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Namibia Camping Safaris

4.6/5  –  265 Namibia Reviews

Camping is possibly the best way to fully appreciate Namibia’s wild places. Your senses come alive when you spend the night out in nature. You’ll tune into the sounds and smells of the bush, and even the sunrise might appear more magical when you come out of your tent with bird chorus all around. Regular campers know that already, but even if you’ve never camped before, you might want to consider a camping safari in Namibia. After all, you’ll know that all your needs will be taken care of by a team of professionals.

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6 Questions About Namibia Camping Safaris

1. What are the pros and cons of a Namibia camping safari?
2. What facilities can I expect in the campsites?
3. How much will this safari cost?
4. Is it possible to do a safari in Namibia where only some nights are spent camping?
5. Is a self-drive camping safari in Namibia recommended?
6. Is a Namibia camping trip safe?
 
 

6 Questions About Namibia Camping Safaris

Answered by Ariadne van Zandbergen

What are the pros and cons of a Namibia camping safari?

“Namibia is equally well equipped for camping and lodge safaris, and there are pros and cons to both. If you like getting back to basics, camping is a great choice. It certainly is the most budget-friendly way to get around the country. Many campsites are in excellent locations and, in some cases, offer the only practical or affordable way to stay inside the parks and reserves. This can give you a real advantage in being able to get out on early morning game drives or reach scenic highlights, such as the sand dunes of Sossusvlei, at sunrise. A camping safari is a great adventure and an opportunity to get close to nature. Eating dinner around a fire and sleeping under canvas are experiences you will cherish forever. The bush doesn’t go to sleep when the sun sets. You’ll be amazed at the range of animal noises you’ll hear in your tent at night. However, camping isn’t for everybody. You will be more comfortable when staying in lodges and camps. Luckily, there are plenty of lodge tours available, even for those traveling on a budget. A nice lodge stay can be part of the experience too, and so is the wining and dining offered at most places.”

1

What facilities can I expect in the campsites?

“Namibian campsites are usually equipped with ablution blocks (toilets and showers that are mostly communal, but in some cases private) and food-preparation areas. You can usually choose a campsite with or without electricity supply. There is often a small shop selling basics, as well as popular items such as braai packs (a selection of meat to barbeque) and charcoal. Some campsites in park rest camps or on hotel grounds might also offer hotel facilities, such as a restaurant or swimming pool, to campers. Most campgrounds are fenced and child-friendly. Take note though that wilderness and some community campsites have very limited or no facilities at all. These aren’t usually used on standard tours. Namibia is a great country for a camping safari. Due to the dry climate, conditions are usually ideal. There are many campsites spread around the country, especially in all parks and reserves and near established tourist attractions.”

2

How much will this safari cost?

“The price of a 7-day camping safari in Namibia starts at about US$1,150 per person. This is only a guideline as there are several factors determining the cost. Namibia camping tours are mostly shared group tours. The group size can influence the price of the tour. Tours aimed at big groups often travel in large trucks. You might be allocated some camp duties, such as pitching your own tent and cooking. Smaller group tours are usually of a higher standard and a bit pricier. Private camping tours are available, but are less popular. Shorter Namibia packages, such as 3-day Etosha National Park or Sossusvlei tours, start at about US$400 per person.”

3

Is it possible to do a safari in Namibia where only some nights are spent camping?

“In some cases, a safari itinerary consists of some nights camping and some nights spent in the comfort of a guesthouse, lodge or hotel. This might simply be for logistical reasons. For instance, flight arrival times and road travel often dictate that the first and/or last night of a camping safari is spent in an urban hotel. This can be an enjoyable interlude, offering an opportunity for a good night’s sleep and a bath after a long flight, as well as allowing you to reorganize your luggage. For similar reasons you might want to spend your last night in comfort too. There might be other reasons for mixing it up. Some people like the experience of a few nights camping, but wouldn’t want to spend the whole trip sleeping in a tent. In many cases, however, it is about getting you to stay in the best locations. Where it pays to be inside the park, camping is often the only affordable option. But when visiting towns or other places of interest, a lodge stay is often more convenient. Your tour operator has the experience to put together the best combinations according to your preferences and budget.”

