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Malansrus Tented Camp
Malansrus Tented Camp

Malansrus Tented Camp


20°33’36.1"S 14°32’57.7"E

About Malansrus Tented Camp

Simplicity is the key at this tented camp, within easy distance of Twyfelfontein and the other attractions of Damaraland.

With the ongoing trend towards greater levels of luxury, it’s refreshing to find a low-key camp close to Twyfelfontein.

Mind you, the setting of Malansrus Tented Camp is decidedly not low key. Rather, the vista from camp is of the mountains of Damaraland, their shadowy folds hinting at the secrets hidden within: the ancient rock art, the desert-adapted wildlife, the all-seeing raptors.

Against this dramatic backdrop, the simplicity of the camp is if anything accentuated. Traditional twin-bedded tents line the sandy banks of the ephemeral Aba Huab River, their en-suite bathrooms with solar-heated water a nod to creature comforts.

While some of the camp’s guests may be travelling as a group, there are just nine tents and the atmosphere is pretty relaxed, so the group feel is unlikely to be overwhelming.

A help-yourself drinks fridge in the tented central area is a good start here, as are squashy bean bags in the lounge, and a big communal dining table. If you’re lucky, you could even be served dinner outside around the firepit.

Like most Damaraland camps, Malansrus is well placed to explore on your own, but should you fancy a break, consider a guided drive or walk – with the added bonus of local knowledge.

Our view

Whilst Malansrus Tented Camp is neither the closest camp to Twyfelfontein nor the most luxurious in the area, it is a great option for independent travellers who want to explore Damaraland, either on their own or with the camp’s resident guides.

Sabina Hekandjo

Sabina Hekandjo

Namibia expert

Accommodation

9 tents

Children

Best for 8+

Open

All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Cultural excursion

Cultural excursion

Private activities

Private activities

Traveller reviews of Malansrus Tented Camp

8 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


85%
8 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
5
Good
1
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
0
D&LfromNew Zealand

Arrived 7 May 2024, 2 nights

"Great staff, food and facilities!"

"The game drive to see the desert elephants was outstanding! …" Read D&L’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Claire MfromToronto

Arrived 28 Sep 2023, 2 nights

"Malansrus Tented Camp review"

"A fantastic camp …" Read Claire M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs N.fromRickmansworth

Arrived 13 Sep 2022, 2 nights

"Malansrus Tented Camp Post Covid Sept 2022"

"one of the highlights of our trip …" Read Mrs N.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Greg's group fromRegina

Arrived 12 Oct 2019, 1 nights

"Malansrus Tented Camp review"

"We overnighted here and didn't spend a lot of time. We found the check …" Read Greg's group ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mrs & Mr DBfromBC Canada

Arrived 22 Oct 2019, 2 nights

"Wonderful tented camp"

"A nice welcome with cold towels to freshen up. The tents were spacious and …" Read Mrs & Mr DB’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs BfromAmersham

Arrived 17 Sep 2019, 2 nights

"Malansrus Tented Camp review"

"a lovely camp, very welcoming with excellent staff …" Read Mr & Mrs B’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr LfromLeicestershire

Arrived 21 Sep 2019, 1 nights

"Average"

"The road to this place is horrendous, the room was OK but the food was poor …" Read Mr L’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Average

Mrs C.fromCrewkerne

Arrived 2 Aug 2019, 2 nights

"Malansrus Tented Camp review"

"The camp is delightful... very friendly staff... …" Read Mrs C.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Poor

See all Malansrus Tented Camp reviews

Malansrus Tented Camp: Our full report

Located 28km from Twyfelfontein in Namibia’s Damaraland, the simple Malansrus Tented Camp opened in May 2018.

Set on the banks of the ephemeral Aba Huab River, the camp offers dramatic scenery, easy access to Namibia's most famous rock art and a convenient base to seek out the area’s desert-adapted elephants.

Like its sister properties, Ozondjou Trails and Desert Hills Glamping Camp, Malansrus is owned and run by an operator we have known for many years and offers simple but comfortable accommodation. However, it is worth noting that it is often used as a base for the company’s small-group trips, which have historically formed the core of their business. While we think it works well for independent travellers, you may find yourself in camp with groups of up to about 12 people travelling together.

Malansrus has just nine en-suite twin tents. Built under the shade of mopane trees and well separated for privacy, each is furnished with twin beds, bedside tables with lamps, a small desk and a couple of leather chairs. Large photographs of Namibian landscapes hung above the beds brighten the muted, sandy décor. One of the tents, classed as a family tent, has an extra single bed for a child. To the back of the tent, the bathrooms have a toilet and storage area on one side, with the shower and his and hers basins on the other.

Outside, every tent has its own terrace with chairs, shaded by an extension of the canvas canopy and the surrounding mopane trees. This is a great spot to enjoy the sunset or relax with a book.

