Namib Outpost

Guided hike from Lodge to Lodge in the Sossusvlei region.
For experienced hikers.
Only bookable in combination with two overnight stays at Desert Homestead Lodge / Desert Homestead Outpost.
Before sunrise, the hike will start after an early-bird-breakfast. The first leg consists of crossing the local landmark mountain. We will follow a canyon to the mountain saddle. Light climbing will be necessary here. After one to one and a half hours, the saddle will be reached just as the sun comes up.
Enjoy a first rest with breakfast while watching the sun rise over the red Namib dunes covering the horizon. On the other side of the mountain, the trail follows a dry river course. Sand-filled washouts and smoothened granite rocks bear witness of the amounts of water that must have plunged down here during the rainy season for millions of years shaping this impressive landscape. The vast savannah at the bottom offers some grass for feeding oryx and springboks, zebras and ostriches. With lots of luck, cheetahs or even a leopard are possibly spotted. We will follow a tributary of the Tsauchab river with camel thorn trees scattered on its banks. This is where wild animals enjoy the shade for cooling down in the heat of the midday sun.
After approx. 2 hours, we reach the bottom of the next mountain.
We will rest on an elevation on the bottom of the mountain in the red hot Namib sand stirred up from the dunes. By then, the mid-day heat has come, and the road travelled will shimmer in the sun.
The panorama of the surrounding mountains and the colours of the sand dunes piled up on the horizon are simply thrilling. Our trail snakes up an old path used by mountain zebras leading up to the ridge. Up there, the view is magnificent. With a little luck, mountain zebras may even be spotted.
We will follow a mountain trail to a canyon. After the descent,
the Desert Homestead Outpost will be reached, where warm cordiality and cool refreshments are waiting for us. We should arrive at the lodge about noon. You can occupy your room and spend the afternoon with all amenities the lodge has to offer. It is part of the service for us to transport the car with luggage from the Desert Homestead Lodge to the Outpost so that you will find your luggage in your room.

Duration of the hike: 4 – 6 hours (approximately 12 km).

ALTERNATIVE
Drive back to Desert Homestead Lodge to spend the night there.
SERVICES INCLUDED
Guided hike, water and breakfast-pack during the hike, small lunch after arriving at Desert Homestead Outpost. Min. number of participants 2, max. 8 people. Transfer of car with luggage for overnight stay at Desert Homestead Outpost.
Alternative: Transfer of car and return trip for spending the night at
Desert Homestead Lodge.
RATES: See rates information of Desert Homestead Lodge, children under 12 years free, only accompanied by a responsible adult.

SOSSUSVLEI EXCURSION
• Drive to the Sossusvlei dunes in a safari 4×4 vehicle accompanied by a Guide with in depth knowledge of the area
• Departure seasonally, depending on national park opening hours. Activity is possible in the early morning or afternoon ( in the morning preferably for photography – departing before sunrise. In the afternoon preferably for experiencing the dunes more in private, less visitors will be there)
• Minimum of 2 guests or single supplement applicable; small groups only (maximum of 9 guests per vehicle)
• Activity duration is approx. 1⁄2 a day (approx. 6 – 7 hours)
• Rate includes a picnic in the dunes, guide, water, entrance fees

SUNDOWNER DRIVE
On the Witwater Wilderness Reserve – 7000 ha.
• A relaxing way to end the day and enjoy beautiful views and a sundowner with drinks and snacks
• Starts in the afternoon, lasts 2 – 2 1⁄2 hours, departure times change seasonally; guests are back at the lodge just before dinner
• minimum of 2 guests or a single supplement applicable, max. 9 guests per vehicle
• Opportunity to come face to face with the pro-Namib in a safari 4×4 vehicle
• Includes sundowner-drinks and snacks

OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA

• Quad biking
• Hot air ballooning
• Scenic flights
The staff at Desert Homestead Lodge and Desert Homestead Outpost will be happy to organize all activities of other providers in the area.
An employee of the lodges informs the guests in detail about the start and departure times, depending on the season, as well as about meeting points, equipment, clothes etc. of the activities of the next day during the dinner.
For participation in afternoon a activities, check-in is necessary until 2 pm. In the case of a later arrival, it is not possible to guarantee a performance or attendance due to the different start times.

EXPERIENCE THE NAMIB
DESERT ON HORSEBACK
For the more adventurous of spirit, Desert Homestead Lodge offers a unique experience where guests can ride out onto the private reserve and sleep out in nature. The reserve is situated in between the majestic red sand see of the Namib Desert and the rugged Naukluft mountains.
Leaving the stables and lodge behind, an unforgettable journey set off through wide open plains riding over a varied terrain changing from soft, sandy, stretched open fields, to rockier mountain trails, through dry riverbeds, under social weavers nests and around camelthorn trees.
The experienced guide will eagerly tell more about the environment, fauna and flora. Riders are almost guaranteed to come across a herd or two of grazing Oryx, springbok, or Zebra and some varieties of smaller carnivores, such as Jackal and bat-eared foxes.
Riding takes place at a comfortable pace so that everyone feels comfortable. Slower riders can hang back while more experienced riders go for long stretched out gallops over grassy plains while winding the way towards the tented Camp, where refreshments await for a truly remarkable sundowner with magnificent views. After watching the sunset over the majestic mountains it’s time to kick off the boots, relax and enjoy the Namibian night skies. While Dinner gets ready on the campfire true Namibian style a refreshing shower awaits.
Dinner is served next to the crackling fire whilst conversation is sure to revert to the days riding. Then it’s time to retire to the comfortable tent or even a stretcher outside, for those who preferto sleep out in nature under starry skies to get some rest before the next day’s riding.
Riders will wake up the next morning to the smell of coffee brewing and bacon and eggs cooking over an open fire while watching the horses being prepared for the next stretch of riding. After a hearty breakfast, it is time to stretch the legs once again and set off on horses who eagerly awaits the rest of the adventure.

This experience can be tailored. There are three different offers.
The ‚Namib Night‘ begins in the afternoon and consists of two stages riding and one overnight stay in tents. The ‚Desert Experience‘ begins early in the morning and has three stages slightly
longer riding with an overnight stay in tents.
And ‚Stars of the Namib‘ with five stages of riding and two overnight stays (Desert Homestead Outpost / tented camp) offers a very intense experience for horse lovers, coupled with the exploration of nature in the Namib Desert. Riding to the next destination is done during the cooler time of day, while enjoying some lunch and down time during the heat of the day.
Horses vary from very tame and easy to ride -even if for those who have never ridden before-, to ones that are just as easily manageable, but willing and able to give a more exiting ride.
Beginners are just as welcome to join on this adventure as more experienced riders.