About Eagle's Nest
Super-remote stone cabins built into mountain rock where you can fully immerse yourself in the vastness of the Namibian desert. .
Welcome to Eagle’s Nest: a series of starkly spectacular stone cabins dotted across the Klein-Aus Vista reserve. Where else but one of the most off-the-grid lodges in Namibia can you check into a cabin, built into a mountain rockface, with a bombastic name like “The Wall”, “The Rock” or “The Boulder”?
These cabins are so remote, it’s possible you’ll have only baboons and ostrich for company –and you’ll have to squint to see them if you’re blissing out on the chalet’s private wooden terrace, with mile after mile of landscape to survey while drinking a cold Windhoek beer from the honesty fridge.
Every effort has been made to use only natural materials. The cabins have squashy leather sofas, uneven stone floors and fat fireplaces; even the wine racks (stocking local wines, naturally) are carved out of tree roots. If you want to pull the plug on modern life in top-notch surroundings, Eagle’s Nest is the place for you.
Meals in the main Desert Horse Inn are meaty and cathedral-like in proportions – but for the real desert experience, order a braai pack, rustle up your dinner on the chalet barbecue, then sit back and take in the grandeur of the Namibian stars.
Our view
Klein-Aus Vista's Eagle's Nest offers some stunning scenery, really great walking and original, well-designed chalets. The breakfast and braai packs make meals very easy and are a real hit with most of our travellers – who find self-catering here quite a fun part of their visit. We highly recommend this quirky little place.
Accommodation
9 chalets
Children
Best for 8+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Horse-riding
Mountain biking
Private activities
Self-guided walking
Traveller reviews of Eagle's Nest
89 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 13 Nov 2024, 2 nights
"Eagle's Nest review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 11 Sep 2024, 2 nights
"Great place for two night stopover"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 5 Sep 2024, 1 nights
"Eagle's Nest review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 13 Jul 2024, 1 nights
"Eagle's Nest review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 21 Apr 2024, 2 nights
"Eagle's Nest review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 29 Nov 2023, 2 nights
"Eagle's Nest review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 19 Dec 2022, 2 nights
"Eagle's Nest review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 7 Nov 2022, 3 nights
"Eagle's Nest review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 11 Oct 2022, 2 nights
"Eagle's Nest review"
Overall rating: Average
Arrived 17 Aug 2022, 1 nights
"Eagle's Nest review"
Overall rating: Excellent


















Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 27 pictures of Eagle's Nest to get the candid view.
View galleryEagle's Nest: Our full report
Rustic and remote, Eagle's Nest stands on the Klein-Aus Vista reserve, 2km west of the small town of Aus ...
... in the semi-desert of southern Namibia. The reserve encompasses both rugged mountains and the plains of the Namib: very stark, but very scenic.
Eagle’s Nest shares the Klein-Aus Vista reserve with three other accommodation options, notably including Desert Horse Inn. This is where the main reception, lounge and restaurant are based, whereas Eagle's Nest is 7km away: a small group of nine chalets spread out over a boulder-strewn hillside.
Each of these is individual, but all feature fun, original designs with fairly rustic fittings, and their own verandas and braai (BBQ) facilities. They are constructed of stone, with stone floors, though some also incorporate boulders, and may even be built into the rock walls. Some of the chalets have open fires which is a welcome feature in the colder winter months (Jul-Oct) The hand-made wooden furniture, decorated with earthy designs and colours, includes a wardrobe, a luggage rack at the foot of the beds and bedside tables (complete with lamps). Small en-suite bathrooms with brick and tile interiors come with a flush toilet, washbasin and shower.
Although all the chalets are unique, three stand out for special mention:
- The Boulder is made up of two interlinked chalets, so is ideal for a family or friends traveling together; the chalets are not generally sold separately. Each has its own private entrance and en-suite bathroom, but they share an open plan lounge/dining/kitchen area, which is accessed from each bedroom or through its own external door.
- Desert Vista backs onto the rock of the mountain, and has a double and a single bed, a small, open-plan lounge area and a private terrace.
- The Rock is built higher on the mountain side than the rest of the chalets, up a steep path. Along with a very large rock in the middle of the room, there’s a double and a single bed, an open-plan lounge area, an usual en-suite bathroom and a lovely terrace,.
Activities at Klein-Aus Vista include scenic drives, sundowners, mountain biking and several self-guided walks. (Note that we don’t recommend attempting the walking trails in reverse as the signs aren’t the easiest to see when walking the ‘wrong’ way; as we found from experience, it is very easy to get lost.) Many self-drive visitors use Eagle's Nest as a base from which to visit the area’s feral horses, the coastal town of Lüderitz and the ghost town of Kolmanskop - without staying in Lüderitz itself.
Geographics
- Location
- Luderitz, Namibia
- Ideal length of stay
- 2–3 nights
- Directions
- Klein-Aus Vista is just off the B4, 2km west of Aus and approximately 121km east of the coastal town of Lüderitz.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- Many guests at Eagle’s Nest choose to cook their own breakfast from a pre-ordered breakfast platter, but you can also opt to eat in the restaurant at the Desert Horse Inn. This is the usual buffet of cold meats, cheeses, breads, cereals, juices, fruit, tea and coffee, with eggs and bacon etc cooked to order.
A light lunch is available on request from the restaurant only. This is chosen from a small seasonal menu.
For dinner guests again have a choice: eat in the restaurant at the Desert Horse Inn, which must be pre-booked, or request a ‘braai pack’ to cook themselves (our preferred option when we stay here). All chalets have self-catering facilities and equipment, and the braai packs – chosen from an extensive menu – typically include meat, potatoes, vegetables and/or salad, with cake for dessert.
Dinner at the Desert Horse Inn is a three-course meal with the starter and dessert served to the table, and a self-service buffet for the main course. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- No room service.
- Drinks included
- All the chalets have an honesty bar, but no drinks are included.
Special interests
- Family holidays
- Come to Eagle's Nest for scenic drives, self-guided walks, day trips to Lüderitz and fun barbecues on your family safari holiday in Namibia. Its family chalets, which have no age restrictions, are widely spaced out and equipped with self-catering facilities.
- See ideas for Family holidays in Namibia
- Photography holidays
- The Namib feral (wild) horses, high yellow grass and mountain backdrop around Eagle’s Nest make for stunning photos. It is also a convenient base for visiting the ghost town of Kolmanskop, a must see on your photographic holiday to Namibia.
- See ideas for Photography holidays in Namibia
- Walking
- Set in beautiful surroundings, the Klein-Aus Vista reserve is a great place for walking in Namibia. From Eagles Nest, guests have the option of seven self-guided walking trails, ranging from around 4km to just over 20km.
- See ideas for Walking in Namibia
- Private villas & houses
- Spaced well apart and with he option of being entirely self contained the chalets at Eagle's Nest are the perfect place to hide aways and sed a couple of night in privacy on your Namibian safari.
- See ideas for Private villas & houses in Namibia
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children of all ages are welcome.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There is no age restriction here.
- Special activities & services
- None
- Equipment
- None
- Generally recommended for children
- Yes
- Notes
- Whilst this is a relatively safe environment, parental supervision of children at all times is still recommended – there are loose rocks, steep climbs and the potential to get lost.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Eagle's Nest
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Eagle's Nest have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

80% success

9% success

9% success

0% success

0% success

0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is battery power to the chalets overnight although excessive use may drain the system and hairdryers cannot be used.
- Communications
- There is a telephone at the Desert Horse Inn that guests can borrow and pay for direct. There is also free WiFi at the inn, although it can be somewhat unreliable.
- TV & radio
- A television at Desert Horse Inn can be arranged on request for major events only.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- There are flush toilets and hot and cold running water in all the chalets.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Medical care
- There is a small clinic in Aus, but the nearest doctor is in Lüderitz, about a two-hour drive away.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- Like most similar places, Klein Aus Vista doesn't use any form of armed security.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in each chalets because each of the chalets has a fire place and gas cooker.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Horse-riding
Mountain biking
Private activities
Self-guided walking
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Extra Charge
- Money
- There is a small electronic safe in each chalet.
- Accepted payment on location
- Klein-Aus Vista takes cash in Namibian dollars or South African rand, and both Visa and Mastercard. Travellers’ cheques are not accepted.
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Eagle's Nest's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Eagle's Nest.
Excursions from Eagle's Nest
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Eagle's Nest. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.