The camp’s focal point is an almost circular main tent, an open-plan space whose lounge area – complete with squashy beanbags – doubles as the camp’s reception. Meals are usually taken in the dining area, where you can also help yourself to drinks from the camp’s fridges, but we understand that dinner is occasionally served outside under the stars, where a large firepit is surrounded by chairs.

When we visited Malansrus in April 2019 we only stayed for one night so didn’t have the opportunity to enjoy the camp’s guided activities. We understand that these generally focus on drives along the area’s ephemeral rivers in search of desert-adapted elephants, trips to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Twyfelfontein, and sundowner drives. There are also a number of guided walking routes from the camp into the surrounding hills.

Alternatively, the camp would make a good base for those looking to explore on their own, perhaps also taking in a visit to the Petrified Forest or one of the Damara “living museums”.

Geographics

Location
Damaraland, Namibia
Ideal length of stay
2 nights
Directions
Malansrus Tented Camp is 28km east of Twyfelfontein by road.
Accessible by
Self-drive

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board
Food quality
When we stayed in April 2019 we were impressed by the quality of the food at Malansrus. We understand that flexible mealtimes are available for families with young children and that the camp can assist with most dietary requests so long as they are given sufficient notice.

Days here begin with a typical Namibia safari breakfast of cold meats and cheeses, a selection of cereals, fresh fruit and bread, along with tea, coffee and juice. Hot dishes such as eggs, bacon, toast, etc are cooked to order by the kitchen.

We didn’t have the opportunity to enjoy lunch here but we would expect to see light options such as salads, sandwiches and/or lasagne.

Our dinner was a three-course meal which started with butternut soup and a fresh rosemary-bread roll. As a main, we were served grilled lemon chicken with basmati rice, seasonal vegetables, green salad and a herb sauce. The meal was rounded off with a rich chocolate mousse served with Amarula, a great way to end the day.

Breakfast and picnic packs are available on request.
Dining style
Mixture of group dining and individual tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
None
Drinks included
Local and house drinks are included on a full-board basis with premium drinks such as champagne and whisky available at extra charge.

Children

Attitude towards children
Children of all ages are welcome here.
Property’s age restrictions
Malansrus doesn’t have any age restrictions.
Special activities & services
The camp doesn’t offer any specific child-focused activities.
Equipment
None
Generally recommended for children
While the camp has a relaxed atmosphere and has no age restrictions there isn’t a lot to keep younger children entertained so we would suggest it for children aged eight and over.
Notes
There is always the potential for desert elephants to walk through camp so children should be supervised at all times.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Malansrus Camp

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Malansrus Tented Camp have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

Elephant

83% success

Oryx

57% success

Giraffe

33% success

Black Rhino

0% success

Brown Hyena

0% success

Cheetah

0% success

Leopard

0% success

Lion

0% success

Spotted Hyena

0% success

Wildebeest

0% success

Zebra

0% success

Communications

Power supply notes
There is a back-up generator in case the solar system should fail.
Communications
There is WiFi in the main area.
TV & radio
None
Water supply
Borehole
Water supply notes
The en-suite bathrooms have hot and cold running water and flush toilets.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
The closest hospital is in Outjo, about a 2½hr drive from camp. In case of emergency, guests can be flown to Windhoek. For more minor treatment, the guides and managers are trained in first aid.
Dangerous animals
High Risk
Security measures
Security personnel patrol the camp day and night.
Fire safety
There are fire extinguishers in both the tents and the main area.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

  • Private activities

    Private activities

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
Laundry services weren’t available on our visit in 2019 but were planned for the future.
Money
Each tent has a small electronic safe for valuables.
Accepted payment on location
Card payments may be made using Visa or Mastercard, while cash is accepted in Namibian dollars and South African rand.

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Malansrus Tented Camp's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Malansrus Camp.


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When to go to Damaraland

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Malansrus Camp in Damaraland


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Damaraland in January

In Damaraland, January marks the start of the rainy season. The rains, though often light and localised, bring life to the desert landscape.

At Twyfelfontein, the rock engravings glisten after sporadic showers. Some days are clear and hot, with temperatures around 30°C/86°F, while others see dramatic thunderstorms. These can create flash floods in ephemeral riverbeds like the Ugab, temporarily transforming the arid terrain. The greening landscape provides a refreshing backdrop for the ancient rock art at Brandberg Mountain.

Many birds in the region are in full breeding plumage, with migrant species adding to the variety. Wildlife, including the desert-adapted elephants, disperses across the rejuvenated landscape, making sightings more challenging, but rewarding. The Damara Living Museum offers insights into how local communities adapt to these seasonal changes.

