Klein Aus Vista & Eagle's Nest Chalets

Eagle´s Nest: Eagles View Chalet

 

Eagle's Nest Chalets: Eagels View

Last time we visited Klein Aus Vista was with our two children in 2009. At that time, we were absolutely stunned by the vast landscape, solitude, silence, and the extraordinary sunsets over the Namib Desert. Especially, by the special next door “Diamond Sperrgebiet”. We always hoped, we once would be able to return again one day and explore the area. What a privilege to be here again! 

Back at Klein Aus Vista after 13 years

The next-door Diamond Sperrgebiet is a prohibited diamond-rich area in the most southern part of the Namib Desert. It stretches along the Atlantic coast from Oranjemund & Orange River in the south - all the way north - to about 72 km north of the coastal town Lüderitz. The area is approx. 97 km wide and 322 km long. From 1908 until the early 21st century, all access by unauthorized persons was rigidly prohibited. Even today, you cannot move around freely, but you are allowed to follow the marked trails.

Trails Klein Aus Vista

In 2009, we stayed at the nice campsite. However, this time, we upgraded to the Eagle's Nest Chalets which is eight amazing individual rock chalets literally built into large granite boulders with a rugged granite-gneiss mountain as the backdrop.

Eagle's Nest Chalets: Eagle´s View

Eagle's Nest Chalets: Eagle´s View

Interior, Eagle´s Nest

The view from our terrace is amazing. Above, eagles soar, and in front, the expansive views take our breath away.

Expansive views from terrace

At night, we sleep without any curtains for the windows. Its full moon. A lizard plays on one of the windows and captured by the camera from our bed. It´s the most amazing sight (& picture): A lizard on the window in front of the full moon. 

From our bed, a lizard on the window
in front of the full moon!

From the end of our large double bed, which leans against a huge granite boulder, we have an undisturbed clear view of the Namib desert with mountains in the distance.

Our bed, Eagle´s View Chalets

Bed view

Just as we are about to sleep, we hear a strange sound?! It gradually gets louder and louder. It sounds like an engine? Is a car coming now? This late? At this remote place!? Or is it a helicopter? We see lights in the far distance. We realize it is the solitary train from moving slowly on its way to Lüderitz 120 km further vest, where it will pick up uranium. We fall back asleep relieved.

Train to Lûderitz, sunset

At night at two o'clock, my wife suddenly wakes up. She has a strange feeling that someone is watching us. And indeed, just outside our panoramic window, 3 wild desert horses are standing next to our braai pit (grill), which is still warm after we cooked game for dinner in the evening.

Horses at full moon next to braaai

At last, we hear no more sounds this night. The lizards and voles don't bother us.

We want to stay here forever. Just relax, read books, and cook on the fire, and eat in our private “desert restaurant” while appreciating the spectacular boundless space.

Sunset Eagle´s Nest

Roadblock, on way to Eagle´s Nest

PRO´s

• Very kind service at the Desert Horse Inn Lodge (reception)
• Amazing architecture and spectacular views from Eagles Nest
• Extraordinary fine cabins with everything you need available
• Fine well marked walking trails

CON´s

• In some places the nearby nature appears a little worn / overused
• Perhaps a bit busy at the lodge with many visitors
• Not a "posh" luxury place (but friendly)

Braai, Eagle´s Nest

Braai, Eagle´s Nest