🇬🇧 Hippo Chalet 1, near Windhoek, Namibia
A Unique Waterside Wilderness Experience
Hippo Chalet accommodations, near Windhoek. Hippo 1 located directly at a scenic dam about 3 km from the main farm house of the Safari Guest Farm Düsternbrook, the first and oldest Guestfarm in Namibia. Wildlife movements are part of nature, and hippo sightings vary depending on water availability and seasonal conditions. It is a special place for guests seeking peace, nature, and true seclusion. The setting is exceptional: wide open landscapes, absolute tranquillity, and close proximity to wildlife create a truly unique experience.
Enhanced Comfort – More Light and Views
As part of recent renovations, the chalet has been significantly upgraded. A large aluminium glass door with side windows now opens up beautiful views across the water – even from inside the chalet. It also brings in much more natural light, creating a brighter and more welcoming atmosphere.
Nature in Motion
After severe flooding damaged the original dam in 2025, extensive restoration work was carried out. The dam refilled successfully during the 2026 rainy season and has already attracted abundant birdlife.
- a variety of waterbirds
- wildlife regularly visiting to drink
- a constantly changing natural environment
The hippos that previously lived here have moved to another dam nearby. Whether and when they may return remains uncertain – however, a solitary bull has already been seen again.
Who This Chalet is For
Hippo Chalet 1 is ideal for guests who:
- want to experience nature more intimately
- value peace and seclusion
- are looking for an authentic farm and wilderness setting
It is important to note:
This is not a conventional lodge room, but a deliberately simple nature-based experience – offering selected comforts, without luxury expectations.
It is precisely this combination of location, authenticity and atmosphere that makes this place so special. You can choose between self catering, best bring your own equipment, but we can also supply basic equipment against a deposit. The chalet has a fridge, an area or stand for barbecue and a zinc to wash the dishes. Water and electricity is solar powered but not strong enough for hot water kettle or hair dryer, but good enough for charging your phone and light. .
🇬🇧 Hippo Chalets 1 and 2 are at the Andreas Dam.
Davidsdraai Chalet 1 and 2 are at Lake Davidsdraai.
Location & Construction
The two Hippo Chalets differ in construction:
- Hippo Chalet 1 is built from wood and a little private terrace with outside light.
- Hippo Chalet 2 is built from natural stone with a private roof terrace and a private terrace at the side of the building with a roof for shadow with outside light and barbecue facilities. From here you have a beautiful view on the dam.
Both chalets have table and chairs.
Water levels vary throughout the year depending on rainfall. In drier periods, it could happen that Hippo Chalet 2 temporarily had no water directly in front. BUT through recent dredging of the riverbed, this has been improved, and we aim to maintain water there now also throughout the year.
Many animals approach the dam from the north, offering excellent wildlife viewing directly from the chalet.
The Hippo Chalets 1 and 2 are located approximately 3 km from the main farmhouse and are about 260 m apart from each other.
The Davidsdraai Chalets 1 & 2 are both built from natural stone and have a roofed parking next to the house and feature – a in front of the house private terrace but also a rooftop terrace with beautiful views ideally for sundowner.
They are located at a historic water point that has been expanded into a small dam, creating a unique atmosphere with regular wildlife activity.
The Davidsdraai Chalets are approximately 5 km from the farmhouse.
Shared Features & Concept
All chalets were upgraded in 2023 and now offer:
- 220 V solar-powered electricity
(with limited battery capacity) - improved lighting
- plug points for charging phones and cameras
⚠️ Important:
The system is not designed for high-consumption devices (e.g. hairdryers, kettles, heaters).
All chalets also include:
- fridge
- two-plate gas stove
- braai (BBQ) area
- sink
- en-suite bathroom (shower, toilet, basin)
Hippo Chalet 1 additionally features a completely new bathroom.
Hot water is provided via solar heating only.
Self-Catering & Catering Options
The chalets are designed for simple self-catering.
Please note:
- Crockery, cutlery, pots and pans are not provided by default
- Guests can bring their own equipment
or rent it at reception (fee + deposit)
We describe this concept as “upmarket camping”.
