Klein-Aus Vista - Desert Horse Inn - Namibian Islands Marine Protected Area
Situated inland from Lüderitz near the town of Aus, this lodge offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant, serving as a gateway to the Tsau //Khaeb (Sperrgebiet) National Park and the famous wild horses of the Namib. It provides a desert safari experience that complements the marine activities of the coast.
- Location
- Namibian Islands Marine Protected Area, Southern Namib Desert & Coast, Namibia, Southern Africa
- Type
- safari_lodge
- Coordinates
- -26.660000, 16.250000
- Price range
- mid-range
- Website
- https://www.gondwana-collection.com/lodges/klein-aus-vista/desert-horse-inn/
- Capacity
- 80 guests
- Rooms
- 40
- Dietary options
- Vegetarian, vegan options available
- Child-friendly
- Yes
- Pool/Spa
- Available
PlnrScore: 49/100
Wildlife Near This Lodge
454 species observed within 20 km, 21 mammals, 61 birds.
- Domestic Horse (Mammalia, 39 observations)
- Sociable Weaver (Aves, 35 observations)
- Pelargonium xerophyton (Plantae, 35 observations)
- Stridulating Thicktail Scorpion (Arachnida, 32 observations)
- Gemsbok (Mammalia, 24 observations)
- Common Ostrich (Aves, 23 observations)
- Pale-winged Starling (Aves, 21 observations)
- Namib Tsamma (Plantae, 21 observations)
- Opistophthalmus intercedens (Arachnida, 21 observations)
- Opistophthalmus schultzei (Arachnida, 21 observations)
Best Time to Visit Klein-Aus Vista - Desert Horse Inn
The best months to visit Klein-Aus Vista - Desert Horse Inn are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Month-by-Month Safari Conditions
- January: Great, temperature 20.26°C, rainfall 2mm, sunshine 12.6 hrs, humidity 68.4%
- February: Great, temperature 20.38°C, rainfall 0.3mm, sunshine 12.2 hrs, humidity 68.4%
- March: Great, temperature 19.95°C, rainfall 0.2mm, sunshine 11.7 hrs, humidity 66.6%
- April: Great, temperature 20.42°C, rainfall 0.9mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 52.4%
- May: Great, temperature 19.36°C, rainfall 0.2mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 45.2%
- June: Great, temperature 17.44°C, rainfall 11.1mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 49.5%
- July: Great, temperature 16.05°C, rainfall 5.7mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 49.2%
- August: Great, temperature 15.1°C, rainfall 0.7mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 55.2%
- September: Great, temperature 15.32°C, rainfall 0.8mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 58.3%
- October: Great, temperature 17.57°C, rainfall 1mm, sunshine 11.9 hrs, humidity 60.6%
- November: Great, temperature 18.31°C, rainfall 2mm, sunshine 12.5 hrs, humidity 63.3%
- December: Great, temperature 18.76°C, rainfall 2.9mm, sunshine 13.1 hrs, humidity 67.4%
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to experience the wild horses of the Namib when staying at Desert Horse Inn?
We absolutely love the guided drives into the Tsau //Khaeb National Park from the lodge. The guides are incredibly knowledgeable and know just where to find these magnificent desert adapted horses. It's a truly humbling experience to see them against the stark Namibian landscape, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Beyond the wild horses, what other unique wildlife can we expect to see near Klein-Aus Vista?
While the horses are the stars, we often spot springbok and oryx grazing near the lodge itself, especially in the early mornings. Keep an eye out for the endemic desert chameleon too; they are masters of camouflage. The arid environment supports a surprising amount of life if you look closely.
What kind of atmosphere and amenities can we expect at the Desert Horse Inn itself?
The lodge feels luxurious and timeless, with a wonderful sense of peace. We particularly enjoy the communal areas, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. The rooms are comfortable and offer stunning desert views, and the restaurant serves hearty, delicious meals that are just what you need after a day in the sun.
Is Klein-Aus Vista a good base for exploring the coastal areas like Lüderitz and the Namibian Islands Marine Protected Area?
It's a bit of a drive, but we think it's worth it if you want a true desert experience combined with coastal exploration. Lüderitz is about an hour away, and from there you can arrange boat trips to see the marine life. Just be prepared for the travel time between the desert and the coast.
What should we pack for a stay at Desert Horse Inn, considering its desert location?
Layers are key. Days can be warm, but desert nights get surprisingly chilly, so pack sweaters and a windproof jacket. We also recommend sturdy walking shoes for exploring, a wide brimmed hat, and of course, plenty of sunscreen. Don't forget your camera; the sunsets are sensational.