Credit: Quiver & Co

Credit: Rhona

Our well-developed nature trails are located on our property
and are regularly maintained and clearly signposted.
The Trails takes you on a relaxing stroll between Dolomite rocks
and a forest of Mopane and White Seringa Trees.
You are welcome to enjoy this at your own pace and at your own time.

Free of Charge

Credit: Neeltjie

Credit: Melanie

Credit: Neeltjie

Credit: Neeltjie

Credit: Neeltjie

Credit: Neeltjie

Credit: Neeltjie

Credit: Neeltjie

Credit: Neeltjie

Credit: Neeltjie

The Dream Cruiser is Onguma's newest and most unique under the stars sleep-out experience.

Arriving in time to enjoy sundowners and take a tour of your overnight accommodation, this sleep out in the wilderness of the reserve is on our custom built Land Cruiser, featuring a full bathroom on the lower deck and a bedroom with lounge area on the upper deck.

A night on the Dream Cruiser calls for al fresco picnic-style dining is delivered by our chef for you to enjoy as the evening turns to night and the stars dance in all their glory.
A ranger is on call via a two-way radio, so make the most of this time and relax in the safety and complete comfort of this unique space.

After a good night's rest, you can enjoy morning tea/coffee with homemade rusks before being collected for breakfast at the lodge.

Onguma's fabulous new water-level hide affords guests a great opportunity to calmly sit and enjoy nature unobserved. Amateur and professional photographers alike love the angles and light from this equipped hide.

There is a small ablution facility nearby, benches from which to view the surroundings and lots of windows and vantage points for creative camera angles.

Onguma Nature Reserve consists of 34 000 hectares of Namibian wilderness & is home to numerous plains game, more than 300 bird species ?and even 4 of the Big 5. ?The Reserve boasts over thirty different animal species. Plains game roam freely on the Reserve and predators although not always easy to spot, are nevertheless common residents of the area. Lions and Cheetahs are frequently seen and often heard. There is a healthy black rhino and leopard population and hyenas are also often seen and heard.

Etosha is a 22 750km² wildlife sanctuary in Namibia – one of Africa’s most stable and accessible countries. Etosha, meaning ‘place of dry water’, and refers to a flat calcrete depression (or pan) of about 5 000km². The ‘Pan’ (overlooked by the Onguma Reserve) provides a great, parched, silver-white backdrop of shimmering mirages to an area of semi-arid savannah grassland and thorn scrub. The pan itself contains water only after very good rains and sometimes for only a few days each year, but is enough to stimulate the growth of a blue-green algae which lures thousands of flamingos.

Africa takes on a new perspective when you experience it on foot as the first explorers did. A bush walk is a unique physical, mental and spiritual adventure through nature. Experience the sights, smells and sounds of the Namibian bush by conducting an early morning leisurely walk accompanied by one of our experienced armed rangers.

?Johan, our resident therapist, is a professional massage therapist with over 15 years experience, having lived and worked at renowned Wellness Centres in Asia and Africa. His passion for and dedication to massage therapy originated in the East, where he was trained and educated from the best teachers in their respective fields. Having the opportunity to spend considerable time with monks in Thailand, has also led him to incorporate focused awareness into his massage therapies.

Get to know the Namibian bush and nature with the guidance from one of our highly experienced field guides. They will share the knowledge of their ancestors.

This game drive offers the opportunity to spot 25 different animal species. After an adventurous couple of hours, you will end the drive on one of our scenic mountain tops.

This adrenaline filled morning will give you an experience that will form part of you. Experience coming up close to the wild white Rhino and get a sense of these majestic animals.

This activity gives you the opportunity to explore nature on your own time. You will be dropped off at one of the look out points, with a snack basket and a radio. Once you are done, you just give the lodge a shout on the radio, and a guide will come get you.

Become one with nature, whilst roaming the plains of Otjiwa. Our professional guides will make you feel at ease on horseback.

After a hard day's adventuring, relax with a massage, either in the dedicated spa and wellness centre or in the privacy of your room.

Experience the culture and history of the Herero tribe. The Otjiwa guide will transfer you to the village, where the local guide will take you through the history and evolution of their culture, including dress and architecture. Enjoy lunch before returning to the lodge