Palmwag Sleep-out: Our full report

If you are an adventurous traveller and visiting northern Damaraland for a couple of nights, then you might ...

... enjoy the Palmwag Lodge sleep-out option to soak up the atmosphere of this wild environment.

If you decide to do the sleep-out, then you'll head into the Palmwag Concession from the Lodge in the afternoon (typically around 3.30pm) with a 4WD vehicle and guide. You'll explore the concession and take in the stunning scenery of the Aub Canyon, hopefully spotting some of the area’s resident wildlife such as ostrich, zebra and oryx – before arriving at the sleep-out site in the late afternoon.

On arrival, you’ll be shown around the simple camp, which centers on the campfire with the dome tents neatly arranged in a circle beyond it. While your guide puts the finishing touches to the camp, you can relax with some pre-dinner drinks and take in the sunset.

As darkness falls, the delicious aromas of your dinner cooking over the coals will entice you towards the campfire. Dinner is served around the fire and the food is simple but tasty - usually consisting of marinated meats accompanied by a selection of salads.

When you're ready to sleep, you'll retire to your own dome tent. Each tent is furnished with a bedroll, sleeping bag, and blanket. The sides of the tent can be rolled back to leave only insect-proof gauze netting and a clear view of the night sky. Outside there is a washstand filled with water, and soap and a towel are provided. The rudimentary bush loo is tucked away amongst the mopane trees that flank the camp. There are not normally any shower facilities.

Overnight your guide will ensure the fire continues to burn brightly to ward off any overly curious visitors - it’s not uncommon to have hyena and jackals wander through camp during the early hours … You'll probably be woken by the dawn light and chorus of birds – a great way to wake up!

After a simple breakfast, you’ll have the option to do a short guided nature walk before the game drive back to the lodge. Typically, guests on the sleep-out would arrive back at Palmwag Lodge around 11 am to 12 pm.

On our last visit to Palmwag in March 2017 we tried the sleep-out ourselves and thoroughly enjoyed this simple camping experience. Our experience was enhanced by our guide who was friendly and knowledgeable and very good at pointing out many of the smaller aspects of nature that make this region unique – such as the poisonous Euphorbia damarana bushes that are sometimes used like ‘beanbags’ by sleeping elephants!

The Palmwag sleep-out needs to be booked in advance. It is usually run on a shared basis with other guests.

Our view

For adventurous traveller and visiting northern Damaraland the Palmwag Sleep-out is a fantastic option. Run by friendly knowledgeable guides it is a chance to escape into the wilds of Namibia and experience camping under the epic southern night sky.

Tom Morris

Country manager: Namibia

Geographics

Location: Damaraland, Namibia
Ideal length of stay: 1-2 nights
Directions: Heading north on the C43 signposted Palmwag, not far past the junction with the C40, you reach the veterinary fence. Some 500m past this on the left-hand side you will see the sign for Palmwag Lodge. Note that if you are driving from the east, the route via the C40, over the Grootberg Pass, offers great views of the Damaraland landscape.
Accessible by: Self-drive

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board & Activities
Dining style: Group Meals

Children

Attitude towards children
Property’s age restrictions: No children under the age of 12 years are permitted.

Communications

Water supply: Transported in

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: The nearest doctor is in Khorixas. Nurses are available closer and there is a medical kit in the lodge. Medi-rescue is also available.
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Fire safety