  • Variable weather: hot, dry or humid with rain
  • Occasional localised thunderstorms
  • Wildlife dispersed, harder to spot
  • Stark mountains against atmospheric skies
  • Few tourists, low rates at accommodations

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in January

Damaraland in February

February is typically the wettest month in Damaraland, though rainfall remains patchy across this predominantly arid region.

The Spitzkoppe granite peaks against thunderous, atmospheric skies create dramatic vistas for photographers. Some days are clear and hot, while others see afternoon thunderstorms that briefly but dramatically charge the landscape. These rains can make travel more challenging, especially to remote sites like the Epupa Falls. However, the landscape feels vibrant and alive, with insects and smaller animals more easily spotted, and seasonal flowers blooming. Many birds and animals are raising their young, offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities.

Despite the rains, the rock art at Twyfelfontein and the Petrified Forest remain accessible.

  • Hot and humid with occasional rain showers
  • Thunderstorms meander over the landscape
  • Birdlife spectacular, migrant species present
  • Wildlife harder to see, but landscape lush
  • Low tourist numbers, great for solitude

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in February

Damaraland in March

March in Damaraland usually sees the main rains tailing off, though precipitation varies greatly across the region. Many days are clear, with strong sun driving temperatures up, while others may experience light rainfall.

The landscape often appears vivid and green, providing a striking contrast to the bare rocky outcrops of Spitzkoppe and Brandberg. Animals such as springbok and mountain zebra may be finishing raising their young. Small herds of plains game such as these can be more visible against the greener backdrop. The Damara Living Museum showcases how local communities adapt to these seasonal changes. The clearer skies towards the end of the month make for excellent stargazing at lodges where you can move your bed to sleep under the stars.

  • Weather becoming drier as month progresses
  • Animals looking healthy after months of plenty
  • Balmy nights sleeping under star-filled skies
  • Migrant birds begin to depart
  • Few tourists, rates often low at lodges

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in March

Damaraland in April

April in Damaraland is typically dominated by dry weather, with decreasing chances of rain. Temperatures begin to fall, but days remain pleasantly warm. The rains often leave the landscape verdant, creating stunning photo opportunities at sites like the Etendeka Plateau and Klip Valley.

Animals are in fantastic condition, often with fast-growing young in attendance. The desert-adapted elephants may be more easily spotted as they begin to return to the riverbeds to feed on Ana and Camelthorn trees. With dust washed from the atmosphere, photographers can capture clear shots of spectacular landscapes. Stargazers will enjoy increasingly clear night skies. In the Palmwag Concession, water and food remain in plentiful supply, so finding mammals such as black rhino can still be challenging, but worth the effort.

  • Cooler nights, days still warm and pleasant
  • Landscape still green from recent rains
  • Air clear, for crisp photographs
  • Wildlife starting to become easier to find
  • Easter sees an increase in visitors

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in April

Damaraland in May

By May, Damaraland is usually drying out fast. If rains have been good, the land remains green, especially around natural springs found in valleys and craggy rocksides. The air quality and clarity can be amazing, making this an ideal month for photography at sites like Twyfelfontein and along the remote Hoanib riverbed.

Temperatures are moderate, typically warm with crisp, clear mornings and blue skies. Evenings are cool enough to wear an extra layer. Many lodges still charge low season prices, offering good value. The combination of increasingly good wildlife sightings, beautiful landscapes, and crystal-clear air make May one of the best months to visit Damaraland. It's an excellent time to explore the region's geological wonders, such as the ancient Etendeka lava flows.

  • Lovely weather: warm days, cool nights
  • Landscape drying out, still some greenery
  • Clear, sharp colours for photography
  • Wildlife more visible along scenic riverbeds
  • Low visitor numbers, moderate lodge rates

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in May

Damaraland in June

June sees Damaraland dry and clear, with blue, largely cloudless skies. Days are often lovely and warm, but nights can be cold, sometimes below freezing in desert areas.

Visitors should pack warm clothing for early morning nature drives to spot desert-adapted elephants or black rhinos. Most outdoor pools are too cold for swimming, except for the very dedicated. It’s a particularly good climate for walking; either short walks or perhaps a multi-day hike on the Etendeka Plateau.

Historically, June prices have been low, but Damaraland's increasing popularity means many lodges now consider it high season.

  • Clear, bright days and cold nights
  • Wonderful for stargazing and night walks
  • Good wildlife viewing in remote wildernesses
  • Hiking comfortable in cooler temperatures
  • Moderate lodge rates, increasing bookings

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in June

Damaraland in July

July in Damaraland offers fairly warm temperatures above 20°C/68°F in the middle of the day, but often cold nights. Visitors should dress in layers and be prepared for chilly mornings and evenings.

Rain is extremely rare, and clear skies make for great photographs of the sandstone mountains in morning and evening light. As vegetation shrivels, animals gather near food and water sources, making sightings of desert-adapted wildlife more likely. Elephant herds are more regularly seen along dry riverbeds during this period.

