Brandberg Restcamp: Our full report

Brandberg Restcamp is set in the small town of Uis, 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-night stopover. None of the Expert Africa team have stayed here, but we popped in for a brief visit in June 2014.

Brandberg’s main area is rather dated, but is large, open and cool, with plenty of places to sit and relax. The camp was originally established to house workers at the nearby mine, now closed, so its facilities are excellent. The Old Prospectors Pub, a good-size bar area with a pool table, leads out to a 25m swimming pool, a welcome escape from the desert heat – but pool towels are not provided, so you'll have to bring your own. The spacious restaurant, where breakfasts, light lunches and set dinners are served, spills out onto a shaded poolside terrace with bench tables. Both are open to non-residents. There's also a guest lounge with satellite TV, and communal braai (barbecue) facilities.

Wireless internet connections, badminton, table tennis and water polo are available at the restcamp, while just a stone’s throw away there's an internet café, a store selling basic groceries (helpful for self-caterers), a curio shop and a fuel station.

Brandberg Restcamp offers a couple of accommodation options, as well as camping facilities with communal ablutions and power points.

• Four twin rooms lie alongside the pool, very simply furnished but clean and comfortable. These come on a bed-and-breakfast basis, with en-suite bathrooms, ceiling fans, and tea/coffee-making facilities.


• Five two-bedroom flats are self-catering and feature two en-suite bedrooms, a lounge area, a well-equipped kitchenette with microwave and stove, and undercover parking.

For those staying at Brandberg camp, plenty of activities can be arranged, with sundowner tours included in the room rates. Drives to Namibia's highest mountain, the Brandberg – which is renowned for its collection of Bushman paintings, especially the ‘White Lady’ – are also possible; and the camp's owner, Basil Calitz, is a fascinating guide, with enormous enthusiasm for the region and its geology. The mountain is also popular amongst hikers; three- to five-day hikes with professional guides can be arranged on request.

Other activities at Brandberg Restcamp include guided game drives around the area, during which desert elephant and herds of zebra may be spotted. The camp is also reasonably well placed for self-drive trips to Spitzkoppe, the Petrified Forest, the World Heritage Site of Twyfelfontein, and the Organ Pipes.

Our view

Brandberg Restcamp seems like a good stopover for self-drivers wishing to explore the Brandberg Mountains and beyond to Damaraland. Friendly and welcoming, it offers simple and affordable rooms and flats in beautiful natural surroundings, with plenty to do and a lot to explore – but don’t come expecting luxury.

Geographics

Location: Damaraland, Namibia

Ideal length of stay: 2 - 3 nights

Directions: Brandberg Restcamp is located in the centre of Uis, just off the C36.

Accessible by: Self-drive

Key personnel

Owner: Brandberg Restcamp is owned and run by Basil Calitz.

Food & drink

Usual board basis: B&B

Food quality: The restaurant is open seven days a week to both residents and non-residents. Meals are simple but hearty, and the steaks are excellent.

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Further dining info: No

Children

Equipment: High chairs and cots are available on request.

Generally recommended for children: Brandberg Restcamp would be a great place for older children – there’s plenty to do, and it’s a nice chance to unwind after long periods in the car in a relaxed and child friendly environment.

Notes: The pool is large, central and not fenced, so children need to be constantly supervised.

Infrastructure

Communications: Brandberg Restcamp has a WiFi internet connection.

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

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

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

Extras

Disabled access: On Request

Laundry facilities: Full Laundry Service - Extra Charge

The information on this page is our report, of what we saw, felt and experienced personally on our visits.
See Info from the owner for the standard information written by the owner about this property.