Desert Homestead: Our full report

Just over 30km from Sesriem, Desert Homestead offers affordable accommodation in a lovely valley setting, with panoramic views of the Naukluft Mountains and rocky desert landscape. One of the better-value lodges in the area, it is both comfortable and unpretentious.

The lodge is made up of a long row of 20 large, thatched chalets connected by sandy pathways. Tastefully decorated in natural tones with low-level lighting, the chalets all have their own veranda overlooking the wide open plains. Behind the wall at the back of the bed is the bathroom. (Read more about a chalet at Desert Homestead...)

When it's cold, candle-lit dinners are served in the romantic indoor dining room, warmed by a fire; in balmy weather meals are eaten on the wide veranda with lanterns under the stars. The food at Desert Homestead has a home-cooked feel, and the menu is varied and appealing with three courses offered every evening.

The main lounge offers views of the surrounding desert through large glass windows and from the adjacent veranda. With comfortable sofas and colourful, overstuffed scatter cushions, it's a good place to relax, or there's a row of bar stools lining the rustic wooden bar. Tea and coffee are on offer all day, with homemade cakes available in the afternoon.

Below the lounge and veranda area is a small and sparkling pool, sheltered behind rocky outcrops and surrounded by sunloungers. Come here to relax and cool off at the end of a hot day, while taking in the views.

The Desert Homestead offers a range of activities, with a particular focus on horseriding. The sunrise horseriding trip was great fun, even for a novice rider, with beautiful scenery and an informative guide. If horses are not your thing, there are also sundowner drives, guided walks and excursions to Sossusvlei and the Naukluft Mountains. Desert Homestead can also book ballooning and scenic flights, as well as quadbiking.

Our View

If you are looking for a good-value, comfortable lodge from which to explore Sossusvlei, and don't mind being slightly further from Sesriem than other lodges, look no further than the friendly Desert Homestead.

Geographics

Location: Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia

Ideal length of stay: 2–3 nights

Key personnel

Owner: Lodge management company

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Half Board

Food quality: When we last visited the food was delicious and well presented, focusing on a variety of game meats with sauces cooked in a homely style. For dessert, chocolate mousse is a particular favourite. Breakfast is a choice of healthy muesli and yoghurt or a full English breakfast.

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Drinks included: Not included; to be paid for locally.

Special interests

Riding: Desert Homestead offers a range of horseriding activities. These range from sunrise or sunset horserides of one to two hours, to sleep-outs lasting from one to five nights. These longer horseriding trips offer accommodation in luxury tents with all your food cooked for you.

See more ideas for Riding in Namibia

Children

Attitude towards children: Children of all ages are welcome.

Equipment: None

Generally recommended for children: Yes

Notes: Children must be supervised by their parents at all times.

Central communications

Power supply: Generator

Communications: There is a central phone in the main area which guests can use and pay for locally. There is mobile reception at the lodge.

TV & radio: Yes

Health & safety

Malarial area: No

Medical care: The nearest doctor is Windhoek or Swakopmund. In emergency cases patients would be flown to Windhoek.

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

Security measures: Not necessary

Fire safety: There is a fire extinguisher in each chalet.

Extras

Disabled access: On Request

Laundry facilities: At an extra charge

Money: Currency exchange is available.