2025 18-DAY HIDDEN TREASURES OF NAMIBIA (STANDARD) S/D

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.

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.

From the guesthouse, guests can take a 15-minute walk along the beach to reach our private beach breakfast setup. Enjoy the Atlantic Ocean while sitting on a small dune having breakfast. Afterwards take a leisurely walk back to the guesthouse.

Available for max. 4 pax.

GUIDED FULL DAY EPHEMERAL RIVER EXCURSION

4 pax Minimum

From 07:00 – 16:00 (slight seasonal changes)

Breakfast at 06:30, departure at 07:00

Full day Excursion ONLY

Includes Bush Coffee and Rusks, Picnic Lunch, Soft Drinks and Mineral Water

Includes ephemeral river excursion, in search of desert adapted elephant

Includes Twyfelfontein Heritage Site, Rock Engravings and entrance fees

You are welcome to add a visit to the Petrified Forest as an additional activity at N$250 per person

Expertly guided in one of our State of the Art, Fully Airconditioned, Safari Vehicles
N$1950 per person for the Full Day Excursion as described above

GIN AND GEOLOGY SUNDOWNER STROLL

Enjoy the perfect end to your day with an invigorating sundowner walk.
This stroll will take you past plenty of Mopane Trees, whilst our knowledgeable guides will focus on tracks, indigenous plants and off course, the geology of this area, ending on a high note with a Local Gin Tasting at a special look-out point, whilst you watch the sun set so marvellously like only in Africa!

No pax minimum

Duration: 2 hours

Guided 2km Sundowner stroll departing from the Lodge and ending again at the Lodge in time for a scrumptious Dinner

Walking Shoes is advisable

Includes Sundowner Snacks and a taste of Local Gin
N$275 per person for the activity as described above

Join us on a guided visit to the Traditional Himba Village situated just East of the
town Khorixas and discover the customs and lifestyle of the Ovahimba Tribe.
It was established to conserve the Himba Culture and Traditions and to assist
them surviving in the extreme drought that Namibia is currently experiencing.
This village 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 funds generated by these tours are being used to
take care of them and the families in the village.

• 2 pax minimum
• Duration: 2 hours
• Walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen is advisable
• Remember to take cash with to purchase some of the beautiful Handcrafted curios
• Activity available from 08:00 – 12:00, or again from 16:00 – 18:00

N$350 per adult, N$175 per child (5-12 years of age, younger than 4 years: Free of charge)

Meet the Himba people of Kaokoland with our guide / interpreter on an excursion to a traditional Himba village. Interact and photograph one of the last remaining nomadic tribes of Africa. You will have time to ask questions while your guide answers and explains the Himba`s intricate traditions, customs and beliefs.

- Morning departure is at: 8h00.
- Afternoon departure is at: 14h00 during summer and winter.
- Mineral water is included.
- Duration is approximately 3 - 4hrs.
- Private Himba excursions have to be booked in advance to ensure vehicles and guide availability.

Epupa Falls Excursion
(The road might become inaccessible during parts of the rainy season between Dec to April)
This is a full day excursion, which departs at 08h00 from the lodge after breakfast. The excursion is conducted in a 4x4 vehicle. Driving time is approximately three hour to reach Chief Kapika’s village. After visiting the village you will continue for another 35 km to Epupa Falls where you will enjoy your picnic lunch packs on the bank of the Kunene River while marvelling at the white water rushing over the Falls. Return to the lodge just before sunsets.

- The activity includes bottled water and picnic lunch packs.
- Not included – are extra soft or alcoholic drinks. Please request the lodge to pack extra if you wish to have a larger choice.
- Minimum number of guests per tour are 4 x full paying adults.
- Maximum number of guests per tour per day are 6 per vehicle.

Baobab Tree - Africa’s Tree of Life
This succulent absorbs and stores water during the rainy season to be able to produce a nutrient-dense fruit in dry seasons.
This mystical tree, believed to predate even mankind, is a symbol of life, hope and positivity during tough times, as it proves that it can withstand any harsh seasons while baring flowers and fruits.
They live up to around 3000 years, grow tall up to 25m and can have an impressive circumference stretching up to 40m.

- Est. 3 to 4 hours trip
- Mornings & Afternoons
- Guided & Self drive options
- Mineral Water included

Pick-up at Opuwo run way at +/- 11h00 by Lodge transfer.
Arrive at Opuwo Country Lodge for a welcome drink and toilet stop. Depending on your time of arrival, lunch can be served before or after the Himba village excursion, which normally takes +/- 1 to 2 hours. The lodge will provide the pilot with a complimentary day room whilst clients are on the excursion, alternatively he/she may join the excursion at no extra charge. Transfer back to the Opuwo airstrip between 14h30 and 15h00 for your return flight.

- Light lunch is included in the price
- Duration of Himba drive will depend on your time of arrival. Departure time should not be later than 15h00. Late arrival will result in a shorter excursion.
- The excursion is based on a minimum of 2 guests per excursion.

A close up guided experience of the traditional lives of the Himba in the Epupa area. Duration +- 4 hours.

Enjoy a guided drive to a beautiful scenic sundowner hill above the Epupa Falls where snacks and drinks will be provided. Duration ± 3 hours.

Enjoy a walk along on one of the hiking trails along the Epupa Falls all the way downstream along the Kunene River. The hiking trails offer bird enthusiasts a good chance to spot the various bird species in the Epupa area. Self-guided.

A scenic and beautiful 2 hour guided walk upstream along the Kunene River in search of crocodiles. You might also see the vervet monkeys and do some birdwatching.

These activities are seasonal and can be enquired at the reception.

Join an excursion to the Epupa Falls and a Himba village. Drinks included, flight not included in the rate.

Join one of our knowledgeable rangers on a morning or afternoon game drive to explore the concession area, learn more about the plant and bird life, admire the amazing termite mound structures among big mopane trees. If you are lucky, you might even spot a herd of elephants or our local pride of lions, while birding enthusiasts will appreciate the large variety of species. Ask our guides about the Namibian Lion Trust and their involvement with the Hobatere lions. 



Departure from the lodge: Morning drive at 07:00 in summer, at 08:00 in winter | Duration 2-3 hours | Afternoon drive at 16:30 in summer and at 15:00 in winter after coffee, tea and cake | Night drive after dinner at 20:30 in summer and at 20:00 in winter | Minimum 2 guests per excursion – maximum 9 per vehicle | Half-price for children under 12.

With the help of a non-intrusive spotlight our experienced guides will try to find some of those secretive nocturnal animals for you. Since it might become a bit chilly at times on an open game viewer, hot drinks will be served during the night drive.

Departure after dinner at 20:30 in summer and at 20:00 in winter | Minimum 2 guests per excursion – maximum 9 per vehicle | 50% discount for children under 12.

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.

This guided drive with an open vehicle will take you into Etosha National Park.

This guided drive with an open vehicle will take you into Etosha National Park, departure in the morning or afternoon.

Experience a real Namibian sunset with a delicious drink in your hand. This outing allows you to forget the rest of the world and be carried away by nature’s beauty. Approx. 2.5 hours, including drinks and snacks.

This activity can also be booked by guests who are not overnighting at the lodge, but only with prior reservation and in connection with an á la carte dinner booking.

Enjoy this tour in an open 4 x 4 vehicle accompanied by an experienced guide. Gain insight and knowledge about Fauna and Flora. Touch Africa’s soul. Approx. 2.5 hours, including coffee/tea, drinks and snacks.

With prior reservation, this activity can also be booked by guests who are not overnighting at the lodge.