Alternatively, guests may:
- dine at the main house
- or pre-order sandwiches and drinks from reception
This helps to reduce unnecessary travel between chalet and main house.
Who It Suits
These chalets are ideal for:
- nature lovers
- guests seeking peace and seclusion
- travellers with their own vehicle and camping experience
Experience has shown that they are less suitable for older guests, mainly due to the driving distances, including evening trips.
Size & Interior
- Minimum bedroom size: approx. 3.5 × 6 m (excluding bathroom)
- Double beds with queen or king-size mattresses at Hippo 1 and 2
- Separate twin beds available at Lake Davidsdraai
Exception:
Hippo Chalet 2 has two separate mattresses on one shared bed frame.
The interior is simple and functional.
Distances & Privacy
- Hippo Chalets: approx. 260 m apart
- Davidsdraai Chalets: approx. 60 m apart
All chalets are standalone units offering a high level of privacy.
Facilities at the Main House
At the reception and pool area, guests will find:
- free WiFi
- cold drinks
- coffee & tea
- charging facilities
Düsternbrook Safari Hippo Chalet 1 is an Afristay.com Award Winning Establishment.
ENJOY THE WILDLIFE FROM YOUR OWN PRIVATE TERRACE
🇬🇧 Prices 2026/2027– Hippo & Davidsdraai Chalets
Valid for 2026 (no seasonal rates)
All rates are per person per night
Hippo Chalet 1 & 2
(approx. 3 km from the main farmhouse)
- Self-Catering:
N$ 1,354.00 per person / night - Bed & Breakfast (B&B):
N$ 1,688.00 per person / night -
DBB Package* (min. per 2 nights):
N$ 2,548.00 per person / night -
Package Includes:
-
Accommodation
-
Breakfast & Dinner ( DBB)
-
1 Classic Game Drive per room included ONLY when booking the special “DBB + 1 Activity per 2 Nights” Package, basis DBB. This special offer is only valid if you book it from this website and NOT from any other booking platform.
- The classical Game Drive can anytime be upgrade to our premium Game Drive Sky Unlimited or Horse Riding ( 1.5. Hrs) by just paying the difference in price.
Davidsdraai Chalet 1 & 2
(approx. 5 km from the farmhouse)
- Self-Catering:
N$ 1,084.00 per person / night - Bed & Breakfast (B&B):
N$ 1,418.00 per person / night -
DBB Package* (min. 2 nights):
N$ 1,878.00 per person / night -
Package Includes:
-
Accommodation
-
Breakfast & Dinner ( DBB)
-
1 Classic Game Drive per room included ONLY when booking the special “DBB + 1 Activity per 2 Nights” Package, basis DBB.
🔍 Important Notes
- All rates are per person per night
- The included game drive applies per room (based on double occupancy)
- Minimum stay for DBB Package: per 2 nights
- Single occupancy may be subject to a supplement.
VAT, bedlevy, land tax and conservation fee* are included in the rates.
Any change in our government tax is excluded in the rates.
When you book via a travel agent or tour operator and make use of our package : which is for every two nights one classical Game drive is included per room which can be upgraded to Sky Unlimited or horse riding by paying the price difference. The package price is only half board any lunch can be be added later on. If you book one night any activity can be booked separately.
Conservation Fee*
As a private wildlife farm, we maintain a 14,000-hectare natural area with free-ranging wildlife. Infrastructure such as roads, water points, fencing and sustainable energy systems is fully managed on-site.
The conservation fee of N$ 375.00 per person is included in the room rate and directly contributes to the protection and maintenance of this ecosystem.
Children of any age are welcome.
Discount for children in parent’s room:
– 0 to 3 years: free of charge
– 4 to 12 years: 50%
– For any confirmation of your booking, a non-refundable deposit of 25% is to be paid with reservation.
– 28 days before arrival: 50% of total booked service
– 15 days before arrival: 100% of total booked service (no refund);
– We reserve the right to increase our rates at any time in accordance with electricity and fuel price increases and any possible government taxes or changes in VAT (value added tax), bed levy, or land tax;
Payments may be made with cash in Namibian Dollar or Euro.
You can also use the following credit cards: Visa – MasterCard.
The Euro will be converted to Namibian Dollar at the daily rate.
