Namibia, one of the driest countries in the world, marked by infinite width, staggering landscapes, and untamed wildlife. The best way to explore this vast country is with your own car and a (rooftop) tent. In September 2019, Anskar and I did a 3-weeks self-driving camping trip through Namibia and spent the nights at some of the most epic and remote campsites we’ve ever been to.
written by Lea
Namibia definitely belongs to one of the best camping destinations in the world. There is nothing quite like camping in Namibia´s wilderness. During all our travels we have been on the road a lot but never did we have more secluded and remote camping locations like in Namibia. Some were really basic and some were pure luxury (at least for us), but all in all we never were disappointed about a campsite. However, some of them were really special and made it to our top 5 campsites in Namibia (or maybe even in the world?). So, if you are planning a camping trip to Namibia make sure to add the following campsites to your itinerary (no ranking):
This Namibia camping guide is based on our own experience and contains links towards other websites which may be seen as advertisement!
Madisa Camp
A bit off track, but definitely worth the bumpy detour is the Madisa Camp, located in the scenic Damaraland. The camp itself is hidden between bizarre rock formations, somewhere in the middle of nowhere. You can choose between three camping classes, ranging from luxury safari tents to basic overland campsites. Each campsite is really spacious and offers a private braai area (BBQ), electricity, trees for shade (belief me, you will value every little tree once you are there) as well as clean shared or private ablutions (depending on the campsite class). A communal pool for a refreshing dip during the burning middy-sun is available too! And if you are lucky, you might even see the illusive Desert Elephants passing through the camp!
Must do: Climbing the rock formations for sunset/sunrise
Spitzkoppe Campsite
Spitzkoppe Campsite is located in the Erongo region, right on the foot of Namibias very own version of the “Matterhorn”: Spitzkoppe. The whole area around Spitzkoppe is actually a gigantic campsite. The individual campsites are located between the various rock piles and you can freely choose at which one you want to set camp (trust me, one of the most difficult decisions ever!). Each campsite is huge and has its own individual charm. You will have your own dry toilet and a braai area (no electricity). Shared showers & flushing toilets can be found at the entrance.
Must do: Exploring the various rock formations around Spitzkoppe
Camp Gecko
Halfway between Windhoek und Sossusvlei lies Camp Gecko, a private nature reserve with tented camps and campsites. You can choose between fixed safari tents or individually designed campsites. Each campsite is so individual and special, that I can´t really give a general description, so I will just introduce you to the one we had: the Moonlight Camp (but check out their website for information and photos of the other campsites).
The Moonlight Camp is located on a hill (4×4 needed) and has private open air sanitation facilities with a view (don´t forget to take your binoculars!). Furthermore, you have a braai place and a sink. Just a 10-minute walk down the hill you can have a refreshing dip into the communal pool (without chlorine) or have a look at the incredible handcrafted knives and jewellery.
Must do: Just enjoy the infinite width and the unbelievable night sky
Guest Farm Tiras
The charming and family owned guest farm Tiras is located somewhere in the Namib Desert and is the perfect pit stop on your way from Soussusvlei to Lüderitz. The owners of this guest farm are one of the four farmers in that region who grouped together and established a privately owned nature reserve (125km2) in order to conserve the biodiverse region around the Tiras Mountains.
You can choose between the guest house or the more secluded campsites. This campsite was one of the cheapest campsites we had along our trip, but definitely one of the most luxurious ones.
They are located around a huge pile of granite rocks and you have a beautiful view on the scenery of the Tiras Mountains. Each campsite has its own spacious chalet, equipped with a table and chairs, a sink, and a braai area. Furthermore, you have your own very clean bathroom.
Must do: Visit the wild horses or red dunes or just have a cool sundowner with a view
Ondekaremba Lodge
Ondekaremba Lodge is the perfect start and ending to your Namibia adventures, as it is located only a 10-minute drive to the airport. However, despite its close proximity to the airport, you will think you are in the middle of the African bush and you first wildlife sightings are guaranteed. You can choose between staying at the main lodge at one of the luxurious and charming bungalows or the characteristic campsites. This was one of the few times during our trip that we chose the lodge over the campsite, as we haven’t had our rental car yet when we arrived in Namibia. But if the campsite is just half as great as the lodge, your stay will definitely be a highlight! And both, the lodge as well as the campsite have access to the pool.
Must do: Sunrise walk to get a first glimpse of Africa’s wildlife
These were our Top 5 Campsites in Namibia. Have you ever been on a camping trip through Namibia? And what were your favourite campsites? Or are you planning a trip? Let us know in the comments!
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