12 Amazing campsites in Namibia to stay in 2023
After driving through Namibia for almost 2 months and camping at more than 30 campsites we decided to make a list of our favorite campsites in Namibia. Camping is very popular here there are hundreds of campsites all over the country from the Namib Desert in the south to the wetlands in the north. Some of the campsites are truly unique and offer an incredible experience in some of the most beautiful places to visit in Namibia. Camping is the cheapest accommodation option in Namibia, especially outside cities and towns. If you're planning an extensive Namibia road trip and don't want to break your budget try to camp as much as you can.
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Renting a car in Namibia
If you're coming from overseas to travel around Namibia you'll have to rent a car. You can move by bus between main cities and towns but if you want to visit National Parks and natural attractions or get to any of the suggested campsites most of them are accessible only by car.
You can rent a car at Windhoek Airport on arrival. An SUV e.g. Toyota RAV4 (for up to 5 people) without a rooftop tent will cost you around US$529 for 7 days, a blogger car e.g. Toyota Hilux double cab - around US$700 for 7 days.
If you're planning to camp a lot you can rent an SUV with a rooftop tent, it's easier to pitch and break down every day. It works out quite a bit more expensive. As an option, you can rent a car and bring your own camping gear or rent it separately which will work out cheaper than renting a car with a roof-top tent.
If renting a car and planning a trip across Namibia looks like too much of a mission you can always join one of the small group tours that includes camping and visiting the highlights of the country.
- 9-Day Canyons, Dunes & Wildlife Camping, and Lodge Safari
- 7-Day Southern Namibia and Sossusvlei Camping Safari
- 12-Day Classic Namibia Camping Safari
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How did we choose the 12 best campsites?
First of all their unique setup and “personality”. Of course, beautiful in-nature locations be it the desert, the coast, a river, or a canyon. Good facilities are quite important as well all our campsites are more than just basic. What else, of course, people, nothing makes you feel comfortable in a place like friendly and welcoming people. Here is the list of our favorite Namibia campsites.
The best campsites in Namibia in 2023
The campsites are arranged according to their geographical location from North to South of Namibia. If you don't feel like camping every day all the recommended campsites have in-door accommodation options (bungalows, chalets, or rooms). Staying indoors is significantly more expensive but every once in a while you can spoil yourself. You can alter camping by staying indoors to have a break from pitching and breaking down your tent every day. All campsites have restaurants if some days you don't feel like cooking you can order meals.
The map of the best campsites in Namibia
Ngepi campsite, Divundu, Caprivi
Ngepi Campsite is one of our favorite campsites in Namibia! We camped here on our Namibia to Victoria Falls road trip and instead of the planned 1 or 2 days we spent there 4 days. It's a really big and spacious campsite in the jungle on the Kavango riverbank with a lot to explore. It's a unique place a perfect example of harmonic coexistence between people in nature. Just a few examples of amazing things; jungle showers, throne toilets, cage swimming pool, etc. Not to mention many hippos walking and swimming around, tons of birds, and amazing sunrises! But not only the place itself but the people make it so amazing! The staff is great, friendly, and fun! Ah, check the funny signs all around the place they will make you laugh!
The restaurant is very good as well they have big breakfasts, juicy burgers, and delicious dinners. And their filtered coffee is good and cheap!
Things to do
- Boat/mokoro trip on Kavango river to spot hippos and crocodiles. In the dry season, you can watch hippos right from the campsite.
- Guided walks.
- Birdwatching right outside your tent.
- Stargazing.
- Watching sunset.
Campsite facilities
- Hot water shower - Yes
- Flushing toilets - Yes
- Electricity – Yes
- Running water - Yes
- Outlets – Yes, each site has an outlet
- Wi-fi – Yes, at the reception
- BBQ (braai) - Yes
- Other – Swimming pool, filtered drinking water, restaurant.
Caprivi Houseboat Safaris Lodge, Katima Mulilo, Caprivi
A great campsite in Namibia located in Caprivi. A very chilled and relaxed place with a cozy deck bar overlooking the Zambezi River, a beautiful garden, a good restaurant, and budget cabins in case you don't want to camp. The place feels like a home away from home! Honestly, we could stay here much longer. The facilities are very good you have all you need and even more.