Halifax Island boat trip
2 hours
Climb aboard the comfortable catamaran Zeepaard in search of the marine life of Namibia’s wild coastline – among them Cape fur seals, Heaviside dolphins, African penguins and perhaps even humpback whales.
More about Halifax Island trip
Sperrgebiet tour
Full day, including lunch
Discover the hidden gems of the Sperrgebiet National Park on this exceptional all-day trip. There may no longer be diamonds for the taking, but in their place you’ll find ghost towns, the rusting relics of the diamond industry, geological formations, and extraordinary desert flora, largely untouched for generations.
More about Sperrgebiet tourOther lodges in Luderitz
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

Nest Hotel
With ocean views from all its rooms, the Nest Hotel is perfectly placed to appreciate the best of Lüderitz.

Desert Horse Inn
On the edge of the Namib Desert, the Desert Horse Inn makes a comfortable base for hiking, visiting Lüderitz, or seeking out the area's feral horses.

Island Cottage
Island Cottage offers simple but comfortable self-catering apartments in an attractive if desolate location overlooking Lüderitz Harbour.

Haus Sandrose
Haus Sandrose offers comfortable self-catering units in the heart of Lüderitz and a good base to explore the many attractions in and around the area.
When to go to Luderitz
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Eagle's Nest in Luderitz
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Namibia in January
January is at the heart of Namibia’s rainy season. However, as you’d expect from a country dominated by desert and semi-desert environments, the rains are often (but not always) weak and usually quite localised. Some days will be clear, the strong sun raising temperatures to around 30ºC/86ºF; on others humidity and clouds build, sometimes culminating in spectacular thunderstorms. In extreme cases, these generate flash-floods which race down the beds of ephemeral rivers.
Across the country, the greening landscape makes a refreshing change, especially in desert areas. Many birds are in full breeding plumage and migrant species are here in force. In the north, where the rains are more reliable, the abundant water and food allows wildlife to disperse, making it trickier to spot.
- Variable weather: clear, hot & dry, or cloudy & humid with some rain
- Occasional, highly localised thunderstorms
- Many animals with young; birdlife at its most spectacular
- Wildlife dispersed & harder to see, especially in Etosha & the Caprivi
- Very few tourists (apart from the New Year) so rates mostly low
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in January
Namibia in February
February is the wettest month, but as Namibia is dominated by deserts, the rains are often weak and patchy. The variation in weather across Namibia is significant, too; the central highlands and Caprivi can see some heavy rain. More typically, some February days are clear with a hot, strong sun; others are cooler as cloudy skies build and, sometimes, culminate in short, spectacular thunderstorms. Occasionally these generate flash-floods, bringing ephemeral rivers to life and making travel more challenging.
Across the country, the landscape feels green and alive; insects and smaller animals are more easily seen, and many birds and animals are raising their young. However, small pools in the bush and thicker vegetation can make it hard to spot the wildlife.
- Variable weather: clear, hot & dry or cloudy & humid with some rain
- Occasional localised thunderstorms meander over the landscape
- The bush feels alive; birdlife is at its most spectacular
- Wildlife in Etosha & Caprivi is dispersed & harder to see
- Few tourists, so rates usually at their lowest
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in February
Namibia in March
March usually sees Namibia’s main rains tailing off, although actual precipitation varies hugely across the country and can be unpredictable from day to day. Many days will be clear, with a strong sun driving temperatures up. On others, clouds will build, and the late afternoon may see a short, spectacular thunderstorm. Such deluges reduce in both frequency and volume as the month progresses.
Across the country, landscapes are often vivid: a “green and pleasant land”. Many birds and animals are finishing raising their young, so smaller animals and insects are in evidence. In the north, where rains are generally heavier, pools in the bush and thicker vegetation can make it difficult to spot larger animals.
- Variable weather: clear, hot & dry or cloudy & humid with some rain
- Afternoon thunderstorms less common as March progresses
- Animals looking sleek and well-fed, after 3–4 months of plenty
- Wildlife in Etosha & Caprivi is dispersed & harder to see
- Few tourists visit during March, so rates often low
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Namibia in April
