Jewels of Namibia - Overland with driver

Guided afternoon/evening game drives take place on the private Ongava Game Reserve. The reserve is famed for its population of rhino as well as lion and other game such as antelope, including endemic black-faced impala. Private vehicles can be booked at an extra cost (subject to availability).

Full- or half-day guided morning game drives in the Etosha National Park, Namibia’s prime savannah wilderness area (with a packed lunch on full day). See the massive saltpan as well as the perennial springs that provide the water required by the Park’s high-density big game population, including its elephant population. Private vehicles can be booked at an extra cost (subject to availability).

Offered seasonally and subject to an available walking guide, nature walks through the area take in the abundant array of life, small and large; with a chance of potentially approaching white rhino.

The hide is a fantastic place to relax and while the hours away up close and personal with wildlife slaking its thirst at the camp waterhole. This arid environment where little water occurs makes this a popular drinking spot for game.

Guests can interface with science and research across the Ongava Game Reserve and part of this experience is an immersion into the world of natural history and science at the new Ongava Visitor Centre. With dozens of in-depth displays that feature information on the geology, animals, plants and ecological functioning of this fascinating region, guests are encouraged to meander through the self-guided exhibition area.

Explore this ancient and arid landscape with your guide on the Nature Drive. Departing early in the morning, the guide will show you that this harsh, dry environment is alive with desert-adapted flora and fauna, and perhaps, if lucky, discover the desert-adapted elephant.

Usually departs at 06h30 and will go out for +/- 4 – 6 hours.
Drinks & snacks are included.

Departing mid-afternoon your guide will take you to explore this diverse landscape of ancient Damaraland, filled with geological wonders and other surprises.

Learn about the fascinating geological formations of Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes, and discover Namibia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Twyfelfontein - known for being one of the largest and oldest collections of San rock art engravings in the world!

Usually departs at 15h00 and will last for +/-2 hours. along with seeing Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes.

Explore the local area around Mowani Mountain Camp by taking one of the short walking trails around the lodge. There are information points with short paragraphs explaining the nature along these trails, including flora and geological formations.

Should guests want to explore further afield on a longer walk, they are welcome to ask the guides or management - this is dependent on availability.

Sit atop a large rock.

Make yourself comfortable.

Order your drink of choice, or choose from one of the best cocktails or mocktails in Namibia.

Enjoy tasty snacks.

Relax and watch one of the most spectacular and memorable sunsets ever!

with MOLA MOLA SAFARIS

For over 27 years, Mola Mola Safaris have been the pioneers in creating epic adventure experiences on the Namibian coast. Marine cruises on the best boats with loads of marine life sightings, beach landings, sea kayaking, beach Braais (barbeque) and a Sandwich Harbour 4×4 experience in the ancient, magnificent dunes of Namibia. We are at the forefront of experience creation at te edge of the Namib Sand Sea (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Atlantic Ocean.

MOLA MOLA MARINE DOLPHIN CRUISE

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Mola Mola Marine Dolphin Cruise and discover the breathtaking beauty of the Skeleton Coast of Namibia and the incredible richness of the Atlantic Ocean. Get up close to an abundance of bird and mammal life and revel in the refreshing sea air while enjoying fresh oysters and bubbles - all in the morning. Common sightings include Bottlenose and Heavy Side dolphins, Cape Fur seals, Mola Mola's, penguins, Leatherback turtles, and whales (July-November). Upon special request, lunch can be arranged on the beach. Our tours are available in English, German and Afrikaans.

Looking for a more exclusive experience? Request a quote for private tours or indulge in a Beach Braai (BBQ) lunch on Pelican Point Peninsula.

with MOLA MOLA SAFARIS

For over 27 years, Mola Mola Safaris have been the pioneers in creating epic adventure experiences on the Namibian coast. Marine cruises on the best boats with loads of marine life sightings, beach landings, sea kayaking, beach Braais (barbeque) and a Sandwich Harbour 4×4 experience in the ancient, magnificent dunes of Namibia. We are at the forefront of experience creation at te edge of the Namib Sand Sea (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Atlantic Ocean.

