About the Camps & Lodges

About the Camps & Lodges

Namibia's private camps, lodges, and other accommodations are often up to high international standards. Even deep in the desert, at tented camps, there are en-suite bathrooms and private verandas, but don't expect TV. Air-conditioning is the exception and is mentioned in reviews only when it is present. Most prices at private lodges are all-inclusive (Full American Plan), including transfers, meals, activities, and usually drinks. Camps offer at least two activities a day.

At the national park camps, self-catering (with cooking facilities) accommodations are basic, clean, comfortable, and much cheaper than private lodges outside the park. Plus you're in the midst of big-game action. In Etosha each camp has a restaurant with adequate food; a shop selling basic foodstuffs and curios; a post office; a gas station; and a pool. Most rooms have private toilets, baths or showers, air-conditioning, a refrigerator, and a braai (barbecue). Linens are provided. Some bigger bungalows have a full kitchen.

You won't find much truly Namibian food (although local venison, seafood, and Namibian oysters are superb); cuisine is mainly European, often German. Lodges usually serve good home-style cooking—pies, pastries, fresh vegetables, lots of red meat, mouthwatering desserts, and the traditional braai. Because of its past as a German colony, Namibia is known for its lager. South African wine, which is excellent, is readily available.