Reviews of Desert Homestead
(91%) From 53 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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Desert Homestead review
The most friendly staff we came across with wonderful nightly singing. Tha accommodation was fine and they are not blamed for the cold winds!
Read more about the whole safariExcellent sunset ride.
Very convenient for Sossusvlei. Enjoyed the sunset horseback ride very much. Friendly and helpful staff.
Read more about the whole safariDesert Homestead review
This place was lovely. Loved the location and the view from the hill that you can climb just next to the homestead is outstanding. I thought this was the most well designed chalet, with the bed looking out at the view and the bathroom spacious and well designed to fit into the lodge so it flowed into the room.
Liked the little extras like the shampoo and conditioner etc. Nice eating area and pool area (although the pool could have done with a clean).
My only negative comment about this place is it is a bit too over welcoming on arrival with all the questions as to what our plans were for the next day. The guy seemed like a persistent salesman who why slyly trying to get us onto one of his trips without us realising it. They should just give people a run down of the trips they offer and how much they cost, perhaps in a pack on arrival. Then you can mull over it and speak later if there is anything of interest to you. It's a bit full on to have someone meet you at you car as soon as you pull up hot and bothered from a long drive. At that stage you just want a cool drink and the key to your room for a rest.
Food was nice, but we did get a very minor stomach bug after staying here.
Amazing place and setting
Desert Homestead is a luxurious lodge but with an environmental ethos. The individual chalets were quite extraordinary for the detail, comfort, style and views.
The communal facilities and food were similarly luxurious and sophisticated. The staff were excellent and we felt we got First Class treatment in the middle of the desert!
We went for a short walk behind the lodge site which was worthwhile for the views. We also went on a morning excursion to Sossusvlei (with another couple at the Lodge) which seemed to be the standard package on offer. Although we enjoyed our visit, we would have liked something more tailored to our interests and focus. Instead, we felt we were only offered what everyone else was doing at exactly the same time - arrival at 6.30 for opening, climbing Vlei 42 (although we did manage to avoid this and instead climb Dead Vlei), a very quick drive through the dunes and a great deal a time spent eating an extravagant brunch (Including sparkling wine which none of us wanted). We would have preferred less time on eating and more time exploring the dunes!
Is it possible to have a more flexible option for those who want it?
Expert Africa comments
Andrew and Melissa, the owners of Desert Homestead, replied that they are sorry the trip to the dunes at Sossusvlei did not meet the expectations of these travellers. They explained that on their group tour to the dunes everyone leaves together, as early as possible, to be at the Sesriem gate when it opens. This means that visitors are then able to watch sunrise over the dunes, offering the best possible light and temperature. Later in the morning the light goes flat and it can become unpleasantly hot, which is when they stop for brunch. Depending on the number of guests on the vehicle and what the general consensus is, the guide is generally at the guests’ disposal. Andrew and Melissa suggest that if guests want to have activities specifically tailored to their individual interests and it is probably best that they book a private guide and vehicle for the day.
Desert Homestead review
Good location. Rooms lacked free power point and fridge. Food was extremely ordinary verging towards poor. Personally i thought kitchen lacked supervision.
Read more about the whole safaridesert homestead
sister to grootberg lodge and similar experience - this was a bit more polished, but also slightly less charming - if you do not ride , then you get less attention from management. villa very good and communal areas and food excellent.
received good advice on making our own trip .
two lovely dogs.
Great views of desert landscape
Although some of the staff were rather indifferent, the service on the whole here was good and the rooms were very comfortable. Didn't have time to go on any of the outings but did enjoy the swimming pool in the very hot weather.
Read more about the whole safariLovely setting at Desert Homestead
We loved this place. The staff were fantastic and in particular Colin the manager was exceptionly helpful and had a great sense of humour. This place is very relaxing and in a beautiful setting.
The only one downside to the accomodation was that there were no powerpoints in our chalet/hut. (How can a girl do her hair?) Not the end of the world though and we would certainly go back again.
easy location
Only able to spend 1 night here as I realised that I needed medical attention in Swakomund for what turned out to be a broken wrist
Read more about the whole safari
We have always believed that acting responsibly is the only way to approach tourism and we're one of
the few companies to hold AITO's original coveted 5-star status for responsible tourism. It's a lead
that others are now following.