MOLA MOLA SANDWICH HARBOUR 4X4 EXPERIENCE

Mola Mola Sandwich Harbour 4X4 trip is part of the Namibian adventure. Drive between the crashing ocean and ancient dunes of the Namib, and when at the top, experience an endless view of sand and sky. Tours are available in English, German and Afrikaans.

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 9 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 Wilderness 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. 9 guests per vehicle
• opportunity to come face to face with the nature of the Namib in a safari 4x4 vehicle
• Includes sundowner drinks and snacks

OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA

• Quad biking
• Hot air ballooning
• Scenic flights
The staff at Desert Homestead Lodge and Desert Homestead Outpost will be happy to organize all activities of other providers in the area.
An employee of the lodges 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 pm. In the case of a later arrival, it is not possible to guarantee a performance or attendance due to the different start times.

EXPERIENCE THE NAMIB

DESERT ON HORSEBACK

For the more adventurous of 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 in 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 days 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.

Experience the thrill of a hot air balloon flight with an early morning adventure.

Begin your day with a pre-dawn wake-up, followed by a 1 to 1.5-hour drive to the balloon launch site. Once there, you'll have the opportunity to soar above the stunning landscape, taking in breathtaking views that are truly unforgettable. End this extraordinary experience with a champagne breakfast at the landing spot.

This unique activity requires advance booking, with reservations needed at least one day before your planned flight. Prepare for an extraordinary journey that offers a fresh perspective on the landscape and a truly transformative start to your day, one that will stay with you long after the journey ends.

Duration: Full morning

Namib Air Ballooning Credit: Wolwedans

Namib Air Ballooning Credit: Wolwedans

Namib Air Ballooning Credit: Wolwedans

Namib Air Ballooning Credit: Wolwedans

Namib Air Ballooning Credit: Wolwedans

Indulge in a range of luxurious wellness and massage treatments designed to rejuvenate both body and mind, all within the comfort of your room.
Whether you’re looking for a soothing massage, invigorating body treatments, or holistic therapies, our expertly tailored services are crafted to provide the ultimate relaxation and renewal. For a complete list of available treatments and pricing, please consult the spa menu. All services are available for booking onsite upon arrival.

ADDITIONAL CHARGES APPLY

Spa & wellness treatments Credit: Wolwedans

Spa & wellness treatments Credit: Wolwedans

Spa & wellness treatments Credit: Wolwedans

Spa & wellness treatments Credit: Wolwedans

From breakfast in the dunes, lunch in the gardens or the 'hard rock' café, to dinner under the stars - a range of unforgettable meal options are available.

Garden Lunch
Duration: Variable
Enjoy a healthy lunch in the Wolwedans vegetable garden. Normally done after a Heart & Home tour, garden lunches can also be booked as a stand-alone activity, in case you don’t join a Heart & Home, or following a scenic morning drive or horse ride. Either way, you should not miss a lunch in the garden.

Lunch at the Hard Rock Café
Duration: Variable
Head out further into the dunes for a full day drive with picnic lunch between boulders at our take on a 'hard rock café'.
ADDITIONAL CHARGES APPLY

Dune Breakfast
Kickstart the day with a one-of-a-kind breakfast tucked between Namibian dunes. Whether a short walk from camp or paired with a sunrise drive, this experience offers an unforgettable start to your day in one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth.
ADDITIONAL CHARGES APPLY

Dinner Under the Stars
End your day with a memorable dinner beneath the stars. Savor exquisite cuisine during this
Private dinner set in a secret location at the heart of the desert.
ADDITIONAL CHARGES APPLY

Lunch in the gardens Credit: Wolwedans

Dune coffee Credit: Wolwedans

Dune coffee Credit: Wolwedans

Lunch in the gardens Credit: Wolwedans

Lunch in the gardens Credit: Wolwedans

Lunch in the gardens Credit: Wolwedans

Lunch in the gardens Credit: Wolwedans

Hard Rock Café Credit: Wolwedans

Hard Rock Café Credit: Wolwedans

Hard Rock Café Credit: Wolwedans

Hard Rock Café Credit: Wolwedans

Dinner grilled on an open fire Credit: Wolwedans

Dinner grilled on an open fire Credit: Wolwedans

Credit: Wolwedans

Romantic dinner for two in-room Credit: Wolwedans

Experience the magic of Namibia’s wilderness like never before with Wolwedans’ exclusive Desert Sleepout. Savor the sunset, marvel at the sunrise, and gaze upon skies brimming with stars. This unique adventure in the heart of the Namib Desert invites you to leave the ordinary behind and immerse yourself in the vastness above and beyond.

