Reviews of Desert Homestead
Wildlife sightings and reviews
103 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
0% success
0% success
92% success
44% success
33% success
14% success
13% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
"Desert Homestead review"
Good base for trip to Sossuvlei/Deadvlei. Be prepared for it to be very windy - sandy wind, quite unpleasant at times.
We decided to pay and go with the lodge's guide (TK again). Our 'champagne breakfast' turned into lunch - small but lovely group of people. this trip included a stop for a walk down into a canyon - not too arduous." See all these reviews: 21n in Namibia
Oryx
3 sightings
Wildebeest
10 sightings
"Desert Homestead review"
After an at times juddering journey on gravel roads this was a delightful oasis to arrive at. Like a number of other places we stayed at where we were out most of the day, it was shame we only had two nights to enjoy the accommodation. The barking geckos hidden in the sand were calling all evening and night - surreal.
The wildlife seen as well as the oryx listed below included black-backed jackal and springbok, from both Desert Homestead and in the Sesriem-Sossusvlei area. Chacma Baboon were at Sesriem canyon. Near Dead Vlei there were many golden mole burrows in the sand (none seen unfortunately).
We saw our first Ostritch of the trip at Sossusvlei, and my very first Red-necked Falcons nesting it seemed in an old nest in an acacia (they don't build their own)." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
Oryx
10 sightings
"Desert Homestead review"
One was the sundowner and the other was during the day. We did them on our own, which I loved and the guides were delightful and very knowledgeable. This is where we saw our first wildlife. On the grand scheme of things there was nothing big but it was real! We loved it.
We saw squirrels, my first jackal, an ostrich and the wonderful weaver birds left their enormous communal nest to join us for our Sundownwer!" See all these reviews: 6n in Namibia
"Desert Homestead review"
Brown Hyena
1 sighting
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Oryx
Multiple sightings
Zebra
1 sighting
"Desert Homestead review"
We did the sundowner on horseback and enjoyed every moment!
We also went to Sossusvlei with their guide and were so glad that we did! We climbed Big Daddy, had wonderful lunch, and finished the day at the Sesriem Canyon.
The guide was very patient and never rushed us when we stopped for photos." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
Oryx
3 sightings
Zebra
1 sighting
"Desert Homestead"
"Great Location"
Oryx
10 sightings
Zebra
2 sightings
"Beautiful views, nice dining area"
Pleasant staff, nice rooms. Nice atmosphere in the lodge common area, nice setting.
Wonderful views of the desert, mountains, oryx, horses.
About 30 minutes to entrance of Sossusvlei, not a bad drive." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia
Oryx
3 sightings
"Clean and comfortable"
Check in was efficient but there was no offer to carry bags to your room along the gravel path. I saw one women struggling to drag her wheelie suitcase along the gravel. We found there were a lot of young people working here who didn’t really know what they were doing, especially at the bar. The accommodation is individual cabins, which are quite small, although the bathroom was quite spacious. The room does have air conditioning but the mains do not seem to be able to cope with the demand of all the cabins, so often cuts out. When we arrived the safe had been locked shut and it took a lot of badgering before someone finally came and fixed it for us.
It appeared that you couldn’t request a table reservation so people tended to be seated early to get the best spots, which was no hardship really. The food was good with three choices from what I remember. Service was a bit haphazard with orders being taken and being delivered to the last people first. Although there were no tea making facilities in the room, hot and cold drinks and snacks were available at the bar, which was a nice touch.
There is a waterhole in front of the lodges but one of the guides told us you never get any wildlife there, which was accurate on our visit.
We did the organised trip to Sossusvlei dunes but on the day we went it was extremely windy so visibility was poor. This trip was still worth doing as I think it is easy to get stuck in the sand if you self drive. Even the official transport in the park got stuck when we were there and had to be pulled out. The guide we had was very informative and professional and tried to make the visit as interesting as possible. Our picnic brunch among the dunes had to be taken in another lodges canteen but there was plenty to eat and drink and it was fun. We had also booked the balloon ride over the dunes but unfortunately due to the high winds this was cancelled too.
Although this accommodation was comfortable and clean I think I would probably look for a different place if I was to visit again as there is lots of choice in this area.." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia; 5n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Oryx
3 sightings
"Beautiful tranquil setting"
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.
BullsPort Lodge & Farm
A traditional Namibian farm, BullsPort offers warm hospitality and a genuine rural experience, with excellent hiking and horseriding.
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.
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.
Desert Camp
Desert Camp is an economical option for independent travellers who want to self-cater, and is well situated for access to Sossusvlei.
Dead Valley Lodge
Dead Valley Lodge is inside the Namib-Naukluft National Park, affording guests almost unprecedented access to the dunes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
