13 nights Rivers and Deserts

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.

This drive takes about 3 hours, through the scenically beautiful lodge property, with selected stops at sites to view and learn about bushman rock art. Ai Aiba Lodge is home to over 200 different bushmen rock art sites and our guides have been professionally trained to interpret these paintings to our guests.
The drive will also include a stop for refreshments and snacks. A must-see for anyone visiting the area. This drive can be done both in the morning or the afternoon.

Morning drive – departs at 07h30 (Summer and Winter). Breakfast served from 07h00.
Afternoon drive – departs 17h00 in Summer*, and 16h00 in Winter*.

Rates for activities available in documentation.

*Summer months = Jan, Feb, Mar, Sep, Oct, Nov and Dec.
*Winter months = Apr, May, Jun, Jul & Aug.

Walking the area surrounding the Lodge is highly encouraged and is an excellent way to experience the beauty of the Erongo Mountains. Our guides have been very well trained on the interesting Fauna and Flora of the area and are available to escort guests through the property.

?Guided Morning walks:
Breakfast is available in the restaurant from 07h00.
Your guide will take juice and snacks along for en-route. Please carry your own water.
Please ensure that you wear good walking shoes, and have adequate sun protection.

1)Ai Aiba Walk:
This walk is 2 – 3 hours in duration and can be of varying degrees of difficulty depending on your preference. It will include visits to certain rock art sites, and a focus on the smaller intricacies of nature.
Morning walk departs at 07h30 (Summer and Winter), from the restaurant.

2)Walk & Drive:
This activity starts from the lodge with a 10min drive to Moringa valley. From there guests hike to a number of different rock art sites, including some fantastic viewpoints along the way. Then another short drive (10-15min), followed by another hike through majestic landscape to view some more rock art sites and interesting rock formations. A short 20min drive will then take you back to the lodge. Total duration is approximately 3 hours.
Morning walk departs at 07h30 (Summer and Winter), from the restaurant.

3) Walk with visit to the San Living Museum:
This walk is approximately 3 hours. Our guides will walk with you to the San Living Museum, stopping at certain rock art sites en-route. Once at the Living Museum the bushman will take guests on a bushwalk, and then our guides will lead you back to the lodge again.
Morning walk departs at 07h30 (Summer and Winter), from the restaurant.

?Guided sundowner walk:
Very close to the lodge, you will be guided up a granite hill where you can relax and enjoy a cold
‘sundowner’ drink while watching the sun set over spectacular views of the Erongo Mountains.
Sundowner walk departs at 18h30 (Summer) and 17h30 (Winter), from the restaurant
Rate: Included in the rate (excluding drinks). Note that our guide will gladly take your drinks order and carry the drinks up to the sundowner spot for you.

Rates for activities available in documentation

*Summer months = Jan, Feb, Mar, Sep, Oct, Nov and Dec.
*Winter months = Apr, May, Jun, Jul & Aug.

Why walk when you can ride? A cycling adventure that mirrors the leisurely pace of our guided sundowner walk. You leave from the lodge late afternoon, on E-bikes and cycle along jeep tracks to a tranquil sundowner spot in the bush. Enjoy a ‘sundowner’ drink and snacks with panoramic views as the sun begins to set. Return to the lodge via a fun single track in the twilight. Trip can also be done in reverse – out on the single track and back on the jeep track; please discuss with your guide.

Rates for activities available in documentation

If you love mountain biking, you will love our trails. We have worked with expert trail builders to create a network of trails that let you discover this amazing landscape at your own speed. You can see the ancient Bushmen Rock Art Sites or spot some wildlife while riding on scenic trails.
Our trails are suitable for riders of all abilities, but we focus on making them fun, free-flowing and beautiful. There are many trails to choose from, but we have marked three routes with different lengths and difficulties, using jeep tracks or specially made single track trails. If you want more challenge and adventure, you can try some of the extensions that go to the granite outcrops of the property.
Our trails are well marked and maintained.
You can bring your own bike, rent one of our new Specialized Levo E-Bikes or join one of our guided E-Bike Tours.

•Guided Mountain Bike Tour, including E-Bike Rental:
Take a professional guide who knows the trails like the back of their hand and can show you the best spots to enjoy the scenery and the thrill. No need to worry about getting lost or missing out on anything, just follow your guide and have a blast on your e-bike!

Duration: Max. 4 hours
Minimum age requirement for the E-Bike Rental and Mountain bike trails is 8 years.
Children 8 and over: quoted adult rate

Rates for activities available in documentation

•Specialized Levo E-Bike Rental:
Don't worry if you don't have your own mountain bike. You can rent one of our awesome Specialized Levo E-Bikes. They are the best in the market for Mountain E-Bikes. You'll have a blast riding them for hours without any trouble.