Typically, April is dominated by dry weather; there’s an ever-decreasing chance of rain. Temperatures are now below their peak and continue to fall. Even so, days remain pleasant and warm, but there might be a slight chill in the air at night. The rains usually leave many parts of the country verdant and green, so animals are in fantastic condition – often with fast-growing young in attendance.
With the dust washed out of the atmosphere, photographers make the most of clear air, spectacular landscapes and healthy animals. Stargazers will have clearer night skies as the month progresses. In the game parks of Northern Namibia, water and food remain in plentiful supply, so finding big game can prove trickier than later in the year.
- Becoming drier &, especially at night, also cooler
- Few visitors, except around Easter, so rates remain low
- Wildlife in Etosha & Caprivi remains relatively hard to see
- Migrant birds have started to leave
- Fresh, clean air and often green, verdant landscapes
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in April
Namibia in May
By May, Namibia is usually drying out fast as the rains have ended. If they’ve been good, then the land remains green, but wildlife starts to congregate at more permanent water sources. Over much of the country the air quality and clarity can be amazing, making this an ideal month for photography.
Typical days are warm, with crisp, clear mornings and clear blue skies. Evenings are usually cool, and temperatures may dip below 10ºC (50ºF) overnight. Many lodges still charge “low season” prices, although with Namibia’s increasing popularity in recent years, some have started to introduce higher “shoulder season” rates.
May’s good-value rates, increasingly good wildlife sightings, beautiful landscapes and crystal-clear air combine to make this one of our favourite months in Namibia.
- Lovely weather: dry, warm days & cool nights
- The country is drying out although many landscapes remain green
- Fantastic air clarity – ideal for keen photographers
- Visitor numbers are often still low, mirrored by lodge rates
- Wildlife is starting to congregate more around remaining water
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in May
Namibia in June
Namibia is dry again. Skies are blue and usually largely cloudless. Days are lovely: warm and dry; nights are cold, sometimes below freezing in the desert. Most swimming pools in Namibia are always outdoors, making them too cold for all except the very dedicated.
Take a warm hat and gloves for game drives, where dawn and dusk will feel particularly chilly. In the north, especially Etosha, wildlife viewing is now into its dry-season pattern, focusing around the waterholes – though the park is still not busy.
Photographers come for superb air clarity, with minimal dust or smoke in the air. Historically, June rates have been low. However, with Namibia’s increasing popularity many lodges now count it amongst their “high-season” months, and request higher prices.
- Clear, bright days with blue skies; cold nights, mornings & evenings
- Great air quality, especially welcome for photographers
- “Shoulder season” for some lodges: lodge rates moderate
- Wildlife gravitates to waterholes, making game-viewing productive
- Some greenery in the landscape, depending on the last rains
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in June
Namibia in July
Reliably warm daytime temperatures (upwards of 20ºC/70ºF) and good wildlife sightings make this a popular month to visit Namibia. Rain would be very unusual indeed and clear skies make for great photographs. Once the sun sets, though, temperatures cool rapidly bringing cold nights that may dip below freezing in the desert. Be prepared: dress in layers and expect early-morning and late-afternoon drives, and anywhere coastal, to be cold.
As the land dries and vegetation shrivels, game congregates beside drinking water: Etosha’s waterholes are busy with animals. Across the country, lodges charge “high season” rates; many are fully booked a year or more in advance, especially during European school holidays (from the latter half of July to late August).
- Dry days, warm in the sun, with crisp, cold nights
- Cloudless skies: July is usually superb for stargazing
- The beginning of European school holidays so more families travelling
- Peak season: so high rates and many lodges fully booked far in advance
- A fantastic time of year for wildlife watching, particularly in Etosha
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in July
Namibia in August
August is the height of Namibia’s “winter”. Expect cloudless skies and plenty of warm sun in the day, but nights down to freezing in the desert. Dress in layers and bring warm clothes (including hats and gloves) for chilly starts and evenings. Only the hardiest even contemplate using outdoor pools.
It’s 3–4 months since any rain, so the land is dust-dry and much vegetation is golden brown. Many landscapes appear sparse and harsh. Wildlife congregates around available water sources, helping to guarantee good animal sightings.
