Camp Kipwe – formerly known as Francolino Fly Inn or Francolino Camp – is set within the Twyfelfontein Conservancy in Damaraland, about 550km from Namibia's capital city Windhoek. It's the new sister camp of the nearby Mowani Mountain Camp, and of Onguma Camp in Etosha – all run by the 'Visions of Africa Safari Company'.
Camp Kipwe is due to open in August 2009, hence none of the Expert Africa team have yet had the chance to visit this camp. Here is what we know about Camp Kipwe so far:
There will be eight igloo-shaped double bungalows at Camp Kipwe, suitable to accommodate a maximum of 16 guests at a time. Outside, each bungalow will have an en-suite bathroom with a shower, as well as a private veranda overlooking the surrounding plains.
Camp Kipwe's main facilities will include a dining room, where breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner is served at fixed times. In addition, there are plans for a lounge area and a swimming pool.
Camp Kipwe will offer its guests a variety of activities and excursions – note that some of these can only be added when booking on a DBB basis:
• Elephant Nature Drives: These will last from 3-6 hours, starting in the morning. Initially the cost is likely to be about N$540 per person, including drinks. You'll explore the surrounding area with a guide, in search of Namibia's remaining 600 desert dwelling elephant.
• Twyfelfontein Excursions: These trips will last for 2.5 hours, starting in the afternoon, and is likely to cost about N$290 per person initially, also including drinks. The drive will comprise visits to the Burnt Mountain, the Organ Pipes, as well as to the fascinating Bushman Engravings.
• Guided Nature Walks: These will be included in the B&B rates, and the durations of the walks will depend on you. They will cover the walking trails in and around Camp Kipwe.
In conclusion… Once opened, Camp Kipwe has the potential to be a good-value accommodation, offering interesting excursions to Twyfelfontein's remarkable cultural sights, as well as adventurous trips to spot Namibia's roaming giants.
Directions: Camp Kipwe in situated in the Twyfelfontein area; the closest towns are Uis (130km to the south) and Khorixas (130km to the east). The closest airstrip is in Twyfelfontein, which is approximately 15km from Camp Kipwe; Windhoek is about 550km (5.5 hours' drive) away.
Accessible by: Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Key personnel
Owner: Camp Kipwe is owned by the 'Visions of Africa Safari Company', Namibia.
Food & drink
Usual board basis: B&B
Food quality: Camp Kipwe will have fixed meal times. Breakfast will always be served at 7am, and lunch will be served at 1pm. In winter (April-September), afternoon tea will be served at 4pm and dinner at 7pm; in summer (September-April) afternoon tea will be served at 4.30pm and dinner at 8pm.
Cost of meal e.g. lunch: £10-15
Children
Attitude towards children: Children are accepted at Camp Kipwe, but with some caveats.
Age restrictions: Camp Kipwe is unlikely to have any age restrictions.
Activities: Special meals for children will be available on request.
Generally recommended for children: We'd be happy to recommend a camp in this area for older children, but we don't think that the environment is likely to be ideal for infants or younger children.
Notes: Children younger than 3 will be free of charge. Children aged 3-12 will be charged N$500 per night, sharing a room with their parents on additional camping beds. Children older than 12 will be accommodated in a separate room, and charged at full price.
Parents are advised to watch their children closely at all times; the area is known for snakes and scorpions, hiding in nooks and crannies. In addition, Camp Kipwe is surrounded by boulders, which can be quite slippery and dangerous at times. Parents should also make sure their kids don't disturb other guests.
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Dangerous animals: Moderate Risk
Extras
Laundry facilities: Full Laundry Service - Extra Charge
Money: The closest bank is in Khorixas, about 130km south of Twyfelfontein.
Accepted payment: Camp Kipwe will accept cash payments in N$, as well as Visa and MasterCard. Personal cheques and traveller's cheques will not be accepted.
Camp Kipwe review
Accomodation and design of loge was stunning. This is one of the places I would like to hi-lite as somewhere that I would recommend.
Staff and guides again were friendly.
The best yet...
Hidden amongst the rocks of a kopje Camp Kipwe does not intrude in the landscape. It's beautiful.
Waiters bring drinks and snacks to the viewpoint at sundown - one feels very spoilt. Rooms ...
Brilliant Place, Stay More than 1 Night!
This lodge was my absolute favourite of the whole trip, we stayed here for 2 nights and it is in a great location a short drive from Twyfelfontain, the chalets are decorated to an amazing standard. M...
