Reviews of Desert Homestead
Wildlife sightings and reviews
105 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Desert Homestead and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Desert Homestead review"
On morning of visit to dunes light breakfast available on site and packed lunch (very good - substantial but healthy too) provided for later on.
Evening meal very good too." See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia
"Desert Homestead review"
One thing to note is that there are no electric sockets in the room . Although there were plenty of plug sockets up in the main lodge for people to charge cameras and phones, you couldn't really go up there to dry your hair!
Didn't take part in any of the activities there." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia
"A very green desert"
We decided to book a 4WD trip to Sossusvlei instead of taking our 2WD car as far as we could and then taking the 4WD bus for the last bit. The trip was expensive, but worth it as we saw parts of the dunes and canyon we never would have found on our own. There had been a lot of rain earlier in the year, so some of the first dunes in the park were disappointingly green. However, they got more red the closer you got to Sossusvlei so the photo opportunites got better as the day went on. Our guide was first class, giving us details of the local floara and fauna as well as drawing a great diagram on a sand dune to explain their formation." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 6n in South Africa
"Desert Homestead review"
The cabins have nice views across the plains, but paths to the restaurant are poorly lit in places and it would be easy to trip over steps. Lighting is a major issue - by 7.30, dinner was over and the cavernous, gloomy, freezing dining room/lounge was deserted except for a few staff, but the poor lighting made in impossible to read there or in the cabins. The cabin doors and windows need better fastenings (they rattled and banged all night in the wind and kept us awake), and hot water bottles would be nice!
Horse riding is on offer, but we were unable to try it because of the weather." See all these reviews: 21n in Namibia
"Beautifully isolated magnificent backdrop"
The lodge building had a very relaxed atmosphere and great views. It was here that batteries were charged in more ways than one.
35/40 min drive to the Naukluft Park and the dunes. Sunrise is worth the early start ( packed breakfast) although you are at the mercy, time-wise, of the staff opening the gate. The dune ladscape is surreal. You can walk up Dune 45 early morning, any later in the sun...little chance" See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Desert Homestead review"
"Desert Homestead review"
"Desert Homestead review"
We did not do the activities via the hotel as easy enough to do ourselves.
We really loved this place." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia
"Desert Homestead review"
"Desert Homestead review"
The rooms are lovely, each room being a building in its own right with lovely views across the countryside.
Our meal on the first night was fantastic. Lunch is available for an extra charge. We did not have breakfast as we were on early excursions (including breakfast) both days. The staff put on a singing performance after dinner each evening
We took the Homestead's guided excursion to Sossusvlei/Sesriem. I'd noted the comments by an ealier Expert Africa reviewer about issues with other participants on their group tour. We also booked a group tour and it soon became clear why this can be problem. The other participants on our tour were primarily interested in climbing Big Daddy and became very annoyed any time the guide stopped and tried to provide us with information about the area or the chance to take a photograph - to the point where they even offered to take our photos for us out the window of the vehicle, so we wouldn't hold them up by getting out of the car! We felt that they wanted chaffuer rather than a guide. This seriously diminished our enjoyment of the trip.
We did not enquire about the cost of a private tour, nor were we offered one, but I'd seriously recommend that any future visitors look into this. Our guide on the trip was fantastic and we are only sorry that he was not allowed to do this job properly for the first part of the trip.
We also took a balloon ride over the desert. The operator does not pick up at this location; however, the early drive to the pick up point at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge was fine and in the direction of our route for the day. Homestead forgot to give us our wake up call, but as we had our own alarm this wasn't a problem. The balloon ride is absolutely fantastic and we can't recommend it highly enough. It is extremely well organised and the breakfast at the end was fantastic.
I'd highly recommend the Desert Homestead for a stay in the Sossusvlei/Sesriem area." See all these reviews: 8n in Namibia
Holiday styles & special interests in Namibia
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Namibia.
Other lodges in Namib-Naukluft National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Kulala Desert Lodge
The comfortable Kulala Desert Lodge offers fantastic views of the Namib and a private gate to the Namib-Naukluft Park - a bonus on guided excursions.
Hoodia Desert Lodge
The owner-run Hoodia Desert Lodge offers a high standard of accommodation, delicious food and excellent service in a stunning, peaceful setting just 22km from Sesriem.
BullsPort Lodge & Farm
A traditional Namibian farm, BullsPort offers warm hospitality and a genuine rural experience, with excellent hiking and horseriding.
Sossus Dune Lodge
One of only two properties inside the Namib Naukluft Park, Sossus Dune Lodge has a superb location, for visiting the dunes.
Zebra River Lodge
Zebra River Lodge offers a range of hikes around the Tsaris Mountains from a comfortable and homely base.
Little Kulala
A high-end lodge with spectacular views, Little Kulala, makes a great base for visits to Sossusvlei or a balloon ride over the Desert.
Rostock Ritz
The igloo-style chalets at Rostock Ritz offer exceptional desert views and make a convenient stopover between Swakopmund & Sossusvlei.
Barkhan Dune Retreat
Barkhan Dune Retreat is a welcoming lodge close to the impressive Spreetshoogte Pass, majors on hiking and relaxation.
Sossusvlei Lodge
Sossusvlei Lodge is one of the larger options in this area. However, it occupies a convenient location next to the Sesriem gate into the Namib-Naukluft Park.
Namib Outpost
About 30km from the gate to Sossusveli, Namib Outpost is a great base for exploring the dunes and surrounding attractions.
Dead Valley Lodge
Dead Valley Lodge is inside the Namib-Naukluft National Park, affording guests almost unprecedented access to the dunes.
Desert Camp
Desert Camp is an economical option for independent travellers who want to self-cater, and is well situated for access to Sossusvlei.
Desert Quiver Camp
Desert Quiver Camp is an economical option self-catering, well located for access to Sossusvlei.
Corona Guest Farm
In central Namibia, north-east of the Namib-Naukluft, Corona Guest Farm offers a traditional farm stay and rugged hiking.
Elegant Desert Lodge
Elegant Desert Lodge can be used as a base to visit Sossusvlei. It offers comfortable accommodation and facilities in the desert.
Namib Naukluft Lodge
Namib Naukluft Lodge offers clean, comfortable rooms with pretty views, although it's 60km from the Sesriem Gate into the Namib-Naukluft Park.
Sonop
Away from the hustle and bustle of the area immediately surrounding Sossussvlei, Sonop offers a luxurious stay in a remote part of the Namib Desert.
Namib Desert Lodge
Namib Desert Lodge is a good budget option in the Namib-Naukluft although, it is further from Sossusvlei than we'd typically suggest.
Le Mirage Lodge
Le Mirage Resort and Spa offers accommodation and a range of massage and beauty treatments in a Moroccan-style building in the desert.
Solitaire Country Lodge
Solitaire Country Lodge is a good stop-off on the way to Sossusvlei and can be used as a base to explore the Naukluft Mountains.
Desert Hills Camp
Conveniently located for the renowned dunes of Sossusvlei Desert Hills Glamping Camp offers a simple but comfortable tents in picturesque surroundings.
Desert Grace
A stylish offering giving access to the famous dunes in the Namib-Naukluft National Park as well as to activities on a private nature reserve.
Camp Sossus
Camp Sossus is a offers top notch guiding in a remote wilderness area of the Naukluft Mountains with easy access to the famous dunes of Sossusvlei.
The Nest
Designed to emulate the appearance of a sociable weaver nest the opulent Nest at Sossus is arguably the most exclusive private property in the Sossuvlei area.
