AFFORDABLE OPTION
(See page 12.)
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.
KAOKOVELD & KUNENE RIVER
1 Epupa Falls Lodge
On the banks of the Kunene River, 200km north of Opuwo. Situated right on top of Epupa Falls, the lodge has a restaurant, bar, deck and swimming pool. Camping from R200 p.p. (max four vehicles or two vehicles and two trailers per stand; there are five stands), plus R100 per trailer or caravan. There are three family units, five chalets on stilts with views of the falls, and one honeymoon suite. All accommodation from R1100 p.p. sharing DB&B. Ovahimba cultural experience R750 p.p.
reservations@epupafallslodge.com
2 Omarunga Epupa Falls Camp
This Gondwana lodge at Epupa Falls has a restaurant, bar, lapa and swimming pool. Camping from R243 p.p. (10 stands, no electricity). Safari tent from R2106 p.p. sharing B&B. You can visit an Ovahimba village (R866 p.p.), do a sundowner walk (R374 p.p.) or go on a guided river walk (great for birding enthusiasts, R352 p.p.)
00 264 61 427 200
3 Epupa Falls Viewpoint Campsite
This basic community campsite is on the same koppie as the Sundowner Hill viewpoint and overlooks the waterfall. Ablution facilities, awnings, firewood and a bar are available. They’ve recently added two more showers and two toilets. There is power to recharge your camera and phone. Camping R140 p.p.
00 264 81 727 1394 (Samuel Ndiaombe)
samuel.ndiaombe@gmail.comEpupa Falls View Point Campsite on Facebook
4 Epupa Camp
About 1km upstream from Epupa Falls. There are six riverfront camping stands with private ablution facilities. There is limited power. Each stand is big enough to accommodate a maximum of 11 people; R215 p.p. Ten Kingfisher tents (two single beds) with communal facilities from R950 p.n. Ten safari tents R2195 p.p. sharing DB&B. Ovahimba village visit R800 p.p; sundowner drive R395 p.p; half-day rafting trip R800 p.p. Meals available on request.
00 264 61 237 294 (bookings)
5 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 R325 p.p. (four people per stand). A double-room chalet costs R2 240 p.p. sharing DB&B. Activities include nature walks R265 p.p, sunset drives R320 p.p, river rafting (enquire at the lodge about rates), and Ovahimba village tours R860 p.p. Swimming pool, restaurant and bar. Ask about specials when you book – locals and SADC members get a 20% discount.
00 264 81 480 4400
NEW
6 Camp Cornie
This neat campsite under makalani palm trees is about 30km east of Epupa Falls. Three campsites (with power and private bathrooms) R200 p.p. Two dome tents with shared ablutions R450 p.p. Luxury en suite safari tent R650 p.p. Pet-friendly. Swimming pool and bar. They offer kayak trips, fishing, birding and tours to a nearby Ovahimba village.
00 264 81 624 7585
7 Kunene River Lodge
On the Kunene River, 70km 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 ablutions. Camping from R295 p.p. (valid until December 2023). The lodge has a restaurant and a swimming pool. The lodge rooms were closed at the time of print.
A river cruise is available depending on the water level – it must be booked and paid for at the lodge. Or hire a fishing rod for R175 per day. Nearly 300 bird species have been recorded, including rare ones like the Cinderella waxbill – this is the only place in southern Africa where you can see it. Visit the Dorsland Monument at Swartbooisdrif, or drive to Ruacana Falls upstream.
00 264 65 685 016 (lodge)
8 Mavinga Lodge & Campsite
The lodge is 37 km east of Swartbooisdrif, on the D3700. Camping stands on lawn, with awnings and braai facilities, right on the water’s edge: R175 p.p. (own tent) or R225 p.p. hired tent. Double room R800 p.n. or R1000 p.n. with breakfast. Restaurant on site.
00 264 81 404 1954 (Elizabeth Paulus)
00 264 81 844 2138 (Joyce Paulus)
9 Kunene Islands Camp
On the D3700, 40 km east of Swartbooisdrif. Campsites are on the river, with fenced areas to keep out the crocs (R180 p.p.). Two croc-safe safari tents are pitched high on a riverbank: R250 p.p. for two people (bring your own bedding), plus R70 for an extra mattress. They have solar power (not for electrical appliances), and there’s wood for sale. Bring your own drinking water. The swimming pool was recently renovated.
00 264 81 149 4313
10 Omunjandi Restcamp
Also on the D3700, 41 km east of Swartbooisdrif and 8km west of Ruacana Falls. The five stands