The houseboat safari lodge is situated just outside Katima Mulilo which is nice in case you need to do some shopping or fill your tank but far enough from busy town life. The deck bar over the river is a perfect place for chilling with a book or watching birds. For birds, you don't even need to go anywhere just sit in the garden and look around. We met some people who came here, especially for bird watching.
Things to do
- Safari boat trip on one of the boats/houses, you can do a tour or rent it for a couple of days and just go around the area, stop every night in different places, and watch animals and birds.
- A day trip on the Zambezi River to see crocodiles and hippos.
- Bird watching from the deck/bar.
- Chilling, reading, swimming (if you aren't scared of crocodiles in the river).
Campsite facilities
- Hot water shower - Yes
- Flushing toilets - Yes
- Electricity – Yes
- Outlets – Yes, each site has an outlet
- Running water – Yes, each site has its own
- Wi-Fi – Yes, at the bar, reception
- BBQ (braai) - Yes
- Other – restaurant/bar, boat tours, free tea/coffee in the morning, filtered drinking water.
Epupa Falls Lodge and Campsite, Epupa Falls
Epupa Falls Lodge is a fantastic place right at the edge of the river very close to the waterfall. The location is amazing the constant roar of falling water, giant baobab trees, tall palm trees around, a very green and humid place very different from what we've seen in other places in Namibia. One of the less explored corners of the country, it's a real paradise for adventurous people. The lodge is a great place to chill for a couple of days after long days of driving around the country. You can book a package that includes staying in a bungalow, breakfast, and dinner.
There is a good restaurant with an amazing view of the falls where you can enjoy a cup of coffee at sunrise or a glass of wine at sunset. Like at most other campsites in Namibia, you can stay indoors if you're tired of camping. There are nice wooden cabins with good facilities.
On the way to Epupa Falls, you can visit the Himba people, one of the native Namibian tribes. It's an amazing experience to see the traditional lifestyle that they've preserved for centuries.
Things to do
- 1-hour hike along the river to Epupa Falls.
- Visit Himba village.
- Do a boat trip to see crocodiles.
- Chill on the deck.
Campsite facilities
- Hot water shower - Yes
- Flushing toilets - Yes
- Electricity – Yes
- Outlets - Yes
- Running water – Yes
- Wi-Fi – Yes, at the bar
- BBQ (braai) facilities - Yes
- Other – restaurant/bar, tour desk.
Okaukuejo Campsite, Anderson Gate, Etosha
The oldest campsite in Etosha National Park Okaukuejo is a gateway to the park. The campsite and administrative center are situated in the southern part of the park, about 15 km from Anderson Gate. It is famous for its stone towers. The campsite has different accommodation options and good facilities including a restaurant, a petrol station, a shop, and a swimming pool.
One of the main waterholes in the park is located a walking distance from the campsite. At night the waterhole is illuminated with floodlights you can see animals coming to drink after sunset hours. Among the animals that come to drink here, you can see the endangered black rhino, elephants, lions, and many other African animals.
There are six campsites inside Etosha all having similar accommodation options and facilities you can base at one place and do game drives from there or choose a couple of different campsites and stay for a night or two at each of them. From our experience staying inside the park has big advantages especially if you want to join night safari drives or go on a drive early morning. Whichever campsite you choose in Etosha I'd recommend booking it in advance, especially during the peak season (winter months). The dry winter months are the best time to visit Namibia to see wildlife.
Things to do
- Safari drives
- Bird watching
- Game watching at the waterhole
- BBQ
- Chilling at the bar
- Swimming in the pool
Campsite facilities
- Hot water shower – Yes
- Flushing toilets – Yes
- Electricity – Yes
- Outlets – Yes
- Running water - Yes
- Wi-fi – Yes
- BBQ (braai) facilities - Yes
- Other - swimming pool, restaurant/bar, shop, petrol station
Find more amazing places to stay near Anderson Gate in Etosha
Mopane Village Lodge, near Anderson Gate, Etosha
Mopane Village Lodge is an amazing place to stay close to Etosha if the campsites inside are full or you want a cheaper alternative to the Etosha campsites. Each site has everything you need for camping and even more; shower, toilet, roof, braai place, electricity, outlet, and sink all your own not shared with anybody else. The sites are quite apart which gives you more privacy. The owners are great people and make you feel at home here. The reception area is very nice and comfortable for chilling under the roof after a long day of driving. A small swimming pool is nice to refresh on a hot day.