Namibia is never really “busy” by the standards of Europe or the USA, but August is the most popular time to visit, especially for families. Book early (over a year in advance) if you want to stay at the best lodges.
- Dry days, warm in the sun; cold mornings, evenings & nights
- Cloudless skies in the day; spectacular stars at night
- Busy by Namibian standards: family rooms in particular demand
- Peak season: so high rates and many lodges fully booked far in advance
- A fantastic time of year for wildlife watching, particularly in Etosha
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Namibia in September
September is a month of blue, cloudless skies and fantastic wildlife viewing. Rain is almost unheard of. As the month progresses, the days and nights get warmer. In some areas, daily maximums hit around the low 30s Celsius, although low humidity ensures this feels comfortable. The contrast makes the nights seem very cold. The air is becoming dustier, occasionally augmented by smoke from fires – so becoming hazy for photographic purists.
In the national parks, animals congregate around remaining water sources – making September one of the best months for game viewing. Hence it’s one of Namibia’s most popular months for visitors: a “high season” month that is often the time of choice for safari aficionados.
- One of the best months for wildlife viewing
- Warm days & cold nights, with temperatures rising during the month
- Many plants have faded from green to golden brown
- Air can be hazy – with dust & sometimes smoke
- High season rates; many lodges & camps are full 9 months in advance.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Namibia in October
Namibia is usually at its hottest and driest in October. Temperatures build as the month progresses; towards the end, daily highs may exceed 40ºC/100ºF, though with humidity close to zero, even this rarely feels oppressive.
In exceptional years, isolated rain showers may fall in late October. More usually, the end of the dry season sees wildlife watching at its best, particularly in Etosha. The place feels like a desert as spectacular herds of thirsty animals gather around the available water. October is popular amongst wildlife enthusiasts and commands peak-season prices, even if dust and smoke may make the air hazy, challenging photographers. Visitor numbers can fade towards the end of the month, allowing a window for last-minute bookings.
- Probably the most spectacular month for wildlife-viewing in Etosha
- Hot and dry: much of the country feels like a desert
- The air can be hazy with dust & smoke
- It’s peak time to visit, so expect high season rates
- Lodges & camps are full, especially early in October
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Namibia in November
November is always a bit unpredictable: sometimes dry and hot; sometimes cloudier and cooler. Typically, mornings are hot and cloudless and clouds appear in the afternoon. Humidity builds and eventually breaks, resulting in spectacular thunderstorms that bring convection rainfall in late afternoons. Such storms are typically sparsely distributed and highly local – being completely absent from desert areas, for example. Places that do get good rain will flush green, with a tangible feeling of new life softening the landscapes. Many mammals give birth to their young.
Once any rains come, wildlife dissipates in search of food, and game viewing in Etosha becomes harder. Conversely, this is a great time for birdwatchers, with migrant species in breeding plumage.
- A very interesting, variable month, depending on the rains
- With rains come an amazing explosion of both vegetation & new life
- Wildlife viewing better in Damaraland than Etosha if it has rained
- Shoulder season: mid-range rates offer great value
- Away from the Namib, showers are more likely later in the month
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Namibia in December
December is the first “proper” month of Namibia’s rainy season, and one of its hottest. Clear mornings give way to building clouds and, with luck, the occasional short, spectacular thunderstorm: refreshing and cleansing. These are often highly localised and generally warmly welcomed: most Namibians love rain!
Rains clear the air of dust. Even relatively short showers enable plant life to erupt, carpeting this thirstland in green and providing food for the young animals which abound. Animals disperse widely, which can make game viewing challenging. Many birds are breeding and so sporting their most colourful plumage.
Christmas and the New Year fall within local “summer holidays” – so places to stay can be surprisingly busy, especially in and around coastal towns, where temperatures are cooler.
- Hot and humid; sometimes refreshed by cooling showers
- Landscapes flushed green if/where there has been rain
- A tangible life and energy amidst this often green & pleasant land
- Very photogenic: blooming deserts amidst crystal-clear air
- Best time for birdwatchers; larger animals harder to spot
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in December

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