This is a private activity with a dedicated guide who will be nearby throughout the night, to ensure your comfort and safety, while respecting your privacy. This is a seasonally available from September – May for stays of 3 nights or more, and not available from Boulders Camp.

Dinner hamper in the dunes
The Namib Desert sets the stage for an extraordinary dining location. Enjoy your sleep out with a simple dinner hamper under the vast African sky and wake up to a sunrise coffee with the dunes as your backdrop.

Morning coffee in the dunes
Head out into the dunes after dinner in camp for a once-in-a-lifetime sleeping experience. End your sleep-out with a morning coffee in the remote dunes.

Desert Sleepout requires a minimum 3-night stay, is available from September – May (June-Aug have very low night temperatures) and needs to be pre-booked at reservations level.

Desert Sleepout Credit: Wolwedans

Desert Sleepout Credit: Wolwedans

Desert Sleepout Credit: Wolwedans

Desert Sleepout Credit: Wolwedans

Desert Sleepout Credit: Wolwedans

Desert Sleepout Credit: Wolwedans

For fitness enthusiasts, an exhilarating E-Bike adventure awaits, led by our friendly and knowledgeable guides. This experience takes you deep into the dunes and across the expansive plains of the desert, providing a unique perspective that’s typically only accessible by 4x4 vehicles.

Whatever your level, our E-Bike guides ensure you get the most out of this high-energy excursion, blending fitness with exploration for an unforgettable desert adventure.

Morning or Evening Ride (Included)
Duration 1.5-2 hours
Pedal through the shifting sands and have the opportunity to connect with the desert's beauty. Morning rides can be combined with a Village Tour with a lunch or end back in camp where you dip into your private chiller. Evening rides end with sundowners in the dunes.

Full Day Ride (Extra cost)
Duration 4-6 hours
Experienced riders are invited to take part on a full day of riding across the dunes. Along the journey, pause for a picnic in a secluded spot. The excitement of conquering the challenging landscape on two wheels, is matched only by the breathtaking views you'll encounter along the way. This is better suited to our cooler winter months (June – August)

Biking through the dunes Credit: Wolwedans

Biking through the dunes Credit: Wolwedans

Fat biking in the desert Credit: Wolwedans

Fat biking in the desert Credit: Wolwedans

Biking through the dunes Credit: Wolwedans

Biking safari Credit: Wolwedans

Fat biking in the desert Credit: Wolwedans

Biking through the dunes Credit: Wolwedans

Biking through the dunes Credit: Wolwedans

For riders of all kinds, a range of riding experiences is available. Depending on the rider's experience level, the rides can include a mix of galloping, trotting, or walking through the dunes and expansive plains. Whether seasoned or new to horseback riding, these guided rides are designed to suit individual abilities while offering an unforgettable journey through the terrain.

Morning Ride
Duration 2 hours
Set off on a morning horseback ride through the desert, departing from the village and ideal for young adventurers. This gentle ride offers a unique way to explore the landscape and is the perfect precursor to a relaxing lunch in the village garden.

Sunset Ride
Duration 2-3 hours
Take a leisurely 2.5-hour horseback ride through the desert at sunset, exploring the vast landscape as the colors of the sky shift with the fading light. Along the way, stop for sundowners, enjoying a refreshing drink while soaking in the untamed beauty of the desert.

Full Day Ride
Duration 6 hours
Experienced riders seeking a deeper connection with nature may opt for a full-day horseback ride through the desert landscape. From the horseback vantage point, you'll experience the enduring beauty of the desert. Along the journey, pause for a picnic in a secluded spot.

