Situated only 4.5km from Etosha National Park's western gate, the newly built Andersson's Camp is in an ideal location for visiting the park. None of the Expert Africa team have yet visited this new lodge personally, but here is what we know about it so far.
We've seen an old Farmstead in the past, on the Ongava Reserve, and it is this which has been completely rebuilt with a modern, safari theme. Behind the farmstead, the Ondundozonanadana Range of low hills act as a distant backdrop whilst the surrounding plains and mopane woodland has some good game populations. The renovated farmstead is the central focus of the camp, and has a pretty entertaining waterhole situated right in front of it. There are several seating areas scattered throughout the main area, including some comfy sofas, from where you watch game come down to drink.
On either side of the main farmhouse are 20 new tented rooms, each of which has en-suite bathrooms and open-air showers. We're told that each tent has been simply but tastefully furnished, and is raised up on wooden decks to give you an enhanced view of the surroundings from your small private veranda.
The lodge has endeavored to be eco-sensitive – it has several energy-saving initiatives including solar-heated water for showers, and most of the natural vegetation has been kept throughout the camp.
Collectors of trivia might note that Andersson's Camp has been named after Charles John Andersson (note – this is not spelled as Anderson with one 's', but Andersson with two 's's) – who was one of the first Europeans to travel through Namibia, in the 1840s and 1850s. The gate into Etosha National Park, Andersson's Gate, which is south of Okaukuejo Restcamp, is also named after the same explorer!
In conclusion, Andersson's Camp is new for 2008 and it promises to be a very good value lodge for independent travellers and families who wish to explore Etosha National Park on a self-drive trip.
If you plan a fly-in safari, or want something that's a little smaller, and even more exclusive in the same area – then the obvious alternatives to Andersson's Camp on the same reserve would be the palatial Ongava Lodge or the small Ongava Tented Camp.
