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. Opened in 2009, it's the sister camp of the nearby Mowani Mountain Camp, and of Onguma Camp in Etosha – all run by the 'Visions of Africa Safari Company'.
There are be nine igloo-shaped bungalows at Camp Kipwe, as well as a honeymoon suite located on its own, a short distance away from the rest of the camp for extra privacy. One room also has an area at the back where a domed tent is pitched between two boulders, which can be used to sleep up to two children.. Outside, each bungalow has a private sitting area with deck chairs among the rocks.
The interior decoration in the bedrooms is simple yet comfortable with neutral tones interspersed with the occasional colored cushion or throw. The rooms all have safes, as well as a fan, mosquito repellant, a hairdryer and an air horn in case of emergency. The lamps and small tables made from tree trunks, in fitting with the natural look of the camp.
The en-suite bathrooms have been cleverly designed around the large boulders scattered around the area. So, you may find your shower between two rocks, with the toilet around the back of a large boulder. The bathrooms are open air, and although lit at night, it is easier to use the shower in the daylight.
Camp Kipwe's main facilities include a large open dining room with a balcony, where breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner is served at fixed times. Next to the dining room is the comfortable lounge area filled with sofas, some of which are on another balcony. There is a small indoor dining area that can be used in winter, and from which guests can see into the kitchen and therefore watch the food being prepared in front of them. There is also a small curio shop.
Tucked away between two rocks is the sparkling plunge pool with some shaded sun loungers next to it. This is a secluded spot, and is also frequented by various coloured lizards. Behind Camp Kipwe is a small path that leads up through the rocks to a viewpoint on the top of one of the boulders. Sundowner drinks are served up here, as guests can admire the fantastic view while watching the sun go down. The staff bring the drinks up here to save guests from walking up and down the path, which although not a difficult climb, can be somewhat tiring if attempted quickly or many times.
Camp Kipwe offers 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 last from 3-6 hours, starting in the morning. The cost is 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 last for 2.5 hours, starting in the afternoon, and cost about N$290 per person, 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 are 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… Camp Kipwe is a good-value and attractive lodge set among the boulders of Damaraland. It offers 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: Half Board
Food quality: Camp Kipwe will have fixed meal times. Breakfast is served at 7am, and lunch is served at 1pm (midday in Winter). In winter (April-September), afternoon tea is served at 4pm and dinner at 7pm; in summer (September-April) afternoon tea is served at 4.30pm and dinner at 8pm.
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: Available in the honeymoon suite.
Drinks included: No drinks are included.
Children
Attitude towards children: Children are accepted at Camp Kipwe.
Age restrictions: Camp Kipwe has no age restrictions.
Activities: Special meals for children are available on request.
Equipment: A cot is available for babies.
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 are free of charge. Children aged 3-12 are able to share 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.
Central communications
Power supply: Generator
Communications: Mobile phone reception is available, and the lodge also has a central phone that guests can use.
TV & radio: There are no TVs or radios in the camp.
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: The nearest doctor is in Khorixas.
Dangerous animals: Moderate Risk
Security measures: There are guards on site during the day and night.
Fire safety: Fire extinguishers are located in all rooms.
Extras
Disabled access: Not Possible
Laundry facilities: There is no laundry service available.
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
An enjoyable stay at Camp Kipwe. We loved the design of the camp which is built quite subtly into and amongst the rocks of the area. The room itself was extremely hot however, even with a fan. I gu...
Camp Kipwe review
The room were circular and unique with outdoor bathrooms. The guide was excellent in finding the elusive desert elephants. The food was wonderful with first class service from Cyril.
We had an u...
Camp Kipwe review
Wonderful setting among the boulders - we called it "Bedrock".
Welcoming, friendly staff, extremely comfortable. We loved the bird "fountain" and spent ages watching and photog...
We want you to understand more about Camp Kipwe. We're also confident that a trip there with us cost you the same or less than booking it any other way, even directly. So follow the links below.
Camp Kipwe's website Click here to access Camp Kipwe's homepage on the Visions of Africa website.
