Camp here: The Spitzkoppe campsite is very well run. There are 16 numbered sites (our favourite: No 8), but there’s always space for one more tent.
If you camp near the entrance gate you have access to the showers, but otherwise the ablution facilities are basic – pit toilets near most sites (with a view, for sure). Drinking water is for sale at 50c per litre at the gate. There is a small shop where you can buy cold beer and drinks. They can also prepare meals if you let them know in advance. Wood is for sale. 

Cost: Camping is R45 per adult and R25 per child under 16.
Vehicle: R10. Day visitors: R35 per adult and R15 per child. Bungalow: R140 for two people sharing.
Where: 52 km from Usakos. You can’t miss it – when in the small town of Grootspitzkop you’ll see the turn-off to the left.
Contact: 00 264 64 53 0879

Camp here: The most scenic campsite is the Brandberg White Lady Lodge, situated on the banks of the dry Ugab River under big camel thorn and ana trees.
There is a lot of game in the area and the elephants come past frequently (except between January and April).
There are braai places, ablution blocks, a pool and a restaurant. Wood and ice are for sale.
Cost: Camping costs R55 per person; under-12s stay for free. There are also double chalets at R895 a night (DB&B) and double tents with en-suite bathrooms for R337 a night (self-cater). Where: 36 km from Uis. Drive to Brandberg on the D2359 and you will see the sign to the right. Contact: 00 264 64 68 4004; ugab@iway.na

Other options in Uis?
White Lady has camping for R60 per person (under-nines free) and double rooms for R520 (B&B). Contact 00 264 64 50 4102; whitelady@iway.na.
The Brandberg Restcamp offers self-catering rooms at R400 (for two people) and camping for R50 per person.
Contact 00 264 64 50 4038; brandberg@africaonline.com.na.

Camp here: The Aba Huab campsite is all you’ll ever need. It’s right on the river bank, so it’s a prime spot to see the elephants. There are taps and braai places at the sites, communal showers and toilets. At the bar you can buy ice (the staff is very helpful) and a tiny shop up the road stocks canned food. Fuel is available at the workshop between Aba Huab and Twyfelfontein Lodge (ask for directions; it’s hidden away). They have diesel and unleaded, and the pump is open from 7am to 1pm and from 2pm to 5pm.

Cost: Camping costs R60 per person and R10 for your vehicle.
Where: It is right next to the road as you drive through the Aba Huab River, 7 km from Twyfelfontein itself.
Contact: 00 264 67 33 1104 (Khorixas office); 00 264 81 129 0410 (Elias)

Other options?
Aabadi Mountain Camp is a good mid-price option if you’re looking for a bit of luxury. Their 10 neat tent units have en-suite bathrooms and cost R550 per person (R275 for under-12s), with breakfast included. They also have 12 stands in their riverside campsite at R65 per person (R45 for under-12s).
Contact: 00 264 813 412 875; aabadi.mountaincamp@gmail.com.

Mowani Mountain Camp is a fancy lodge (keep the platinum card at the ready for about R2 000 a night), but there’s also a campsite around the corner for R50 a night. It has basic facilities, but it’s not next to the river, which lowers your chances of spotting the elephants.
Contact: 00 264 61 23 2009; mowani@visionsofafrica.com.
Twyfelfontein Lodge starts at R795 per person sharing (B&B). If you’re camping and fed up to the back teeth of bully beef and Smash, you can go dine at the restaurant.
Contact: 00 264 61 37 4750; reservations@ncl.com.na

Plan B* (*B is for Bargain)
Granietkop campsite is 20 km from Twyfelfontein on the D2612 (in the direction of Uis). There are three pretty stands among the rocks with hot showers, flush toilets and braai places. R40 per person, half-price for under-18s, and nippers under six stay for free.
Contact 00 264 81 327 7160 (Lukas). 

Sleep here: Spoil yourself for a change and stay at the Vingerklip Lodge. Book for dinner at the Eagle’s Nest restaurant on top of the cliff – the view will make every single step you climbed to get there well worth it.
The lodge has two pools, a jacuzzi, bar and restaurant (open for day visitors) and very friendly service. Honeymooners should book into Heaven’s Gate, a private chalet on top of the plateau where nothing, except maybe the lizards, will disturb you.
Cost: R837 per adult and R393 per child between four and 14, with dinner and breakfast included. Heaven’s Gate costs R1 350 pp.
Contact: 00 264 61 25 5344; vingerkl@mweb.com.na

Other option:
The Ugab Terrace Lodge sits on top of a finger of the terrace that juts out towards the Vingerklip. It costs R850 per person. (DB&B) or R550 per person (DB&B) in their luxury tented camp. Their restaurant is also open to day visitors.
Contact: 00 264 67 68 7080 or info@ugabterracelodge.com

Plan B* (*B is for Bargain)
Ugab Terrace Lodge’s old campsite washed away, but in the meantime you can camp next to the luxury tents for R100 per adult and R50 per child under 12. You use the bathroom of one of the luxury tents, and the main lodge’s pool and restaurant can also be enjoyed.

Camp here: The Omaruru Rest Camp is right next to the main road, so the odd truck will grunt past. You get a key for your own shower and toilet. There are braai places, lights and power points at the stands. There are trees, but no grass (not enough water in these parts!). Wood and ice for sale and there is a pool, restaurant and bar. Internet facilities available.
Cost: Camping costs R60 pp. Double rooms cost R430 B&B and there are also self-catering units.
Contact: 00 264 64 570 516; omarururestcamp@iway.na

Other options:
There are several B&Bs in town. Try Eva’s Guest House (00 264 64 570 338), Little Bush Rest B&B (00 264 64 570 436 – they also have the key to the Franke Tower, if you want to take a look inside) or the Omaruru Guest House (00 264 64 570 035).

Camp here: The Erongo Plateau camp does justice to the majestic silence of the Erongo Mountains – your view will speak for itself. There are only 4 stands, so booking is essential. They all have water and shade ports because there are no big trees. The ablution block has hot water showers.

Cost: R80 per person, R50 for 6 – 12 year olds and bugger all for the little ones. If you want to keep your khakis clean, there is a guest house on the farm at R600 per person DB&B.
Where: 38 km from Omaruru. To reach it, take the D2315 just south of Omaruru and then turn left onto the D2316. The turn-off to the campsite is on the left at Farm Eileen.
Contact: 00 264 64 570 837; kaysererongo@namibnet.com

Other overnight options:
At Omandumba (48 km from Omaruru on the D2315) you can camp near the San Living Museum. There are 5 private stands, each with its own shower and toilet. R50 per person and kids under 12 stay for free.
Contact: 00 264 64 571 086 (Harald and Deike). If you want to sleep closer to Usakos, Ameib Ranch has camping at R100 per adult and R50 per child under eight.
Contact: 00 264 64 53 0803 or ameib@natron.net The Erongo Wilderness is on 00 264 64 570537.

(Note: Prices accurate in January 2009)

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