Things to do
- The main thing in the area is the famous Etosha Park, the lodge is 15km from the entrance so you can do day visits to the park and drive back. It's cheaper to stay outside Etosha in the park itself campsites are quite pricy.
- Swim in the pool.
- Chill at the bar.
Campsite facilities
- Hot water shower – Yes
- Flushing toilets – Yes
- Electricity – Yes
- Outlets – Yes
- Running water - Yes
- Wi-fi – Yes, at the restaurant
- BBQ (braai) facilities - Yes
- Other – Swimming pool, restaurant, tour desk, accept cards.
Brandberg White Lady lodge, Uis
Brandberg Lodge is a little oasis in the desert with its swimming pool, garden, and stunning view over the area including Brandberg from the sunset viewpoint and sunset itself is something not to miss! The campsite has no electricity which is not bad at all you get a chance to see millions of stars in the dark night sky without any sign of light pollution! The camping area is very big so you don't really see or hear your neighbors. Big trees around make a very nice shadow for pitching a tent or parking a car.
Things to do
- The White Lady Rock painting
- Hike Brandberg Mountain, the highest peak in Namibia (need a guide)
- Chill next to the pool, walk in the garden
- Watch the sunset from the view-point
- Star gazing
Campsite facilities
- Hot water shower - Yes
- Flushing toilets - Yes
- Electricity – No
- Outlets - Not at camping spots, there is a charging station at the reception
- Running water – Yes, at each site
- Wi-fi - No
- BBQ (braai) facilities - Yes
- Other – swimming pool, restaurant, sunset viewpoint, cactus garden.
Cape Cross Lodge, Hentiesbaai, Skeleton Coast
Cape Cross Lodge is an amazing place for camping on the coast. Sits right on the beach 5km away from the Seal colony. Very nice setup for both campers and lodge guests with a fancy restaurant/bar, summer terrace, and a small museum. It's a good mix of camping in a wild and remote place and being comfortable. The lodge sits right on the beach with a lot of wildlife like seals, jackals, dolphins, and many birds. Cape Cross Seal colony is just 10km away so you can drive there several times a day (ticket valid for the whole day).
Things to do
- Visit the seal colony
- Walk on the beach
- Chill at the bar
- Watching birds, dolphins, and seals from the restaurant
Campsite facilities
- Hot water shower - Yes
- Flushing toilets - Yes
- Electricity – Yes, at the sites
- Outlets – Yes, at the sites
- Running water – Yes
- Wi-Fi – Yes, at the restaurant
- BBQ (braai) facilities - Yes
- Other – restaurant, museum, washing sinks, accept cards.
Spitzkoppe Tented Camp & Campsite, Spitzkoppe
Spitzkoppe (Germ. pointed dome) is a beautiful place, the landscape here is quite unique even for Namibia; massive smooth granite boulders, a bizarre-shaped mountain range that stands out from the surrounding flat area, a lot of open space, and the endless night sky with millions of stars. It is sometimes called the Matterhorn of Namibia. Camping there is an incredible experience; campsites are situated far apart it feels like you're the only person camping here.
Spitzkoppe is one of the Namibia campsites where you feel like you're the only person camping here. The facilities are quite basic due to the large camping area but it's well compensated by the solitude and beauty of the place. If you have a motorhome camping here will be more convenient than in a tent.
Things to do
- Hiking
- Climbing/bouldering
- Stargazing
- Bird watching
- Watching the sunset
Campsite facilities
- Hot water shower - Yes, at the reception if you get a spot not close to the gate you'll have to drive to the showers.