4

Is a self-drive camping safari in Namibia recommended?

“If you like a certain degree of independence and you’re not a fan of group tours, a self-drive safari might be perfect for you. Self-drive is a popular option in Namibia. Not only is Namibia a very safe country, but the roads are generally very good and campsites have great facilities. For obvious reasons, self-drive tours are usually more budget-friendly than similar guided private tours. However, while heading out unguided is a great adventure, consider that a guide brings a lot of knowledge and experience to the safari. They tend to be excellent animal spotters too, so your chances of seeing lots of animals are better on a guided trip. Several operators specializing in self-drive safaris can provide you with a reliable vehicle and camping gear (a rooftop tent is very popular). They can help you set up the trip, make all the bookings and offer 24/7 roadside assistance.”

5

Is a Namibia camping trip safe?

“Camping in Namibia is very safe. Most campsites are fully fenced, so no dangerous animals can move around the tents. There are snakes and scorpions around, but encounters are extremely rare. It is, however, recommended to keep your tent closed. There are very few insects in the dry environment, and malaria isn’t much of a concern either. It is restricted to the north of the country, and even there, it is only a small to medium risk in the Wet season (November to April). Last but not least, crime against visitors is very rare in Namibia. And if you ever encounter any problems, the friendly Namibian people will be more than happy to help you.”

6

Namibia Reviews

4.6/5 265 Reviews
Expert
Christopher Clark  –  
United Kingdom UK

Christopher is a British travel writer and has contributed to various Fodor's guidebooks and a range of travel magazines.

Sand, salt pans and stars: Southern Africa’s wild west
5/5

With the exception of the verdant Zambezi Region, most of Namibia is comprised of harsh and inhospitable desert, but I’ve always found it staggeringly beautiful. Namibia was the first place I really travelled in Africa; I’ve been back...

Full Review

Expert
Lizzie Williams  –  
South Africa ZA

Lizzie is a reputed guidebook writer and author of the Footprint guides to South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

Unspoilt wilderness and unique and stunning landscapes offering a variety of contrasting safari expe
5/5

A hauntingly beautiful country that stretches along the west coast of southern Africa, with wide open spaces, big skies and some of the earth's most mystical and vivid sunsets, any visitor is blown away by the way Namibia ‘looks’ –...

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Eileen Blignaut  –  
South Africa ZA
Reviewed: Jan 15, 2025
Beautiful and desolate landscape
5/5

We spent three weeks in Namibia, which Lilly from Great Explorations in Windhoek arranged for us. This was my husband's 60th birthday present and we drove over 9 000 kilometres during the road trip. Sossus Vlei and Sesriem were very hot...

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Maria  –  
Germany DE
Reviewed: Dec 25, 2024
We had a wonderful time in Namibia.
5/5

The organization, handling and support of our vacation by Nature Travel Namibia was perfect and left no room for improvement. Our guide Delano pointed out many special features and animals that we would never have noticed without him and...

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JC  –  
Switzerland CH
Reviewed: Dec 11, 2024
fabulous landscapes and spaces
5/5

Secret Namibia tour was very nice. A few advices: 1. take a plaque (iron ?) in the car for sand or jack ! and 10 l of water 2. use google maps not the garmin of your car...you ll get lost 3, book your activities in advance !!! at least...

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John Halliday  –  
Australia AU
Reviewed: Nov 21, 2024
Namibia Camping Safari
5/5

The 6 day camping safari in the Namib Desert was brilliant. Excellent value for money. Organised through Chameleon Safaris. Our guide and driver Simon really made a difference. His knowledge of the environment and animals was very good, as...

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All 265 Namibia Reviews