After spending a month in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, we entered the south of Namibia via the Mata Mata border post. Enroute to the coastal town of Luderitz we made an overnight stop in the small town of Aus where we spent a night camping at Klein-Aus Vista Desert Horse Campsite.
Campsites at Klein-Aus Vista
Desert Horse campsite, which is 2km from the Klein Aus Vista main lodge, is nestled in a small valley between the rocky Aus mountains and overlooks the desert plains where Namibia’s wild horses roam free. There are 10 sand pitched campsites each located next to a camelthorn tree for shade. All sites have a picnic table, windshield, dustbin, braai stand, and a water tap but lack a powerpoint.
The windshields are there for a reason, the area is known for having strong winds all through the night so make sure you pitch your tent to make full use of this shield.
The small and clean ablution block contains battery-powered lights, flush toilets, gas heated showers, and a scullery area.
Desert Horse Campsite is beautiful at sunset when the sun highlights the rocky formations and transforms the sky into a dusty pink colour with the sound of barking geckoes in the background. The lack of electricity in the camp also makes it a great spot for stargazing at night.
In the morning you might get an early wake-up call from the sociable weavers tweeting away in their massive nests but it’s all to your benefit because as soon as the Namib sun rises it gets hot real quick, so best you get an early start to the day.
Activities at Klein-Aus Vista
There are various hiking and mountain bike trails around the camp, and for those looking to relax the Klein-Aus Vista Main Lodge has a pool and bar with wifi (100MB free) which is available for campers to use.
The main attraction if the area is the Namib Feral Horses. These rare feral horses with a population of about 90 – 150 are true survivors adapting and surviving in such a harsh environment. Desert Horse Campsite is situated 20km from the Garub Pan, where these wild horses come to drink water
The ghost town of Kolmanskop is a 110km drive from camp and also a must-see attraction. Due to geological forces of the desert, this deserted town has been taken over by sand making it a popular photographic spot for tourists.
Read More: Tips for visiting Kolmanskop
Where to Book
We arrived without a booking and was lucky to find the last available spot. Self-drive holidays in Namibia have become very trendy making it difficult to find availability at popular campsites such as Klein-Aus Vista. Therefore booking in advance is recommended. This is a great stopover if you are heading to or from Luderitz.
RESERVATIONS
- Klein-Aus Vista: +264 (0)63258021
- Gondwana Travel Centre – Windhoek +264 (0)61 427200
Or use a booking agent, I recommend Endless Africa: bookings@endlessafrica.com
How to get there
Drive on the B4 main road to Luderitz, 2km west of the town Aus you will see the sign for Klein Aus Vista turn off on your left.
GPS-coordinates: S 26˚ 39.121 E 16˚ 14.608
For more Namibia inspiration check out Jubas’s Journey video:
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