- Flushing toilets - Yes, at the reception otherwise dry toilets at campsites
- Electricity – No
- Outlets – No
- Wi-Fi – No
- Running water - Yes, here and there there are taps otherwise you'll have to drive to the reception with big bottles of water
- BBQ (braai) facilities - Yes
Sossus Oasis Campsite, Sossusvlei
Oasis Campsite is a great place to stay before visiting Sossusvlei. It's situated less than 1 km away from the gate. It's not a big but spacious campsite. There are only 12 spots each has its own roofed ablution complex and kitchenette. The place has a great atmosphere because of the staff that does its best to accommodate campers. There is a bar/restaurant where you can have a drink or a meal. A swimming pool with a shaded area next to it is a perfect place for relaxing or cooling down after a long day of driving through the desert. I'd highly recommend booking the campsite in advance in the peak season to make sure you get a spot there.
This campsite is a good alternative to the more expensive Sesriem Campsite inside the National Park. It's cheaper and has better facilities the only drawback compared to Sesriem Campsite is that you have to wait for the gate to open in the morning to start driving which makes it almost impossible to arrive at Dune 45 before sunrise.
Things to do
- Guided walks
- Hiking trails
- Quad buggy
- Hot air balloon ride
- Visiting Sossusvlei Dessert
Campsite facilities
- Hot water shower - Yes, each site has its own
- Flushing toilets - Yes, each site has its own
- Electricity – Yes
- Outlets – Yes
- Wi-Fi – Yes, at the reception
- Running water - Yes
- BBQ (braai) facilities - Yes, with braai grids
- Other - roofed area for braaing, shop, restaurant, swimming pool, tire workshop
Quivertree Forest rest camp, Keetmanshoop
Quivertree Campsite is a fantastic place right at Quiver tree forest with meerkats running around, cheetahs in the enclosure, and a pet warthog. Sites are quite far apart from each other so you have enough privacy, each site has a tap, braai place, light, and power outlet. The landscape is very beautiful with some rocky hills and quiver trees around. Perfect spot for watching the sunset and stargazing. Children will like it here playing with dogs, cuddling warthog, or watching cheetahs ah yes, and birds, of course, many different birds and parrots (at a feeding place near the office).
Things to do
- Quiver tree forest, right at the campsite. Check for some huge social weaver nests on the trees. At sunset, the light is perfect for taking photos of the forest.
- Giant's playgrounds are just 5km away.
- Cheetahs' feeding, there are few cheetahs in the enclosure at the campsite.
- Dinosaurs Fossils, 50km away. To see it you do a tour which runs from
- Stargazing, the best night sky we had in Namibia.
- Bird and meerkat watching, there are many.
Campsite facilities
- Hot water shower - Yes
- Flushing toilets - Yes
- Electricity – Yes
- Outlets – Yes, at the sites
- Wi-Fi – Yes, at the reception
- Running water - Yes
- BBQ (braai) facilities - Yes
- Other - washing basins, restaurant.
Ai-Ais Hot Springs, Fish River Canyon
Ai-Ais Hot Springs is situated at Fish River Canyon we camped here a couple of times; at the beginning of our Cape Town - Namibia road trip after crossing the border with Namibia and before/after hiking Fish River Canyon. It's definitely the campsite in Namibia where we camped the most. The campsite is spacious and grassy with big trees that create nice shade and good facilities. The indoor pools are great for relaxing after a long day of driving or several days of hiking in the canyon.
The campsite sits at the end of the canyon you can walk a bit into the canyon along the river. There is a restaurant on the premises where you can order meals, coffee or buy snacks. The only drawback is baboons, they often come to the campsite so make sure you don't leave your tent open or any food/valuables laying around unattended.
