A sister camp to nearby Camp Kipwe, and situated in the heart of southern Damaraland, between the Ugab and the Huab Rivers, Mowani Mountain Camp commands a stunning location – perched high on a rocky outcrop, nestled amongst large granite boulders and overlooks the gravel plains and mountains beyond.
Mowani Camp has 15 tents, all quite unique in design. These are split into different types, and there's also a suite. The view tents, as the name suggests, are located on the perimeter of the camp and have wonderful views of the Damara landscape. The standard tents don't have quite the same spectacular vistas, but are built around the large rocks that make this place so unusual. Mowani also offers a luxury room and a mini suite.
All the tents at Mowani Mountain Camp have en-suite facilities, and are beautifully decorated in an African theme with soft furnishings in cheerful colours. Each has a private veranda where you can sit and take in the beautiful surroundings. The rooms are beautifully decorated with carved wooden furniture reminiscent of colonial times. Rooms all have tea and coffee stations, a safe and mosquito nets beautifully draped over the bed.
- The suite at Mowani is a large, beautifully designed and decorated suite which has a superb vantage point, an open-air 'bush' bathroom with a bath (as well as an indoor one). There's an emphasis on privacy, and dinner can be eaten on the balcony here, making it a good place for honeymooners. The room also has a television with DSTV, as well as its own comfortable lounge.
Mowani's main dining and lounge area are housed under two large, adjoining dome thatched rondavels and both offer a stylish place to relax and enjoy your time here. Just below this is a small inviting pool and deck area built between the rocks, which also has a great view over the landscape. Sundowners take place on top of one of the boulders, but cushions and chairs, as well as a bar, are provided. The 'sundowner' spot has to be seen to be believed – we'll leave this surprise up to you to discover. Alternatively, you can join other guests for predinner drinks by the campfire.
Mowani does organise guided activities, which include nature drives to track the desert-adapted elephants, guided walks and excursions to the nearby famous rock art at Twyfelfontien. Visitors who arrive in their own vehicles are free to use Mowani as a base for their own explorations, or join the camp's optional trips.
In conclusion ... Mowani Mountain Camp's innovative integrated design and beautiful rooms, along with its spectacular views makes it a perfect based for a couple of nights in this area – and there's flexibility to drive yourself around, or be driven on one of the camp's activities.
Lodge overview
Lodge type: Safari
No. of bedrooms: 15 tents
Season: Open Year Round
Ideal length of stay: Two to three nights is a normal stay here
Directions: Mowani Mountain Camp is located on the D2612. Coming from Khorixas, its entrance is on the right, opposite the entrance to Camp Kipwe.
Accessible by: Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Half Board
Food quality: Breakfast is a buffet consisting of cereals, freshly made bread, jams, fruit, yoghurt, tea and coffee. Hot breakfasts are made to order. There is also a choice of juices.
There is a set menu of light lunches, such as salads and sandwiches,
Dinner is a delicious and varied three course set menu.
Tea and coffee are available throughout the day.
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor Dining
Room service: Room service is only available in the suite.
Special interests
Honeymoons: Honeymooners might treat themselves to a few nights in the superb suite at Mowani Mountain Camp. Its luxury, seclusion and stupendous views over the surrounding Damara scenery make it a romantic retreat of note.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for honeymoons in Namibia
Wildlife safaris: Mowani Mountain Camp offers guided game drives trips into the dry river beds in this area. The game isn't dense here, but you'll probably see a good sprinkling of antelope and birds – and have a fairly good chance of spotting the area's desert-adapted elephants.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for wildlife safaris in Namibia
Children
Attitude towards children: The lodge has a good attitude to children as longs as they are well behaved.
Age restrictions: There is no age restriction here.
Equipment: Cots can be provided on request.
Generally recommended for children: Older children are fine here – as long as they are supervised and aware of the location's dangers. Being high up, with rocky boulders all around, and no safety rails at all means that there are dangerous drop offs. Children need to be old enough to act responsibly.
Notes: Children should be under parental supervision at all times.
Central communications
Power supply: Mains Electricity
Communications: Internet is available in reception.
TV & radio: There is a television in the honeymoon suite with DSTV.
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: The nearest doctor is in Khorixas, and some staff at the lodge are first aid trained.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Security measures: Security guards day and night
Fire safety: Fire extinguishers are located in all rooms.
Extras
Disabled access: Not Possible
Laundry facilities: A laundry service is available for an extra charge
Money: No change possible
Accepted payment: You can pay with the local currency, with US$, £ or credit card (Visa and MasterCard), however change will be given in N$.
Mowani Mountain Camp review
The planned renovation is certainly needed. The location is gorgeous. Everyone was very friendly.
The drive to the elephants was a little long, but worth it when we got there.
Mowani Mountain Camp review
This was the only disappointment. We stayed here 10 years ago - it has since been sold, and we felt had really gone downhill. Bathrooms not clean and incredibly tired; the boys' rooms smelled o...
Decadent tents, poor service
The setting of Mowani Mountain Camp is superb and the brochure looks fantastic. This is all the good we can say about it.
The tented accomodation we received after a long argument, since we had a boo...
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