PLACES TO STAY NORTHERN NAMIBIA
AFFORDABLE OPTION (See page 21.)
LOW SEASON
Many of these lodges lower their prices significantly at the height of summer (January to March, sometimes April). It gets very hot, and it can rain, but you’ll save a lot of money if you visit during these months.
COMMUNITY CAMPS
There are many community-run campsites in Damaraland and the Kaokoveld. It’s pointless to try and phone to book and usually not necessary either. Just drive in, someone will come to assist you.
Weena van Tonder
Outjo
“Our family likes to visit the Kaokoveld, Damaraland or the Richtersveld with its amazing scenery. My husband doesn’t really like to cross the Orange River, but this year we’re going to the Garden Route in South Africa!”
KAOKOVELD & KUNENE RIVER
1 Epupa Falls Lodge
On the banks of the Kunene River about 200 km north of Opuwo. Situated right on top of Epupa Falls, the lodge has a restaurant, bar and a deck. Camping from R200 p.p. (max six people per stand; there are seven stands). Three family units and one honeymoon suite: from R650 p.p. sharing B&B. Five chalets on stilts with good views; from R750 p.p. sharing B&B. There’s also a swimming pool. An Ovahimba cultural tour costs R750 p.p. Morning photo walk R300 p.p.
GPS: S17.00242 E13.24450
✆ 00 264 81 250 8255
2 Omarunga Lodge
This Gondwana lodge at Epupa Falls has a restaurant, bar, lapa and swimming pool. Camping from R165 p.p. (10 stands, no electricity). Safari tent from R1 840 p.p. sharing B&B. You can visit an Ovahimba village (R920 p.p.), do a sundowner drive (R340 p.p.) or go on a guided walk to look for crocodiles (R340 p.p.).
GPS: S17.00241 E13.24617
✆ 00 264 61 427 200
3 Epupa Camp
About 1 km upstream from Epupa Falls. There are 12 camping stands with private ablution facilities; each stand is big enough to accommodate a maximum of 10 people; R200 p.p. Ten Kingfisher tents (two single beds) with communal facilities from R840 p.n. Nine safari tents R2 035 p.p. sharing DB&B. Ovahimba tour R685 p.p; sundowner drive R275 p.p; half-day rafting trip R660 p.p. Meals available on request.
GPS: S16.99964 E13.25373
✆ 00 264 61 237 294 (bookings)
4 Kapika Waterfall Lodge
Kapika’s 10 chalets have great views of the river and the waterfall. There are two camping stands with private ablution facilities: from R275 p.p. More campsites (and electricity) are on the cards. A double room costs R3 800 p.n. DB&B. Activities include nature walks R245 p.p, sunset drives R270 p.p, river rafting R600 p.p, and Ovahimba village tours R715 p.p. Meals are available. SADC guests receive a 25 % discount, and from December to March they offer 35 % discount – it gets really hot here in summer, but there is a pool.
GPS: S17.00278 E13.25266
✆ 00 264 65 685 111
5 Kunene River Lodge
On the Kunene River, 50 km west of Ruacana. Most of the 12 stands are under leadwood or jackal-berry trees, with views of the river. The stands have braai facilities, power and communal ablution facilities. There are also A-frame cabins and lodge rooms. The lodge has a restaurant and a swimming pool. Camping from R225 p.p. A-frame cabin with ceiling fan from R1 342 p.p. sharing DB&B. Lodge room with aircon from R1 579 p.p. sharing DB&B. Discount if you book for two nights or longer. Dine at the lodge, go on a river cruise (R512 p.p.) or hire a fishing rod to try and catch a tiger fish (R145 per day). Birdwatching tour R484 p.p. Nearly 300 species have been recorded and some are very rare, like the Cinderella waxbill – this is the only place in southern Africa where you can see it. Visit the nearby Dorsland Monument at Swartbooisdrif, or drive to Ruacana Falls upstream. If you’d like to know more about Ovahimba culture, a tour costs R435 p.p.
GPS: S17.35439 E13.88129
✆ 00 264 61 224 712 (bookings)
✆ 00 264 65 685 016 (lodge)
6 Mavinga Lodge & Campsite
The lodge is 37 km east of Swartbooisdrif, on the D3700. Camping stands on lawn, with awnings and braai facilities, right at the water’s edge: R165 p.p. or R195 if you hire a tent. Double room from R950 p.p. sharing. Restaurant on site.
GPS: S17.43327 E14.12456
✆ 00 264 81 128 6890
7 Kunene Islands Camp
On the D3700, 40 km east of Swartbooisdrif. The facilities are old but well maintained. Campsites are on the river, with fenced areas to keep out the crocs (R100 p.p. sharing). Two croc-safe safari tents are pitched high on a riverbank: R250 p.n. for two people (bring your own bedding), plus R50 for an
