Read 13 traveller reviews of Sinclair Guest Farm

Sinclair Guest Farm is situated about 59km northwest of the small town of Helmeringhausen, in the very scenic south-western part of Namibia. The farm is owned by third generation Namibians, Günther and Hannelore Hoffmann and the guest accommodation is run by their son in-law, Peter, with the help of his wife.

Sinclair is a working sheep farm, although recent droughts have left it increasingly reliant on guests for a steady income. Despite often being busy with daily farm chores on our last visit, we found that the hosts were usually around if we had any queries showing that they balanced the farm duties well with running guest lodging.

Sinclair Guest Farm is encircled by an attractive garden of palms and fruit trees making it a restful oasis in the surrounding desert landscape. There are various shady verandas with views out over the gardens and offering a cool location to relax and unwind after a long day's drive.

There are six rooms at the guest farm, each with an en-suite bathroom. The rooms are all very simple in style and although the décor is a little outdated, they are comfortable, clean and functional. Furnishings include twin beds or a double bed, a dressing table with mirror, chairs and a free standing wardrobe all made out of dark polished wood. White walls and light coloured lined help give the room a bright and spacious feel. The en-suite bathrooms are fairly small in size, each with a flush toilet, shower and basin and enough room for one person to use these easily. The towels provided were a little worn on our last visit and the water did take a while to heat up.

There are no fans or air-conditioners but concrete walls and the surrounding lush gardens help to keep the buildings at Sinclair cool in summer. We did find the rooms a little cold during the winter months though (mid-June to August). Peter mentioned to us that the guest accommodation was due a bit of a renovation but we don't know when this is planned for.

Sinclair Guest Farm's main building and the family home includes the guest dining room. Tasty home-cooked meals are served here around a communal table. One or more of the hosts usually join guests during meal times regaling them with fascinating stories of farm life in Namibia. There is also a small bar in a snug room complete with an open log fire – a very cosy spot for pre- and post dinner drinks!

Activities available at Sinclair Guest Farm include a walk up the nearby hill to watch what is usually a lovely sunset, a drive or walk around the farm, and a stroll to an old copper mine.

In conclusion…. the restful environment at Sinclair Guest Farm makes it an ideal stop-over when travelling between Lüderitz or Fish River Canyon and the Namib Desert. It's great value accommodation surrounded by scenic landscapes. And any visitors interested in geology will find the nearby copper mine fascinating.

Lodge overview

Lodge type: Safari

No. of bedrooms: 6 rooms

Season: Open Year Round

Ideal length of stay: One night – Sinclair Guest Farm makes an ideal stop over when travelling from Lüderitz or Fish River Canyon to the Namib Desert.

Geographics

Location: Southern Namibia, Namibia

Directions: Sinclair Guest Farm is situated on the D407 (C27), about 59km northwest of the town Helmeringhausen. The farm is clearly signposted and about 3km from the main road.

Accessible by: Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer

Key personnel

Owner: Günther and Hannelore Hoffmann

Staff: Camp/Lodge Manager: Peter

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Half Board

Food quality: Wholesome farm style meals are cooked and served at Sinclair Guest Farm, often with a Germanic menu theme. Home made cheeses and preserves are often used and compliment the fresh ingredients. A nourishing breakfast is included in the accommodation cost and usually consists of freshly baked bread served with home made butter, jam and cheese. In addition to this there is often a selection of cold meats for a continental style breakfast or a hot offering of cooked eggs. This can all be washed down with a cup of coffee, tea or juice. Lunches aren't included in the price as guests usually stay at Sinclair Guest Farm for one night, moving on to their next destination by mid morning. However, it is possible to order a light lunch if required. Dinner is included in the accommodation price and is usually a set menu offering meat sourced on the farm and home-grown vegetables. On our last visit we enjoyed a mozzarella and tomato salad with fresh baked bread for starters and a choice of chicken or gemsbok steak served with mushrooms, rice and vegetables for the main dish. Our meal was accompanied by very good wine.

Dining style: Group Meals

Dining locations: Indoor Dining

Room service: No

Drinks included: No drinks are included in the accommodation price. Sinclair Guest Farm has a small bar which offers a small selection of beverages, which can be bought and paid for locally.

Children

Attitude towards children: Children of all ages are welcome at Sinclair Guest Farm.

Generally recommended for children: Not only is the guest farm child friendly but children will probably really enjoy the farm drive activities available at Sinclair.

Central communications

Power supply: Solar Power

Communications: There are no phone, internet or fax facilities available to guests. There is also no cell phone reception on the farm.

Health & safety

Malarial area: No

Medical care: The closest doctor is in the towns of Keetmanshoop or Lüderitz.

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible

Laundry facilities: A laundry service is available at an extra charge. However, use of this is only really possible when spending more than one night at Sinclair Guest Farm.

Money: Foreign currency is accepted at the guest farm. As there are no credit card facilities any payment can only be made in cash.

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