Brandberg Restcamp: Our full report

Brandberg Restcamp is set in the small town of Uis, located midway between Etosha National Park and Swakopmund. With a number of natural attractions nearby, this no-frills but affordable camp makes a decent two or three nights' stop-over. Since reopening in August 2005, none of the Expert Africa team have visited Brandberg Restcamp, but here is what we know about it.

Brandberg Restcamp offers a variety of accommodation options: four standard twin rooms, five two-bedroom flats, as well as camping and caravan facilities. The poolside double rooms come on a bed and breakfast basis, with en-suite bathrooms, ceiling fans, and tea/coffee making facilities. The flats are self-catering and feature two bedrooms (both en-suite), a lounge area, a well-equipped kitchenette with microwave and stove, and under cover parking. On the camping site, there are communal ablutions and power points available.

Brandberg Restcamp's main facilities include a 25m swimming pool to cool off from the desert heat – please note that pool towels are not provided, so you'll have to bring your own. The large restaurant, where breakfasts, light lunches and set dinners are served, spills out onto a shaded poolside terrace with bench tables. Beside this, there's a guest lounge with satellite TV; communal braai facilities and the on-site 'Old Prospectors Pub' are also open to non-residents.

Wireless internet connections, badminton, table tennis and water polo are available at the restcamp. In town, there's an Internet cafe, a store selling basic groceries (ideal for self-caterers), a curio shop and a petrol station.

Whilst staying at Brandberg camp, plenty of activities can be arranged for you. Sundowner tours are included in the rooms' rates; drives to Namibia's highest mountain – the Brandberg, which is famous for various Bushman paintings, especially for the White Lady – are also possible; and the camp's manager, Basil Calitz, is a fascinating guide, with great enthusiasm for the region and its geology. The mountain is also very popular amongst hikers; three to five day hikes with professional guides can be arranged upon request.

Other activities include guided game drives around the area, during which desert elephant and herds of zebra may be spotted, or self-drive trips to Petrified Forest, Twyfelfontein, Spitzkoppe and the Valley of the Organ Pipes.

Our view

Brandberg Restcamp seems like a good stop-over for self-drivers on their way from Etosha to Swakopmund (or vica versa). It offers simple and affordable rooms and flats in beautiful natural surroundings, with plenty to do and a lot to explore.

Geographics

Location: Damaraland, Namibia

Ideal length of stay: 2 - 3 nights

Directions: Brandberg Restcamps is located in Uis, just off the C36, and lies en-route between Swakopmund and Etosha National Park.

Key personnel

Staff: Brandberg Restcamp is managed by Basil Calitz.

Food & drink

Usual board basis: B&B

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Children

Equipment: High chairs and cots are available on request.

Central communications

Communications: Brandberg Restcamps has a WiFi internet connection.

TV & radio: There's a communal TV room with satellite TV.

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Dangerous animals: Moderate Risk

Security measures: There's a secure parking area on site.

Extras

Laundry facilities: Full Laundry Service - Extra Charge