Top campsites inside Namibia’s parks

Namibia’s 17 national parks are its most special and valuable asset. Teeming with wildlife and spectacular scenery, they are an attraction not to be missed. From mountain adventures in the Naukluft to the stark isolation and towering dunes of the Namib, the biodiversity and contrasts will amaze and surprise you. Take in the sites of Herero history at the Waterberg, explore the riverbanks along the country’s north-eastern rivers in Bwabwata or spend hours watching wildlife in Namibia’s crowning glory, Etosha. Namibia has something for everyone. It thus stands to reckon that it would be best to spend your time on your trip through Namibia inside its parks. Namibia Wildlife Resorts’ 20 different resorts and campsites are situated inside Namibia’s national parks. Here is our selection of their top campsites across the country. Indulge in the beauty of Namibia’s parks, spend your evenings around floodlit waterholes, camping under the spectacular night sky of these 5-billion-star establishments.

S esriem Campsite
Namib-Naukluft National Park

Sossusvlei, Namibia’s second most popular attraction, is located in the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Sesriem Canyon (1 km long) is at the entrance to the park. The 24 scenic camping sites of Sesriem are a few kilometers from the canyon under beautiful camel thorn trees. The sites have a braai area, tap and communal washrooms. You can stock up on necessities at the shop and filling station just outside the park gate. Be sure to make the 65km trip to Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei, famous for some of Namibia’s most spectacular photo-ops.

O lifantsrus Campsite
Etosha National Park

This campsite, in the western part of Etosha National Park, is the latest addition to NWR’s list of accommodation facilities. Situated between Okaukuejo and Dolomite Resort, Olifantsrus is the only establishment in the park that offers camping only. The 10 camping sites have power points, running water, braai facilities and communal washrooms. By far the best feature of Olifantsrus, however, is its state-of-the-art hide at the waterhole. The hide is a tower-like structure just outside the boundary fencing of the camp. It can be reached via a wooden boardwalk and allows visitors to watch game from an elevated position above the waterhole, which is spread out at its base in the shape of a half-moon. At night, red floodlights make for a stunning game-viewing experience.

H alali Campsite
Etosha National Park

Camping at Halali is always an adventure. The spacious camping sites are set between large mopane trees which offer plenty of shade. The nearby waterhole is also floodlit at night and frequented by large herds of elephant. The swimming pool and poolside restaurant are a popular hangout during hot summer afternoons when game movement is limited. NWR also offers night drives from Halali. Visit well-known waterholes such as Chudop and Salvadora at the rim of the magical white pan for a whole new perspective at night. Like the other campsites in Etosha, Halali offers communal washroom facilities, as well as braai areas and electricity at each site. Look out for pearl-spotted owlets perched in the mopane trees overhead before turning in for the night.

O kaukuejo Campsite
Etosha National Park

With its famous illuminated waterhole, located 17 km from the southern entrance of the park lies Okaukuejo, Etosha’s main resort. The camping sites each have their own braai area, and communal washroom facilities and kitchen areas are close-by. The best part of camping at Okaukuejo is the short distance from the camping area to the waterhole. Spend your night watching rhinos and lions quenching their thirst under the floodlights. Joining a guided night drive in the park is also highly recommendable. Special nocturnal sightings include hyena, aardwolf and leopard. Bookings for the night drives should be made well in advance because they are very popular.

Who needs a five star hotel, when you can sleep under a five billion star sky.

There is no wifi in the forest, but I promise you will find a better connection.

W aterberg Resort
Waterberg National Park

Situated about 68km east of Otjiwarongo, the Waterberg Plateau is a prominent feature, rising high above the plains of the Kalahari of eastern Namibia. The park is one of Namibia’s greatest conservation success stories and an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Join a guided game drive on the plateau and explore the thick vegetation teeming with special species of game, including black and white rhino, sable and roan antelope, tsessebe and buffalo. Hiking on the plateau has been banned until further notice due to poaching concerns, but there are various hiking trails and nature walks that start at the resort. Camping sites with washroom facilities, electricity and braai areas are spread out under camel thorn trees at the foot of a grassy (in summer) hill. Be aware that baboons often make a nuisance of themselves and please refrain from feeding them. Make sure that all your provisions and valuables are secured at all times, lest they make a run for it with your evening meal or iPhone.

N aukluft Campsite
Namib-Naukluft National Park

21 camping sites are spread out along a clear stream at the base of a mountain. This section of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, where the Naukluft Mountains form the easternmost border of the park, is characterised by massive rock formations and is a geologist’s dream. Hiking trails that lead out from the camping sites follow streams meandering through the mountains and lead to clear, cold pools. During wet months they often pass beautiful small waterfalls. Flora and fauna are plentiful and nature lovers are sure to enjoy the extraordinary biodiversity that is a hallmark of of the Naukluft. The campsite’s washroom facilities have recently been beautifully renovated and each camping site has clean running water and braai facilities. Activities to be enjoyed include four different hiking trails, bird watching or going on a 4×4 drive on demarcated routes.

H obas Campsite
/Ai-/Ais – Richtersveld Transfrontier Park

The Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world: 160 km long and more than 500 meters deep. It is also one of the most popular hiking destinations in southern Africa. Adventure lovers can start their journey from Hobas Campsite at the park entrance. Washrooms and braai facilities are available and visitors can take a refreshing dip in the sparkling blue pool before descending into the canyon for their expedition.

P opa Falls Resort
Popa Game Park

On the banks of the Okavango River near Divundu, a magical destination awaits. The alluring Popa Falls, which actually are a series of rapids rather than a waterfall, are a must-see when heading to the Zambezi Region in the northeast of the country. Mahango Game Park, situated just down the road, is a great place for nature lovers and bird watchers to explore. Other exciting  adventures await on the river itself in the form of boat cruises and fishing expeditions. The resort has 10 camping sites with braai facilities and washrooms. Be sure to spend your sundowner time on the bar deck overlooking the falls and the river, or on a guided river cruise.