Things to do
- Swimming in outdoor or indoor pools
- Hiking in the canyon
- Braaiing
- Playing tennis
Campsite facilities
- Hot shower – Yes
- Flushing toilets – Yes
- Electricity – Yes
- Outlets – Yes
- Wi-fi – No
- Running water – Yes
- BBQ (braai) facilities – Yes
- Other – electric stoves, covered area for cooking, drinking water, indoor & outdoor pools
Amanzi Trails River Camp, Noordoewer
Amanzi River Camp is a great place on the Orange Riverbank with stunning views over the river. This campsite is one of the off-the-beaten-track spots in Namibia. Most people who camp here come for a rafting trip on the Orange River. Just 5km from the Noordoewer border this campsite is a perfect place for a family holiday. Grassy and spacious sites with river views. The owners are very friendly and helpful. If you travel from South Africa to Namibia or vice versa Amanzi is a good place to stop on the way and maybe even stay for longer. This is one of our favorite campsites in Namibia.
Things to do
- Rent a kayak for a day or do a multi-day tour of the river.
- Swim in the river, nothing dangerous in the water, just a lot of fish and birds.
- Relaxing, reading.
- Bird watching.
- Stargazing.
Campsite facilities
- Hot water shower - Yes
- Flushing toilets - Yes
- Electricity – Yes, at the sites
- Outlets – Yes, at the sites
- Wi-Fi – No
- Running water - Yes
- BBQ (braai) facilities - Yes
- Other - roof-covered area for cooking and washing with basins, electricity, and outlets.
The pretty half of Stingy Nomads, responsible for all our land adventures (hiking, climbing, walking the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves walking since she was a child, she prefers to walk 1000 km with a backpack rather than to do a 10 000 km road trip (actually any road trip). Alya is a big fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Every time we go away she desperately misses our dog Chile.
Thanks so much for all this fantastic information. We're going to Namibia this July for three weeks and I was wondering whether you know If prebooking camp sites outside of the national parks like Etosha is necessary during peak season?
Thanks a Lot!
Hello Hannah. Thank you for the comment. July and August are two of the most popular months for traveling Namibia. If you want to stay at one of the campsites at Sossusvlei, Etosha, Fish River Canyon, Spitzkoppe then it's better to prebook them. If it's just a campsite not close to any of the attractions then there is no need to do an advanced booking.
Cheers
We are arriving in early January for a month car camping and like to do it in a budget style with basic facilities.
Hello Karen. Most of the suggested campsites are quite affordable. If you don't mind pitching your own tent and making your own food you can do Namibia with a relatively small budget.
Good luck
thanks for a truly informative list of camping sites. Would have liked to know where petrol was available though.
Thank you so much for sharing this very useful information. We have been to Namibia and took excursions but would like to do it camping this time.
Interested in a trip to Namibia with our camper have no clue where to start preparing for this trip...but am excited
Hello, Sonia. We have a lot of content on Namibia on our blog that might be helpful for your planning. We drove to Namibia from Cape Town with our car and spent two months road tripping across the country all the way from Fish River Canyon to Caprivi, Botswana, and Victoria Falls. You can find more info here https://stingynomads.com/namibia/. If you have any questions, we'll be happy to help.
Cheers
Wonderful
First of all, I love your posts, extremely helpful.
I am planning a self-drive with a rooftop tent, all alone though.
Is security a concern, when one travels alone?
Thank you!
Hello, Mitch! Thank you for the comment! If you camp in designated campsites it's pretty safe just always put away any valuable stuff and lock it in the car. We didn't camp anywhere alone there were always other travelers. We didn't have any safety issues in two months in Namibia and we camped all the time.
Cheers!
@Mitch, Im planning the same at the moment. How did it go? Any tips? Im planning on around 2 months 🙂
I am glad everyone loves Nmaibia. you are all welcome, anytime. Great blog, thanks all. Much Love from Namibia
Please take off the dinosaur camp from your list the hosts are the outmost unfriendly and racist couple we ever came across
Thanks for your comment, I am sorry that you had a problem at this campsite. We only had a brief interaction here with a gentleman that checked us in and had no problems. We were the only people in this isolated campsite and enjoyed it. We report on our experience, but will check out reviews on other websites on this campsite.
Hi Campbell and Alya,
thank you for all the info, your blog is priceless! I really apreciate your sharing with others 🙂
We plan to visit Namibia in Jan/Feb 2019 and wanto to use some of the campsites you recomended.
I want to know, however, if it is necessary to make a booking in advance, or, January and February being low season, we can do without?