Lodges charge high season rates, and many are booked up well in advance, especially during European school holidays.

  • Dry days, clear skies, crisp cold nights
  • Peak time for wildlife viewing in Damaraland
  • Desert-adapted elephants more easily spotted
  • Wonderfully cool for day walks and longer hikes
  • High season rates, book accommodations early

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in July

Damaraland in August

August is the height of Damaraland's winter. Expect cloudless skies and usually warm sun during the day, but nights can drop to freezing in desert areas. Visitors should bring warm clothes for nature drives and walks in chilly mornings and evenings.

The landscape begins to change from green to golden grasses and stark hillsides. Wildlife sticks close to dry river-beds where desert-adapted elephants dig for water, creating waterholes for other animals.

The clear, dry conditions make it an excellent time for hiking and exploring geological features like the Organ Pipes and Burnt Mountain.

August is the most popular time to visit Damaraland, especially for families. Booking well in advance is essential.

  • Perfect weather for outdoor activities
  • Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities
  • Popular time for hiking and tracking rhino on foot
  • Good time for cultural experiences at Damara Living Museum
  • Peak season, lodges booked up well in advance

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

Damaraland in September

September in Damaraland brings blue, cloudless skies and fantastic wildlife viewing. Rain is almost unheard of, and as the month progresses, days and nights quickly get warmer. Daily maximums can reach the low 30s Celsius/mid-80s Fahrenheit, though low humidity keeps it comfortable. The air becomes dustier, occasionally affecting visibility for photographers at sites like Twyfelfontein or Brandberg.

In the Palmwag Concession and along the Ugab River, animals congregate around remaining water sources, making September one of the best months for game viewing, especially for desert-adapted elephants and black rhinos, but also desert-adapted lion. It's a popular month for visitors, particularly safari enthusiasts seeking sightings of these unique sub-species.

The Himba at Khowarib provide insights into how local communities adapt to the dry season.

  • Warm days, nights getting warmer
  • Landscape golden brown, very photogenic
  • Prime time for seeing desert-adapted wildlife
  • Air can be hazy with dust
  • High season rates, book well in advance

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Damaraland in October

Damaraland is usually at its hottest and driest in October. Temperatures build throughout the month, with daily highs potentially exceeding 40°C/104°F towards the end. The extreme dryness, though, makes even these high temperatures bearable.

Wildlife watching is at its best, particularly in areas like the remote Palmwag Concession and along the Hoanib River. October is popular among wildlife enthusiasts, as shyer species such as brown hyena and cheetah are more regularly seen. However, dust and occasional smoke may make the air hazy, challenging landscape photographers but creating beautiful sunsets.

Visitor numbers can decrease towards the end of the month, potentially allowing for last-minute bookings at some lodges.

  • Hot and dry, true desert conditions
  • Wildlife congregates at remaining water
  • Excellent month for photographing sunsets
  • Peak tourist time, expect higher rates
  • Unusual species like brown hyena more regularly seen

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Damaraland in November

November in Damaraland is unpredictable; sometimes dry and hot, sometimes cloudier and cooler. Typically, mornings are hot and clear, with clouds gathering from the afternoon. Humidity builds, occasionally resulting in spectacular thunderstorms with convection rainfall in late afternoons. These storms are usually localised and may not reach desert areas.

Places receiving good rain, like parts of the Palmwag Concession, quickly turn green, softening the landscape. Many mammals give birth, offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities. Once rains settle in waterholes, wildlife disperses in search of food, making game viewing more challenging. However, this is an excellent time for birdwatchers, with migrant species arriving and taking on breeding plumage.

The rock art at Twyfelfontein and Brandberg can be particularly striking after light rains.

  • Variable weather, possibility of rain
  • New growth if rains arrive, landscape greens
  • Wildlife viewing still good, with babies often born
  • Shoulder season rates offer better value
  • Birdlife increases with migrant arrivals

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Damaraland in December

December is often a dry month between November’s short rains and the main rains in January, and is one of its hottest months. Occasional short, often spectacular thunderstorms are often highly localised and generally welcomed, clearing the air of dust and allowing plant life to flourish. This creates a green carpet across the usually arid landscape, providing food for young animals.

Wildlife, including the desert-adapted elephants, disperses widely as food is more plentiful, making game viewing in areas like the Palmwag Concession more challenging. But sightings in early December can be enjoyed and photographed at leisure often with few or no other viewers. Many birds are breeding, sporting their most colorful plumage.

Christmas and New Year fall within local summer holidays, so accommodation options can be surprisingly busy, especially in cooler areas near the coast.

  • Hot days, possibility of refreshing showers
  • Landscape may become green with early rains
  • Good time for seeing young animals
  • Desert-adapted species less concentrated
  • Holiday season brings more visitors

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in December

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