Gondwana Collection | Lodges

Desert Horse Inn

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Overview of Desert Horse Inn

Desert Horse Inn is located 2 kilometers west of Aus on the B4 road in southwestern Namibia, within the Klein Aus Vista collection. This property offers views of the granite-gneiss hills where the Namib Desert meets golden grasslands, an area known for wild horses and historical diamond mining.

It's positioned as a base for exploring the region or as a stopover between the Fish River Canyon and Sossusvlei. The inn is part of the Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park and can be reached by standard vehicles. Nearby attractions include the Garub waterhole for wild horses (20km west) and Lüderitz with Kolmanskop ghost town (100km west).

The setting includes rocky hills with mountain trails, providing opportunities to see springbok, klipspringer, and historical sites like WWI ramparts and an old bullet-riddled Hudson car.

The inn caters to couples, families, and campers, with a relaxed atmosphere. Rooms are built in a late-century farmhouse style, painted in sienna tones that complement the late-afternoon light. Guests can relax on verandas, use mountain bike trails, or join drives to appreciate the Succulent Karoo desert. The property encourages self-exploration or guided tours, with a focus on the area's flora, fauna, and history.

Location and Accessibility

At GPS coordinates S 26° 39.121 E 16° 14.608, the inn is nestled in hills offering panoramic views. It's east of Aus, where the desert landscape begins, with wild horses roaming nearby plains. Access is via the B4 tar road, with secure parking. The site is not specified for restricted mobility, but inquire for details. Transfers can be arranged separately. Campsites are 2 kilometers away.

Accommodation Options

The inn provides 30 rooms and three campsites, designed for comfort in a desert environment.

Rooms

• 21 twin-bed rooms.
• 3 double-bed rooms.
• 6 four-bed rooms (suitable for families).
• Each room includes a lounge area, outside veranda, air conditioning for heating and cooling, ceiling fans, en-suite bathroom with shower, safe, fridge, and tea/coffee facilities.

Campsites

• Three sites, each for up to six people with one camper van or two SUVs.
• Communal ablution facilities with hot and cold water.
• Power points, barbecue areas, shade, and lights.
• Wood available for purchase; no pets; charging at inn reception.

Property Facilities and Amenities

Shared facilities include:

• Desert Kitchen restaurant on site.
• Bar (Wild Horse bar).
• Sundeck.
• Swimming pool.
• 300 MB free Wi-Fi at public areas and rooms.
• Mobile connectivity.
• Secure parking.
• Credit cards accepted: Visa and MasterCard.

Campsite guests can use inn facilities.

Dining and Meals

Meals are served with options for different preferences:

• Breakfast included for room bookings.
• Light lunch menu available.
• Dinner as buffet or à la carte.
• Times not specified; inquire at reception.

Fresh ingredients suit the desert setting, with dining areas offering views.

Activities and Experiences

Activities focus on the desert landscape and history, with guided and unguided options.

Guided Activities

• Scenic Sunset Drive: Late afternoon exploration of Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park (3 hours, min 3 people).
• Half Day Desert Tour: To Kubub in GSR Park, discovering Succulent Karoo scenery (half day, min 4 people, morning/afternoon).
• Full Day Desert Tour: To Kubub, GSR Park, God's Window (full day, min 4 people, morning).

Unguided Activities

• Hiking Trails/Mountain Bike Trails: Five marked trails through Aus Mountains (2-5 hours), exploring flora and fauna.
• Mountain Biking: Routes 18-65km, single-track, intermediate skills; dual suspension bikes for rent.
• E-Biking: Similar routes with e-bikes for rent.

Attractions

• Day trip to Lüderitz and Kolmanskop: Unguided, 120km/115km, tar road; visit Garub waterhole for wild horses.
• Kolmanskop visiting hours: Monday-Saturday 8am-2pm, Sunday/Public Holidays 8am-1pm; guided tours at 9:30am/11am weekdays, 10am weekends.

Book guided activities in advance; unguided in own time.

Child Policy and Reservations

Children are welcome:

• Up to 5 years: Free of charge.
• Ages 6-13: 50% of bed and breakfast rate.

Family rooms available.

Video of Desert Horse Inn

In summary, Desert Horse Inn provides a calm spot to experience southwestern Namibia's desert transition, with rooms, camping, and activities for exploration. It's suited for relaxed stays or itineraries involving nearby sites.

INCLUDES

• Bed and breakfast (for room bookings)
• Lounge area in rooms
• Outside veranda in rooms
• Air conditioning for heating and cooling in rooms
• Ceiling fans in rooms
• En-suite bathroom with shower in rooms
• Safe in rooms
• Fridge in rooms
• Tea/coffee facilities in rooms
• Swimming pool access
• 300 MB free Wi-Fi at public areas and rooms
• Mobile connectivity
• Secure parking
• Communal ablutions, power points, hot & cold water, shade, and lights at campsites

EXCLUDES

• Lunch and dinner (available for purchase)
• Guided activities (e.g., Sunset Drive, Desert Tours—bookable separately)
• Unguided biking rentals (available for fee)
• Wood for camping (available for purchase)
• Transfers (arrangable separately)
• Pets (not allowed)
• Additional Wi-Fi beyond 300 MB
• Kolmanskop entrance and tours (separate)
• Any curio or bar purchases