Riding through open plains Credit: Wolwedans

Saddle up Credit: Wolwedans

Horse riding Credit: Wolwedans

Horse handler Credit: Wolwedans

Sundowners in the dunes Credit: Wolwedans

Watch the light fade over the desert Credit: Wolwedans

Riding through open plains Credit: Wolwedans

All levels and abilities welcome Credit: Wolwedans

We invite you to contribute to the Wolwedans Foundation through leaving your mark in the desert. The full amount collected goes to the Wolwedans Foundation and each adoption supports a different project being run by the Foundation.

Adopt & Plant a Tree:
Contribute to the restoration of the local ecosystem and help combat desertification by planting a tree in this vital conservation effort. Proceeds go into the Wolwedans Horticulture Project. The tree planting takes about 15 minutes. Your tree has your name on a plaque and we hope you visit us again to see how it has grown.

Adopt a Fairy Circle:
Help preserve one of Namibia's most intriguing natural phenomena by adopting a fairy circle. This project supports the conservation arm of the NamibRand Nature Reserve.

Adopt a SiloTile:
A new initiative with the addition of the silo bar at Dune Camp. Each tile on the silo contributes to our trash to treasure project. All proceeds go towards the waste & recycling plant in Maltahohe, which is part of Rural Revive. Waste is something each of us contribute to on a daily basis, yet few of us think about the impact. In a pristine environment like the NamibRand, creative waste management is a top priority.

Plant a tree Credit: Wolwedans

Plant a tree Credit: Wolwedans

Fairy circles Credit: Wolwedans

The Wolwedans Village is our base camp of operations. Meet the team and learn about the community-driven initiatives, including the sustainability projects that make Wolwedans a renowned leader in sustainable tourism. This tour offers a thought-provoking look into the way of life at Wolwedans, and an insight into the Wolwedans Foundation's AridEden mission.

The AridEden Project, encapsulating the Wolwedans Vision 2030 and beyond, is a strategy that integrates our 5Cs sustainability commitment (Commerce, Conservation, Community, Culture, Consciousness). This approach balances people, planet, and profit, with a focus on empowering our team, fostering well-being, and driving consciousness about sustainable solutions.

Village Introduction:
A 1-hour Wolwedans Backstage tour ending in the garden.

Village Immersion:
A 2-3 hour more in-depth experience concludes with lunch in the gardens.

Family Treasure Hunt:
A 1-hour fun and interactive way to explore the behind-the-scenes of a desert camp. Kids might search for a carrot in the garden, or crush a can in the recycling zone - learning while playing.

Learn about conservation at Wolwedans Credit: Wolwedans

From Garden to table Credit: Wolwedans

Garden lunch Credit: Wolwedans

Meet the chickens Credit: Wolwedans

Explore the gardens Credit: Wolwedans

Garden to table Credit: Wolwedans

Explore the gardens Credit: Wolwedans

Ice cold drinks in the gardens Credit: Wolwedans

Learn about conservation at Wolwedans Credit: Wolwedans

Garden lunch Credit: Wolwedans

Garden lunch Credit: Wolwedans

Learn about conservation at Wolwedans Credit: Wolwedans

Meet the team Credit: Wolwedans

Learn more about backstage Wolwedans Credit: Wolwedans

Meet the team Credit: Wolwedans

Meet the team Credit: Wolwedans

Learn about conservation at Wolwedans Credit: Wolwedans

Garden lunch Credit: Wolwedans

From Garden to table Credit: Wolwedans

From Garden to table Credit: Wolwedans

Meet the team Credit: Wolwedans

From Garden to table Credit: Wolwedans

From Garden to table Credit: Wolwedans

From Garden to table Credit: Wolwedans

From Garden to table Credit: Wolwedans

Garden lunch Credit: Wolwedans

Visit the stables Credit: Wolwedans

Visit the stables Credit: Wolwedans

Visit the stables Credit: Wolwedans

Meet the team Credit: Wolwedans

Learn about conservation at Wolwedans Credit: Wolwedans

Join an immersive Bushman walk, guided by an experienced Bushman, as you traverse the Namib sand dunes.

This excursion offers a unique opportunity to explore the desert landscape on foot and delve into its intricate details. As you journey through the dunes, you'll interpret the "morning newspaper" left by small critters overnight, gaining insights into their nocturnal activities. You'll also track the fascinating toktokkie beetle, a remarkable creature vital to the ecosystem, and might even be lucky enough to spot the Dancing White Lady spider as it darts across the sand.

