7 Great Wilderness Camps in Namibia

Posted by Emma Burley 13th October 2015
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Our tailor-made holidays to stunning Namibia incorporate stays in a range of camps, allowing you to experience the striking wilderness first hand. From staying on the edge of the world's second largest canyon to enjoying panoramic views of extraordinary red desert dunes, we’ve selected our seven favourite camps where you can soak up some of the country's very best landscapes.
 

Etendeka Mountain Camp, Namib Desert

 

Located in the foothills of the Grootberg on the edge of the rocky Namib Desert, Etendeka offers a highly personalised 'back to basics' wilderness experience. Ten shaded tents have lovely views from their private veranda and offer creature comforts including a private flush toilet and hot bush shower. Solar heating and electricity do not disturb the silence and many plants and animals are indigenous to the area. The guiding here is excellent and game drives or guide walks will take you in search of desert adapted elephants or black rhino. Whether or not you're lucky enough to spot these rare species, you'll learn about the region’s rare geology, diverse bird life and even Etendeka’s own ‘big five' – thick-stemmed trees that have adapted to less than 100mm of rainfall each year.

Read about African tailor-made specialist Lukey's recent stay at Etendeka Mountain Camp.
 

Wolwedans Dune Camp, NamibRand Nature Reserve

Situated in the heart of the NamibRand Reserve, Wolvedans is nestled amidst the red desert dunes against a backdrop of extraordinary natural beauty. The awe-inspiring landscape is similar to the famed Sossusvlei Dunes, however it gets far fewer tourists. The luxurious camp is perched on a raised plateau with fabulous 360° views. Each of the nine wooden chalets are raised on stilts and luxuriously appointed with an en suite bathroom and private terrace opening up onto vast stretches of untouched sand. Canvas sides create the ambience of a tented camp and can be rolled up so you feel totally in touch with nature. The main lodge complex, surrounded by airy verandas, is designed to take full advantage of panoramic views of the dunes and consists of a wine cellar, library, two elegant dining rooms and an unusual swimming pool suspended above the sand. The lodge also provides a host of activities including safari ballooning, scenic drives and picnics in the wild.
 

Okahirongo River Camp, Marienfluss

Okahirongo River Camp is an eco-friendly lodge located in the wilderness on the Kunene River in remote Marienfluss. This remote region is located in North West Namibia near to the Skeleton Coast and is also home to some of the last remaining semi-nomadic desert-dwelling Himba people. The camp is fully run on solar power and all of the accommodation has been built into the rocky terrain surroundings, constructed from wood and canvas. The 70m2 cottages have private bathrooms, king size beds and a spacious private desk with magnificent views of the beautiful surroundings.
 

Hoanib Camp, Skeleton Coast

Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is scenically located in a broad valley at the confluence of two tributaries of the Hoanib River in the northern part of the private Palmwag Concession. Its location straddles the Palmwag area and the iconic Skeleton Coast National Park in one of the most remote areas of the Kaokoveld. Exclusivity is taken a step further as the camp is only accessible by light aircraft and consists of just seven twin-bedded tents and one family unit, each comprising stylish en suite bedrooms with shaded outdoors decks. Flanked to the east and west by rugged hills, the camp looks out over stunning, starkly beautiful scenery and offers guests all the luxuries and amenities for an unforgettable stay. A diverse range of activities showcase the fascinating landscapes of the northern Palmwag Concession and the Skeleton Coast, including game drives, nature walks, day trips to desert oases and interaction with wildlife researchers.
 

Pelican Point Lodge, Walvis Bay

Located on the remote peninsula of Pelican Point at Walvis Bay, Pelican Point Lodge offers an enchanting and unique haven. With the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the lagoon of Walvis Bay on the other, this is a truly wonderful place to unwind and witness an array of fascinating wildlife at play, including seals, dolphins, whales and multiple species of birds. Accommodation is in nine luxury suites at the foot of the lighthouse, all of which are spacious, decorated in a contemporary style and offer stunning views, even whilst showering!
 

Fish River Lodge, Fish River Canyon

Fish River Lodge is perched on the western rim of Fish River Canyon, the world's second largest canyon. This luxurious lodge has 20 spacious rooms on the canyon's edge, with stone walls and floor-to-ceiling glass doors, giving spectacular views of the canyon and its intriguing rock formations. The architecture and interiors of Fish River Lodge reflect the rugged landscape that surround it. Contemporary, and at times monastic, the lodge was designed to reflect the unique beauty of its location. Activities for the more energetic at Fish River Lodge include 1-5 day walks into and along the rim of the Canyon. There are morning and afternoon scenic drives and sundowner trails, where you can watch the sun set whilst sipping a glass of champagne. Due to its remote location, Fish River lodge is more suited to those who have a minimum of three nights in the region and really want to explore the region in depth.
 

Onguma Tree Top Camp, Onguma Game Reserve

Onguma Tree Top Camp is a small and intimate camp, designed for those who would like to truly experience the bush in all its raw splendour. The camp is built on wooden stilts amongst the tree tops with full views over one of the most beautiful waterholes on Onguma Game Reserve. The camp consists of only four thatched rooms with canvas walls and a dining room in the main complex. The guest areas include a deck overlooking the waterhole, a lounge, dining room and interactive kitchen. A charming characterful camp perfect for those who are looking for a back to nature wildlife experience.

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