19 day Namibia & Botswana Self-Drive

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 see 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 preferto 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 awaits 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 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.
And ‚Stars of the Namib‘ with five stages of riding and two overnight stays (Desert Homestead 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 day, while enjoying some lunch and down time 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 exiting ride.
Beginners are just as welcome to join on this adventure as more experienced riders.

Guided hike from Lodge to Lodge in the Sossusvlei region.
For experienced hikers.
Only bookable in combination with two overnight stays at Desert Homestead Lodge / Desert Homestead Outpost.
Before sunrise, the hike will start after an early-bird-breakfast. The first leg consists of crossing the local landmark mountain. We will follow a canyon to the mountain saddle. Light climbing will be necessary here. After one to one and a half hours, the saddle will be reached just as the sun comes up.
Enjoy a first rest with breakfast while watching the sun rise over the red Namib dunes covering the horizon. On the other side of the mountain, the trail follows a dry river course. Sand-filled washouts and smoothened granite rocks bear witness of the amounts of water that must have plunged down here during the rainy season for millions of years shaping this impressive landscape. The vast savannah at the bottom offers some grass for feeding oryx and springboks, zebras and ostriches. With lots of luck, cheetahs or even a leopard are possibly spotted. We will follow a tributary of the Tsauchab river with camel thorn trees scattered on its banks. This is where wild animals enjoy the shade for cooling down in the heat of the midday sun.
After approx. 2 hours, we reach the bottom of the next mountain.
We will rest on an elevation on the bottom of the mountain in the red hot Namib sand stirred up from the dunes. By then, the mid-day heat has come, and the road travelled will shimmer in the sun.
The panorama of the surrounding mountains and the colours of the sand dunes piled up on the horizon are simply thrilling. Our trail snakes up an old path used by mountain zebras leading up to the ridge. Up there, the view is magnificent. With a little luck, mountain zebras may even be spotted.
We will follow a mountain trail to a canyon. After the descent,
the Desert Homestead Outpost will be reached, where warm cordiality and cool refreshments are waiting for us. We should arrive at the lodge about noon. You can occupy your room and spend the afternoon with all amenities the lodge has to offer. It is part of the service for us to transport the car with luggage from the Desert Homestead Lodge to the Outpost so that you will find your luggage in your room.

Duration of the hike: 4 - 6 hours (approximately 12 km).

ALTERNATIVE
Drive back to Desert Homestead Lodge to spend the night there.
SERVICES INCLUDED
Guided hike, water and breakfast-pack during the hike, small lunch after arriving at Desert Homestead Outpost. Min. number of participants 2, max. 8 people. Transfer of car with luggage for overnight stay at Desert Homestead Outpost.
Alternative: Transfer of car and return trip for spending the night at
Desert Homestead Lodge.
RATES: See rates information of Desert Homestead Lodge, children under 12 years free, only accompanied by a responsible adult.

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, less 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 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, 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
• Opportunity to come face to face with the pro-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 a 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

Welcome to the Mushara Collection – privately owned luxury accommodation on the doorstep of the famous Etosha National Park in Northern Namibia.

Etosha National Park, proclaimed in 1907, is one of Southern Africa’s finest and most important game reserves. The park covers an area of 22,270 km² and is home to dozens of mammal and reptile species, several amphibian species, more than 300 bird species.

The Mushara Collection offers guided game drives into the Etosha National Park with experienced guides.

Get unbelievably up close and personal with a group of habituated meerkats.

During the dry season, quad bike across Ntwetwe and the lunar expanse of the Makgadikgadi Pans.

Experience the spectacular migration of zebra and wildebeest.

Do the baobab bushwalk and learn all about the largest succulents on earth.

Tour the local village and learn about Batswana culture.

Join an expedition to Nxai Pan where you will experience great game viewing and Baines Baobabs.