16-DAY BEST OF NAMIBIA WITH SOUTHERN LOOP SELF-DRIVE *

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.

• Images

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)

• Images

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)

• Images

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)

• Images

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

• Images

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.

• Images

Canyon Roadhouse Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Canyon Roadhouse Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Canyon Roadhouse Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Canyon Roadhouse Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

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.

• Images

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.

As the earth glides towards twilight, ascend the hill to the viewing platform. Before you lies a sweeping vista of mopane woodland illuminated by the setting sun, with the fan-shaped lodge nestled at its heart. Raise your sundowner drink to toast life and its opportunities, stories and blessings.

• Images

Discover the wild heart of Damaraland on this full-day guided adventure, blending extraordinary wildlife encounters with cultural experiences. Follow desert-adapted elephants in their natural habitat, guided by a knowledgeable local expert, and gain a deeper understanding of the region’s heritage with a visit to a Damara Cultural Village. Included are coffee/tea and snacks, a light lunch, beverages for the day, and all entrance fees. This experience is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

Departure : 7:00 (AM)
Duration: ± 8-9 hours

• Images

Damaraland Elephant Explorer Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Damaraland Elephant Explorer Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Damaraland Elephant Explorer Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Damaraland Elephant Explorer Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

The serene environment surrounding Damara Mopane Lodge is a spectacular birdlife spot, unbeknown to many. Whether you are an avid birder or simply want to explore the spectacularly rich scenes of Damaraland, a guided birding walk will introduce you to a plethora of bird species – of which some are resident, rare or migratory birds. Amongst the various species observed are the Crowned Lapwing, Rüppell’s Parrot as well as the Bare-cheeked Babbler to name a few.

AM Departure: ± 30 minutes after sunrise
PM Departure: ± 1 ½ hours before sunset
Duration: 1 – 1 ½ hours

• Images

Damara Mopane Lodge activity Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Damara Mopane Lodge activity Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Damara Mopane Lodge activity Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Damara Mopane Lodge activity Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

A highlight at the end of the day is to ascend the hill to a viewing platform for a sweeping vista of the mopane woodland illuminated by the setting sun. Beverages are provided and charged to the room.

• Images

Sundwowner Walk at Damara Mopane Lodge Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Sundwowner Walk at Damara Mopane Lodge Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Sundwowner Walk at Damara Mopane Lodge Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Sundwowner Walk at Damara Mopane Lodge Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Explore the flora and fauna of the Damaraland on your own. You have two different self-guided hiking trails to choose from. They are well marked and take you through the wildly romantic scenery of the Damara Mopane Lodge house mountain. Duration: between 1 and 3 hours

• Images

Etosha Village is equipped with two open-view game viewing vehicles that take a maximum of 10 passengers per vehicle.

Morning drives to Etosha National Park commence at approximately 06H30, depending on gate opening times which vary during seasonal changes. These trips last for approximately 6 hours and follow a route through the Andersson Gate to Okaukuejo and further on to various waterholes in a circular route back to Okaukuejo.

Our experienced guides driving these vehicles have extensive knowledge of the area and animals and give a "running commentary" as the trips proceed.

• Images

Etosha Village is equipped with two open-view game viewing vehicles that take a maximum of 10 passengers per vehicle.

Full-day trips to Etosha National Park commence at approximately 06H30, depending on gate opening times which vary during seasonal changes. These trips follow a route through the Andersson Gate to Okaukuejo and further on to various waterholes in a wide circular route back to Okaukuejo.

Lunch packs can be ordered at reception to take along or guests can have an optional lunch stop at one of the restcamps inside the Park for lunch (Lunch will be for your own account).

Our experienced guides driving these vehicles have extensive knowledge of the area and animals and give a "running commentary" as the trips proceed.

• Images

What better way than to end an exciting day of game-viewing in Etosha with a relaxing Sundowner Drive.

We depart from the Etosha Village in the late afternoon in our open game viewer vehicles. You will experience breath-taking views of the Mopanie forests with occasional photo stops where our knowledgeable guides explain the fauna and flora.

For sunset we go higher up to the mountains to watch a spectacular sunset while enjoying sundowner drinks and snacks.

Weather Permitting.

• Images

See our Southern sky and various constellations. Appreciate the spectacular Namibian star-studded skies! Take a journey through the heavens with us as we introduce you to the basic constellations, the Milky Way and a peek through our telescope at the planets.

Weather Dependent & Seasonal (only available when constellations are visible - approximately from May until October)

Enquire at the Adventure Centre for availability.

• Images

Our sunrise nature walk takes place along a beautiful footpath winding through the lush Mopane Forest.

Our knowledgeable guide will focus on tracks, indigenous tree species and local wildlife. We'll spend some time at our hide where nature will completely surround you.

Weather Permitting.

• Images

Let our Team at Etosha Village whisk you away to an enchanted venue in the Mopane Forest for a spectacular Bush Dinner.

Sip refreshing Sundowner Drinks while watching the sun set over the Etosha National Park and after dark sit down to a real Bush Cuisine Experience.

Our well trained Chefs will tantalize your taste buds with our authentic Bush Cuisine Menu prepared to perfection on open fires.

Our Bush Boma has the following facilities: Table and Chair Set Up, Buffet, Bush Bar, Bathroom Facilities, Star Gazing Deck.

Includes: Buffet Dinner and Bush Bar facility

Weather Dependent & Seasonal (approximately from May until October)

• Images

Located just 9 km from the Mushara Collection, Etosha National Park is a magnificent game reserve in the northern part of Namibia, covering a vast area of 22,270 km². If you're a wildlife enthusiast, this park is a must-visit destination as it is home to dozens of mammal and reptile species, several amphibian species, and over 300 bird species.

It's the perfect place to witness Namibia's greatest daily wildlife dramas unfold. Joining a game drive with Mushara's experienced and enthusiastic guides, you can learn about the Etosha pan, the flora and fauna, and the diverse animal species that roam the park. The game viewing vehicles are designed to withstand any weather condition, providing a spacious and comfortable ride with 360-degree unobstructed views from elevated seats. Thanks to the guides' up-to-date information on game movements, they have a high success rate for spotting game, ensuring your visit is a truly memorable experience.

• Images