Duration: Max. 4 hours. Please advise Reception of your plans and ensure that you have our number in your cellphone (+264 64-570330). Please also ensure you collect a map from Reception and take it with you or download our online map.

Minimum age requirement for the E-Bike Rental and Mountain bike trails is 8 years
Children 8 and over: quoted adult rate

Rates for activities available in documentation

Mountain Bike Routes:
Light Green Route: A lovely introduction to the trails on Ai Aiba. Generally easy-going, predominantly jeep track riding.

Dark Green Route: Although this is only 30km, this ride is not to be underestimated. There are a lot of new single tracks on this route and even though it is not very technical, it is slow going and requires constant concentration and effort.

Blue Route: This route is a bit shorter than the Dark Green Route but also allows you to ride some of the best single tracks on the farm.

Various tours are available, and can all be booked directly at the lodge. Times are flexible, and bookings can usually be made according to your requirement. Please ask at Reception for more information.

•Bushwalk – approx. 2hours. Learn about hunting, snaring, tracking, lighting fire and collecting bush food.
•Live in the village – approx. 2hours. Learn about singing and dancing, lighting a fire, making ropes and jewelry.
•Combination (Action day) – approx. 4hours. A combination of the bushwalk and the “live in the village” tour.

*Rates on request

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

Luxury salt pool

Spa

Experience the waterworld of the Kavango on a romantic boat trip as the sun goes down; incl. ½ bottle of champagne per person

Hakusembe River Lodge Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia Hakusembe River Lodge Activities

Hakusembe River Lodge Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia Hakusembe River Lodge Boat Activities

Experience catching one of the strongest fighting fresh water fish in the world. 2 persons per boat. Lost lures to be replaced at Lodge, drinks not included. The fishing licence is not included in the rate. Please bring your own fishing licence as licences cannot be obtained at the lodge until further notice.

Hakusembe River Lodge Credit: Gondwana Collection Namibia Hakusembe River Lodge Fishing Activity

Hakusembe River Lodge Credit: Gondwana Collection Namibia Hakusembe River Lodge Fishing Activity

We will gladly submit a detailed offer for a tailor-made excursion for the enthusiastic fishermen. Available on request.

This activity is the absolute highlight of the Nkasa Rupara experience, offering the best of both worlds. A game drive on Rupara Island, one of only two seasonal islands in the entire Nkasa Rupara National Park, and an exclusive boat cruise on a remote and pristine stretch of the Linyanti river system, which forms the border between Namibia and Botswana.

The wildlife is completely unhindered here, so animal sightings will differ from season to season, as the wildlife migrates between Namibia and Botswana.

This activity lasts about 5.5 hours.

Game Drives to the Mamili National Park, Mudumu National Park and Wuparo Conservancy depart in the afternoon and mornings offering fantastic game viewing opportunities surrounded by wilderness. While there have been over 400 bird species recorded within the parks, Sighting from this drives include Elephants, Buffalo, Hippo, Lions, Leopard, Impala, Kudu, Zebra, wildebeest, Roan and Sable.

AM / PM Game Drive in Mamili National Park
Summer Time: Departs at approximately 06:00 in the morning and at 16:30 in the afternoon - duration approximately 2.5 hours

Winter Time: Departs at approximately 07:00 in the morning and at 15:30 in the afternoon - duration approximately 2.5 hours

Includes park entrance fees, soft drinks/water, local beer and snacks

AM Game Drive in Mamili National Park including lunch
Departs approximately at 09:00 in Summer time and 09:30
Winter Time - duration approximately 4.5 hours
Includes park entrance fees, soft drinks/water, local beer and a bush lunch (not lunch pack)

We conduct village tour for our guest to visit a homestead part of the Wuparo Conservancy. We also go to the local school and if possible we visit the local Traditional Authority. This should be a real experience and we change homesteads every visit.

Our Walking safari is conducted by our guides and an armed community ranger. This experience requires a certain degree of physical fitness and is available on request. The duration is approximately 2 hours and includes soft drinks and water.

Guided walks are conducted through the exclusive zone of the Wuparo conservancy with Minimum participants of 2 and 6 as maximum.

The activity is subject to safety conditions

This activity is preferred in the dry winter months. We will drive searching for those elusive animals that because of their habits can be observed only by night. Departing after dinner and duration of approximately 1 hour

Activity available subject to the conditions of the day.

spot the wildlife of the river, pointed out by an experienced Guide, before watching a spectacular African sunset with a drink and nibbles in hand.

offering fantastic game viewing opportunities in total wilderness.

the area is wild and remote - ideal for enthusiasts who wish to explore one of the last great wilderness areas, on the banks of the Chobe river. It’s a birder paradise.

Guided visits to a local village to learn about the communities living along the river.