This walk provides a fresh perspective on the natural world, shifting from passive observation to active participation. It highlights the tiny, yet significant, life forms often overlooked from the comfort of a vehicle.

It’s possible to combine your bushman walk with the Heart and Home village tour and lunch in the gardens.

"The Bushmen read the desert like a book, every track a story, every breeze a whisper of life."

Duration: 2-3 hours

Meet the smaller desert dwellers Credit: Wolwedans

Bushman walk Credit: Wolwedans

Discover desert details Credit: Wolwedans

Bushman walk Credit: Wolwedans

Discover desert details Credit: Wolwedans

Bushman walk Credit: Wolwedans

Discover desert details Credit: Wolwedans

Bushman walk Credit: Wolwedans

Bushman walk Credit: Wolwedans

Bushman walk Credit: Wolwedans

Meet the smaller desert dwellers Credit: Wolwedans

Disconnect to Reconnect, this signature Wolwedans experience includes 30–45 minutes in peaceful silence. For those seeking a moment of personal reflection in the quiet, we offer the opportunity to leave your phone behind and sit in solitude in a remote spot within the dunes, fully embracing the stillness and beauty of the desert.

Recognized by Quiet Parks International, Wolwedans has an exceptionally quiet environment, where only sounds of nature abound. Quiet Parks International is an organization that works to protect natural quiet spaces, helping to preserve the few places in the world where the peace of nature is still intact, free from man-made noise.

As a recognized quiet place, this rare access to silence, allows you to tune into the subtle sounds of nature, experiencing a profound sense of quiet in mind, body, and soul.
For those wishing to connect with the ancient landscape on a deeper level, this experience can be arranged during a sunrise or sundowner drive.

"Silence is not the absence of something but the presence of everything." – Gordon Hempton, acoustic ecologist.

Duration: 30-45 minutes

Be transformed by the desert's timeless qualities Credit: Wolwedans

Absorb the peace of the desert Credit: Wolwedans

Solitude in an ancient place Credit: Wolwedans

Leave everything behind Credit: Wolwedans

The soft sounds of the natural world Credit: Wolwedans

Feel yourself again Credit: Wolwedans

Be restored by the vast sands Credit: Wolwedans

Opt for a sunrise or sunset drive with coffee or sundowners in the dunes, or immerse yourself in the vast desert landscape with full-day or half-day options.

Sunrise Drive
Duration: 1.5 hours
Before breakfast start your day with a sunrise drive across the dunes. Savor a hot cup of coffee or tea with home-baked rusks and biscuits as you take in the raw beauty of the landscape. After the sunrise, return to camp or combine with Dune Breakfast.

Morning or Afternoon Drive
Duration: 2-3 hours
Morning Drive: Head out after breakfast and return to camp for lunch. Combines well with an in-room massage.
Afternoon Drive: Head out after afternoon tea to watch the shadows growing over the landscape, ending with sundowners.

Sundowner Drive
Duration: 1.5 hours
A shorter a drive to a prime sundowner spot. Spot oryx and other wildlife preparing for nightfall, set against the stunning Namibian sky, before enjoying a perfectly prepared G&T as you watch the sun dip below the dramatic desert expanse.

Full-Day Drive
Duration: 6 hours
This signature Wolwedans experience promises to be an immersive exploration of the region's most remote and awe-inspiring corners. Enjoy a picnic lunch at our own ‘Hard Rock Café’, an unforgettable setting in the shade of towering boulders.

Traverse diverse landscapes Credit: Wolwedans

Activity vehicle Credit: Wolwedans

Birding Credit: Wolwedans

Explore the dunes at dusk Credit: Wolwedans

Explore on foot Credit: Wolwedans

Learn about desert dwellers big and small Credit: Wolwedans

Happy passenger Credit: Wolwedans

Enjoy the sunset in the middle of the desert Credit: Wolwedans

Activity vehicle Credit: Wolwedans

Learn about desert dwellers big and small Credit: Wolwedans

Panoramic views Credit: Wolwedans

Early morning drives with coffee in the dunes Credit: Wolwedans