Thank you, Hana
Hello, Hana! Thank you for reading our blog! Sorry for the late reply, we're busy walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain and don't have Internet every day. You're right January and February is low season, we didn't book any campsites in two months we spent in Namibia and easily could got a spot everywhere.
Enjoy Namibia!
Hi guys,
We spent 4 weeks travelling around Namibia and drawing on your experience and it was awesome. Thanks a lot for your great blog.
Hello, Hana! Thank you very much for the comment! We're glad our posts were helpful!
Cheers!
Hi Campbell and Alya,
your website is absolutely great. I am very grateful for all the information I have found here. I appreciate your observations on campsites.
We plan to travel around Namibia in Jan/Feb 2019, I would like to know if these campsites are busy in Jan/Feb... is it necessary to book a place or to call in advance?
As to the weather: I presume the temperatures during the night will be OK for camping? No need for warm sleeping bag etc.?
Thank you
Hana
Thanks so much for your recommendations. We just got back from a week in Namibia (felt like much longer!) and loved White Lady Lodge. We also recommend a campsite in Outjo - perfect for daytrips to Etosha - and Cape Cross Lodge for a spot of luxury on the coast. Going back next year with our 2 sons and will explore your suggestions on the Caprivi Strip.
Namibia reminded us a lot of how Zim was back in the early 90s - full of potential, stunningly beautiful, friendly people and very easy to get around. We rented a RAV4 at the airport and it was perfect for all of the varying road conditions.
Hey
Me and my friends are going to namibia next month
Do you think we need to book camp sites in advance?
And if yes how do you usually book them as online I checked some and you can't
BTW your review is great
Looking forward to try all of these sites
Thank you
Tamas
Hello, Tamas! Thank you for the comment! We didn't book any campsites in advance, I'm sure you'll be able to get a spot without booking in most places, the only place I'd recommend to book is Etosha park (if you're planning to camp inside the park).
Safe travels!
Considering a trip to Namibia in August for a month and bumped into your blog. Absolutely fantastic! Thanks for such thorough research and info! 🙂
Hello, Paulina! Thank you very much! We hope our info will be useful for planning your Namibia trip! For some ideas and itinerary for Namibia you can check our article https://stingynomads.com/namibia-travel-itinerary/. If you have any questions about Namibia we'll be happy to help!
Cheers!
Hello again! Actually, I do have a question.. I completely missed the fact that it might get a bit cooler in that period, especially at night. Do you know of anyone who travelled and camped around in July/August.? I'm guessing it's feasible by looking at the temperatures, but I just wouldn't like the holiday to become a drag (and I am pretty cold-blooded..). Also, did you have any safety issues? Thank you so much for your help! P.
Hi! It depends where in Namibia, in the Northern regions it's still hot during the day but can get quite chilly at night. For the Southern inland areas you'll need a sleeping bag for 0C (it can get that cold only in the Namib desert) or warm sleeping clothes. And bring a jacket, beany, jumper etc. for early morning and evenings. On the coast it can get windy and overcasted it was so even in summer. In general winter is better time for traveling Namibia not that hot and no rain.
Namibia is quite safe country, there is not much violent crime but people can steal your stuff if you leave it unattended so just lock your car and don't leave valuable things in your tent. In the South of Namibia there are very few people mostly tourists if you park your car next to the road and sleep in it you'll be ok. But we wouldn't still recommend to pitch a tent next to the road. The main "dangerous" place is Windhoek there take normal precautions for any big city. We stayed there for 5 days went out at night and didn't have any problems. In 2 months of traveling through Namibia we didn't have anything stolen or feel in danger at all.
Good luck in planning your trip!
Wow! Thank you for your answer! We decided to go and bought the flights! yuppie! 🙂 Will definitely pop by your blog for planning and stuff. Thanks again! Happy May! P.
We're sure you'll enjoy Namibia a lot! Good luck and safe travels!
Please send me any information on camping in Namibië.
Hello Rina, thanks for reading. You can see all the entries we wrote on Namibia here https://stingynomads.com/namibia/ There are tips, routes, campsites and what we saw and liked. Please ask if you need anymore information.