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| Wife at "our half" of The Boulder Near Klein Aus Vista (Sperrgebeit) Namibia 2026 |
We have arrived at Klein Aus Vista, just outside the sleepy little town of Aus. There isn't an enormous amount happening in Aus itself, but it does have a petrol station, a surprisingly well-stocked little grocery shop and, somewhat unexpectedly, a rather smart hotel.
We have booked three nights in The Boulder, a unique self-catering stone cottage built around an enormous granite boulder. The cottage blends beautifully into the surrounding landscape and offers complete peace and privacy on the edge of the former Sperrgebiet.
For more than a century, this vast area was closed to the public because of its rich diamond deposits. Today, the former Sperrgebiet forms part of Tsau Khaeb National Park, protecting an extraordinary desert environment within the Succulent Karoo, one of the world's recognised biodiversity hotspots. The region is particularly famous for its remarkable succulent flora and pristine desert ecosystems.
Welcome Back to Klein Aus Vista
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| Klein Aus Vista Namibia 2026 |
We receive a warm and heartfelt welcome at the reception of Desert Horse Inn. The staff are, just as on our previous visit, exceptionally friendly and service-minded. They explain everything about the lodge, provide us with a map of the many walking trails and hand over the keys to our stone cottage, located about seven kilometres from reception at the foot of the mountains.
The reception at Desert Horse Inn is surprisingly well equipped for such a remote location. Most basic necessities can be bought here, including braai packs for the barbecue. There is also a pleasant swimming pool and a cosy restaurant with a distinctly German influence—perhaps not surprising given the area's history.
For our first two evenings, however, we have decided to enjoy the privacy of The Boulder. We buy a braai pack containing lamb chops, oryx skewers and baked potatoes, ready for an evening barbecue overlooking the Sperrgebiet.
When we arrive at the cottage, it is every bit as unique as we had hoped.
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| The Boulder, near Klein Aus Vista (Sperrgebeit) Tsau Khaeb National Park Namibia 2026 |
The Boulder is built from local stone and materials and wraps itself elegantly around a gigantic granite boulder, perhaps eight metres high. The architecture is remarkably well integrated into the landscape, making it difficult to tell where the natural rock ends and the cottage begins.
Inside is a cosy communal living area with a wood-burning stove and, quite possibly, the best-equipped honesty bar I have encountered to date. It is certainly an impressive collection for a self-catering cottage in the middle of the desert.
There are two completely private sleeping areas, each with its own shower bathroom and magnificent views across the desert directly from the bed. Both bedrooms also have their own covered stone terrace with a table and chairs.
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| The Boulder (half), our terrace Namibia 2026 |
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| Our room with a view to Tsau Khaeb National Park Namibia 2026 |
In front of the cottage stands another large granite boulder, complete with a natural rock pool that serves as a birdbath. It provides endless entertainment as birds come and go, completely unconcerned by their human observers.
The other stone cottages are sufficiently far away that everyone can enjoy complete privacy.
What a unique place!
It lives up fully to our already very high expectations.
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| The Boulder from the distance Tsau Khaeb National Park Namibia 2026 |
A Sunset Worth Remembering
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| Sunset Tsau Khaeb National Park From our terrasse Namibia 2026 |
On our first evening, we prepare dinner on the barbecue while the sun begins its slow descent over the Sperrgebiet.
The colours are extraordinary—deep reds, violets and shades of khaki changing almost by the minute as the sun sinks towards the horizon. We are particularly fortunate to have a few clouds in the sky, catching and reflecting the colours and turning an already spectacular sunset into something quite extraordinary.
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| Clouds catching reflecting colours Tsau Khaeb National Park Namibia 2026 |
Once the sun has disappeared, there is a short period of almost complete darkness before the moon rises. Venus shines brilliantly in the clear sky, and then the Milky Way gradually takes centre stage. With virtually no artificial light anywhere around us, the night sky is simply spectacular.
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| Milkey Way above our terrace (red) Tsau Khaeb National Park Namibia 2026 |
We are celebrating 32 years of marriage, in the company of my brother and sister-in-law, in one of the most beautiful and memorable settings imaginable.
It is a reminder that, in the end, it is about collecting memories rather than possessions.
Good food on the braai, wonderful company, an unforgettable desert sunset and a bottle of South African Cava that we brought from Fish River Canyon Lodge especially for the occasion.
The setting could hardly have been more perfect.
And neither could the company.
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| Celebrating 32 years of marriage At sunset, Tsau Khaeb National Park Namibia 2026 |
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| Celebrating 32 years of marriage collecting memories rather than possessions Tsau Khaeb National Park, Namibia 2026 |
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| Brothers at the braai Tsau Khaeb National Park, Namibia 2026 |
