Best of Namibia with Southern Extension - Private Guided Safari , 13 Days / CLASSIC

Day trip to Tsau//Khaeb Park & Roter Kamm Crater

Departure will be at 8h00 from the Bahnhof Hotel in Aus on asphalt road C 13 towards Rosh Pinah in a closed game viewing vehicle. After about 60 km we head west over private farmland/along with river courses through barren but always varied landscapes to the Tsau//Khaeb Park border. In the park, we move along predefined routes through vast desert landscapes, which always offer something interesting and new due to their endless horizons and changing wildlife. Claypans, overgrown dunes, gravel plains are some of the impressions this part of the Namib has to offer. Since this landscape has been a restricted area for almost one hundred years, nature is still very much in its original state.

At noon we will have a small snack, which will be taken somewhere outdoors, depending on the time or the landscape.

After about 60 km we approach the highlight of the trip: the Aurus Mountains. Here a 90-minute hike has to be done, between endemic plants and other rare plants, some of which require a trained eye to be discovered. At the highest point, there is an upright stone, through whose Africa-shaped “peephole” you can get an impressive view of the Roter Kamm Crater, which still lies about 20 km away.

From here it takes about an hour and a half drive to the Roter Kamm itself, where you can trudge or climb up to the crater rim. For the return trip eastward which starts here, it also takes just under 90 minutes to get back to the C13 tar road to Aus at Witpütz, a former police station. On the 120 km long stretch to Aus, you have enough time to reflect on what you have seen and muse over your experience.

A piece of landscape, whose impressions not many people have been privileged to see and experience ... !

The intended arrival at the Bahnhof Hotel is at 16h00, which could possibly be prolonged a bit because of intermediate stops along the route.

Aus & Surrounds

Get a vivid introduction to the origins of Aus and to many of the

history - laden points of interest surrounding the little town

Duration: 1 to 1 ½ hours

Sundowner Tour

A little bit of the past, a little bit of the present and a lot of “take home” impressions, photos and

reminiscence of the moment the day comes to an impressive and enchanting end.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours, Drinks included

Departure times: 15 h 45 (Winter) 17 h 15 (Summer)

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.

A scenic nature drive in the ephemeral Huab River and surrounding valley, including a picnic lunch, exposes visitors to unique geological formations and the possibility of sighting the elusive desert-adapted elephants and rhinos.

(Available during stays of two nights or more only)

Three open game drive cars are permanently available with guides.

Game drives are taken in our Etosha Heights Private Reserve. We track the elusive black and white rhino while staying on the lookout for the big cats of the Reserve. There is plentiful plains game and excellent birding. Night drives on the Reserve afford the chance to spot many of the nocturnal inhabitants of the area.

After an early dinner and depending on the weather we also offer night drives on the reserve. Different from day game drives by that you stand a chance to see some of the nocturnal species that roam our reserve. We look for all of them, from bugs to birds and maybe something bigger.

Guided walks are offered to the more adventurous. A short drive out, and then the fun starts as you experience a whole new way of finding and viewing animals. Be sure to follow every instruction your guide gives you and you will have a great time. Children aged 12 years and over may take part in a walking safari.

Credit: NS

Enjoy a lovely meal away from the lodge in the bush or hide. Weather permitting.

If you are in need of some serious time out, then one of our spa treatments is your perfect escape. Our professional therapist will put you in seventh heaven.

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