When you think of a camping trip, Namibia doesn’t automatically spring to mind. However after multiple camping trips in the states, Namibia and Botswana offer a totally different and, in my opinion, far superior experience. Remote sights with outstanding facilities for a very reasonable price.
Many of the campsites have restaurants, are associated with lodges, or have on site accommodations such as little cabins if you fancy a break from living in a tent.
In addition, many of the rental cars come equip with all you need for camping so no need to haul copious amount of sleeping bags, and other paraphernalia is avoided.
Camping for Kids?
Out first trip become a little bit of a research trip. We were apprehensive about taking Andi and left her at home on the first one. In hindsight, we shouldn’t have worried- she loved the camping aspect of it on our second trip. There are no playgrounds or elements designed specifically for kids but if your child is a little explorer and nature lover, then Namibia is an ideal destination. The only consideration is that long drives may be part of your itinerary. However, with proper planning and the rewards at the end, it shouldn’t be a hindering factor (And this comes from a history of car sickness with Andi!)
Rooftop tents and rental gear
There is a range of camping gear available to rent with vehicles, but the most common by far is the rooftop tent. As a couple, we only needed one tent on the car, however, with Andi we had 2 roof top tents. And ground tents are available to add to you rental if you are a larger family.
Pros of rooftop tent:
- Surprisingly easy and quick to put up and take down.
- Incredibly comfortable! In a ground tent, even with a good mattress, a bumpy and uneven service can result in a less then great night. If you are planning an extended trip having a comfortable bed is a good consideration.
- No need to find level ground soft enough for stakes. However parking on a level spot and considering wind direction is important.
- Gives you more room in the car. When packing a car for a camping trip, often space can be limited in the car. Even as 3 people, we managed to use most of the space in car, although with a little more careful organization and planning we would have been much more efficient
- Easy to keep clean and keep sand out (pretty important during a dust storm in the dessert)
- Added security of not sleeping on the ground (although most campsites in Namibia are fenced, but not in Botswana)
Berg 4×4, the rental car company we booked with also provided us with ample gear we needed for the trip. Prior to arrival in Namibia they sent an inventory which listed everything from pots and pans and a corkscrew already loaded into the car. An addition sheet with other items we may want to rent included blankets, sleeping bags, pillows, satellite phones, extra fridge and more. Although everything was clean, we took our own pillow cases and next time will purchase a lightweight sleeping bag liner.
Namibia has great camping infrastructure
Every site we stayed at or researched had outstanding facilities. Of course, this is subjective. And perhaps first I should explain what we look for in good campsites. Clean bathrooms, shower facilities (not essential but if we are staying a few nights or its been a while since out last shower. And even better if the water is hot) bbq pits or campfire grills, space, scenery and not too crowded.
Sesrium Oshana Campsite
One of our top site was actually our first. Sesrium Oshana Campsite is one of only 2 campsites located within the gates of Namib-Nakluft National Park. Perhaps it was the excitement and adrenaline of the start of the vacation but our first beer after setting up the tent while watching our second amazing sunset put it at the top of the list.
Once you have paid park fees at the entrance, you can check in at Dead Valley Lodge. You have have a twang of regret at not booking the lodge when you check in, but that will soon dissolve once you are grilling over your campfire.
We had a pretty unique experience here as there were historically strong winds. They started while we were cooking but we managed to make the most of it sheltering our table behind the shower block and repositioning our vehicle a number of times. Once we had climbed into our roof top tent (and wondered how the neighbors in their ground tent would cope) we hankered down for a long night spent wondering if the winds were strong enough to roll our vehicle. When we re-emerged from the tent the next morning, all other campers had already departed- a perk of being inside the gates is you get a head start to the main attraction of Deadville.
Perks of staying at Sesrium Oshana:
- each plot has it own personal block with shower, toilet, outdoor sink
- fire pit with bbq grill
- shaded area
- hot and cold water
- electricty
- access to pool, restaurant, internet , shop, fuel station and tire repair close by
Cape Cross Lodge Campsite
A fantastic stop on after driving down the skeleton coast. Although the campsite itself doesn’t have great views, and the weekend we were there seemed a little of a party weekend, the stretch of beach it is located on is stunning. We strolled a little just before sunset with savana ciders in our hands. Although we didn’t go to far due to the Rabid Jackals arounds. Sunset was spent with another cider on the restaurant deck before a fireside dinner
Perks of this campsite:
- well located after a long drive down the skeleton coast
- clean facilites and hot water
- bbq pits and well divided campsites
- restaurant for those that don’t want to cook!
Namutoni Campsite
Namutoni doesn’t rate high on our list of campsites, other than for its location. After a long drive through Etosha national park, and the plan to drive the same road back the next morning, it provided what we needed for a stop. Good fire pit and clean bathrooms. There is also a nice big pool if you are there when its warm, the shop, although limited stock, provided frozen meat and some drinks, and a restaurant if you desired.
Other Campsites
These 3 campsites were part of our first trip. During our research and our second trip we discovered plenty more great ones which we will review soon!
NWR- Namibia Wildlife Resort
The NWR is essential a tourism company that manages the national parks and lodging and campsites located in them. It is a government run agency which gets a bad rap, and although we didn’t have any negative experiences, this is definitely weight in the reviews that address the staff attitudes and facilities. The staff weren’t very friendly or enthusiastic about their jobs, reputably due to their low wages. The stores at the campsites were poorly stocked, but you really wouldn’t expect more in remote parts of Africa, and quite frankly, stocking up before going is recommended.
We had read reviews ahead of time that the restaurants were incredibly poor so we decided to prepare ahead and not have to test that. However, the restrooms and pools were clean. Our biggest disappointment was at Namutmoi. The fort was closed and run down, as was the museum.
In many area, the NWR accommodations are the best located for the attractions. However, they are not the only options! It is worth researching the different types of accommodation available.
Research and Prebook your campsite
With camping becoming more and more popular, in most areas of the world campsite reservations are now required. This is true of Namibia too. To make the most out of you camping trip in Namibia there are a few tips and websites that make it easier to research and plan your trip.
Most of the tourist hotspots will have a few different sites around. Make sure you look closely at the campsites. some will be closer to watering holes with the potential of some night time wildlife spotting. Some may be located inside park entrances which mean you adventures into sights can get started a little earlier then if you are camping on the outskirts of the gates. For example the Namib-Nakaluft gate. Although, for us it wasn’t really a big deal, if you are there during high season or a busy week you may want to see sites such as Deavlei without hoards of other tourists, or get photos climbing on Dune 45 without others in the background
Essential Camping Gear to bring with you or buy
stock up in the supermarket on-
The likelihood is you will be camping while roadtripping. It is good to be aware of the towns and cities you may be able to stock up in and the amount of time you have before the next stop. We stocked up for a few days worth of the following when we needed to
- firelights, matches and charcoal
- beer and wine
- food for the bbq and snacks
- drinking water
- cleaning supplies (dish soap, foil, paper towel)
- Sim cards and credit
Pretty much everything else you may need was in the rental truck. Take a look at your inventory sheet before heading to the supermarket- check for wine glasses!
