Hotel Helmeringhausen: Our full report

Hotel Helmeringhausen lies in the small town of Helmeringhausen in southern Namibia. It is an eccentric little hotel which forms part of the 100km2 Farm Helmeringhausen. Founded during the German colonial era as a farm this land became famous for breeding Karakul sheep.

Helmeringhausen is a tiny town made up of the hotel and a small store selling basic provisions and fuel. There is a little agricultural museum by the hotel set up by the local farmer's institution and displaying past and present farming machinery used in the area. Entry to the museum is free of charge.

None of the Expert Africa team have visited Hotel Helmeringhausen itself yet, but here is what we know about it:

Hotel Helmeringhausen has 22 en-suite rooms. Each is basic and fairly sparsely decorated but clean and comfortable. Furnishings include twin beds covered in fresh white linen, mosquito nets and a tea/coffee station. Towels are also provided.

Hotel Helmeringhausen has a restaurant where 3-course meals are served and a social bar with satellite television. At the back of the hotel there is a small swimming pool with a few tables and chairs set around a barbeque area. The hotel also has a cosy lounge with comfortable sofas, a fireplace and a piano. Given its remote location, expect to meet a mixture of independent travellers and local farmers when visiting the bar for a drink!

To the front of Helmeringhausen Hotel is a lush garden with tables and chairs where visitors can relax. Tea/coffee, cakes, cold drinks and light lunches are served throughout the day and can be enjoyed here. Passer-by's could also stop for a refreshing drink.

Farm drives and hiking trails can be arranged on request but as most travellers just use the hotel for an overnight stop these activities are not regular. Hotel Helmeringhausen would make an economic, if slightly unusual, stop-over when travelling between Fish River Canyon or Lüderitz and Sossusvlei.

Geographics

Location: Southern Namibia, Namibia

Ideal length of stay: Best visited on a one night stopover only.

Directions: Helmeringhausen Hotel is situated in the tiny town of Helmeringhausen.

Food & drink

Usual board basis: B&B

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor Dining

Children

Attitude towards children: Children of all ages are welcome.

Central communications

Power supply: Mains Electricity

Health & safety

Malarial area: No

Dangerous animals: Low Risk