In the southwest corner of Namibia, on the way to the harbor town of Lüderitz, lies the Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park, a starkly beautiful landscape of vast grassy plains and granite mountains. Located in the park, Klein-Aus Vista is a great stopover en route further north from South Africa, or to the coast on the west.
Desert Horse Inn
Klein-Aus Vista, which feels like something out of a Western film (timber and stone buildings in the middle of nowhere on the edge of the desert) offers four accommodation options, from camping to ensuite rooms all spread out on the large property.
The 10-site Desert Horse Campsite is fantastic, offering spotless ablution blocks and hot water showers and big camping spots, with running water and barbecue areas, under camelthorn trees (just watch your food – cheeky sociable weavers will take bites of it when you’re not looking). In a secluded valley, reached by driving a sandy road past the rusting shells of early 20th century cars, Geisterschlucht is a 10-sleeper rustic self-catering cabin with dormitory-style beds, a kitchen and an outside grill (buy barbecue packs at reception). Desert Horse Inn has 24 simply furnished, but comfortable ensuite rooms, a restaurant, lounge and bar. Fifteen minutes’ drive from the inn are the Eagle’s Nest Chalets, the most expensive lodging option at Klein-Aus Vista: eight cosy self-catering stone chalets with fireplaces and verandas with uninterrupted views over the plains.
(Damien du Toit/Wikipedia Commons)
Explore the property on six hiking trails, a 17-mile mountain biking trail (bikes are available for rent), as well as on guided drives. Outside of the park, there’s lots to do in the area: a short drive away on the B4 towards the coast, you’ll find a pack of wild horses – beautiful animals that survive in the harsh desert. Part of their mystique is that no one is quite sure where they came from. On the coast, the quiet town of Lüderitz has some interesting heritage buildings and oyster farm tours. The highlight of the area, however, is a visit to Kolmanskop – a fascinating ghost diamond mining town slowly being taken over by the desert, which makes for amazing photo opportunities.
