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Namutoni Camp
Namutoni Camp
Namutoni Camp
Namutoni Camp
Namutoni Camp

About Namutoni Camp

Namutoni Camp stands on the eastern side of Etosha National Park, close to the von Lindequist Gate and the ...

... picturesque Fischer's Pan. Here, great concentrations of water birds and breeding colonies of flamingos can sometimes be seen during the rainy season. Namutoni itself also overlooks the small King Nehale waterhole, where game animals can be spotted occasionally.

Although still a bit rough around the edges, the recently refurbished rooms at Namutoni appeared smart and functional. You may not experience the same level of personal service or overall quality of experience here as at some of the smaller, private lodges in the area, but the camp provides a good base to explore the eastern side of Etosha National Park.

Our view

Although still a bit rough around the edges, the recently refurbished rooms at Namutoni appeared smart and functional. You may not experience the same level of personal service or overall quality of experience here as at some of the smaller, private lodges in the area, but the camp provides a good base to explore the eastern side of Etosha National Park.

Karen Sharpe

Karen Sharpe

Namibia expert

Accommodation

44 rooms/chalets

Children

Best for aged 6+

Open

All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Night drive

Night drive

Private activities

Private activities

Traveller reviews of Namutoni Camp

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


82%
90 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
31
Good
42
Average
14
Poor
3
Terrible
0
Mr & Mrs SfromE Sussex

Arrived 9 Oct 2024, 2 nights

"Namutoni Camp review"

"Although not "Top Notch" this was by far the best NWR camp we visited. …" Read Mr & Mrs S’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr P.fromChelmsford

Arrived 15 Sep 2023, 1 nights

"Namutoni Camp review"

"better than expected …" Read Mr P.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr D.GeerfromChelmsford

Arrived 15 Sep 2023, 1 nights

"Namutoni Camp review"

"better than expected …" Read Mr D.Geer’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr&Mrs D + kidsfromHerts

Arrived 23 Aug 2023, 1 nights

"Namutoni Camp review"

" ... definitely substantially better than hoped. The best surprise was the food. …" Read Mr&Mrs D + kids’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Boghall birderfromRoslin

Arrived 13 Nov 2022, 1 nights

"Namutoni Camp review"

"a very pleasant place to stay …" Read Boghall birder’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr AntonyfromAuckland

Arrived 11 Oct 2022, 1 nights

"Namutoni Camp review"

"The camp itself is a little tired but we found it way more charming than Okaukuejo …" Read Mr Antony’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs SfromE Sussex

Arrived 25 Sep 2022, 3 nights

"Namutoni Camp review"

"the food offering was uninspiring to say the least. …" Read Mr & Mrs S’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Average

Mr K & Mrs NfromUK

Arrived 16 Mar 2022, 2 nights

"Namutoni Camp review"

"bush chalet was clean & spacious.. menu very limited.. …" Read Mr K & Mrs N’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Average

Mrs & Mr DBfromBC Canada

Arrived 28 Oct 2019, 1 nights

"Clean and comfortable"

"Similar to Halali camp …" Read Mrs & Mr DB’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr LfromLeicestershire

Arrived 24 Sep 2019, 2 nights

"Good"

"Excellent rooms here and the food was good. Plus we had a really good drive …" Read Mr L’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

See all Namutoni Camp reviews

Namutoni Camp: Our full report

Namutoni Camp stands on the eastern side of Etosha National Park, close to the von Lindequist Gate and the ...

... picturesque Fischer's Pan. Here, great concentrations of water birds and breeding colonies of flamingos can sometimes be seen during the rainy season. Namutoni itself also overlooks the small King Nehale waterhole, where game animals can be spotted occasionally.

Namutoni is scattered around a white-washed old German fort, which gives the camp its unique character. Built in 1899, the fort was originally used as an outpost for German troops, and almost completely destroyed by 500 Owambo warriors in the battle of Namutoni, on 28 January 1904. It was rebuilt two years later, and after restoration works declared a National Monument in 1950.

Namutoni Restcamp (as it was originally known) officially opened for visitors in 1958, under the control of the Namibian government. In 1999, control of this and its sister restcamps in Etosha, Okaukuejo and Halali,,was passed to the para-statal organisation Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR), which refurbished the camp in 2007. This was a real step-change for the better in the camp's accommodation, and despite some reservations during a visit in 2014, we were pleasantly surprised by what we found on our most recent visit in March 2017.

The impressive and characterful fort at Namutoni is now barely used – apart from a small curio shop inside the courtyard – and it is no longer possible to walk up onto the ramparts. We can’t help but feel that this is a waste of such an iconic building, but the manager who walked us around Namutoni thought that the NWR were planning to build VIP rooms here – albeit probably a few years off.

Namutoni Camp boasts a total of 20 chalets and 24 rooms. All have en-suite bathrooms and outdoor showers, and are equipped with fridges and tea stations. Despite the lacklustre appearance of the main areas of the camp, all the accommodation was renovated in 2016 and looked smart when we visited. There are also camping pitches with plug points and communal ablution facilities.

  • The 20 bush chalets – six doubles and 14 twins – are situated back to back in blocks of two, so that the front doors face in opposite directions. Inside, the rooms are elegant and spacious and they looked very clean. Neutral cream and dark brown tones dominate throughout and black-and-white wildlife photos hang on the walls. Framed seedpods and large cylindrical light shades made of natural materials add a stylish touch, while a writing desk and chair, and small wicker chairs and a table, complete the furniture.

    Down a step is the en-suite bathroom, which has stone-effect tiles on the floor and walls. There are rectangular his and hers sinks, and a sunken bath that requires another step down in order to get in. There is also an inviting outdoor shower. At the front of the chalet is a private outdoor area, its gravel floor surrounded by wooden screens and set with two chairs.

  • The 24 double rooms are connected along concrete pathways (thankfully, NWR has removed the raised wooden walkways which we previously had concerns about). The rooms are in blocks of four and each has a small private seating area at the front.. They are slightly smaller than the bush chalets both inside and out, but otherwise are very similar.
The main facilities at Namutoni Camp include a large restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating areas, a bar, and a tourist shop selling basic food items. Although we thought that the indoor restaurant area was slightly stuffy and crowded, and the brown décor looked a little tired, the staff here seemed very pleasant and eager to help. Namutoni also has a museum and an outdoor swimming pool, plus a fuel station.

For guests at Namutoni Camp, activities revolve around nature and wildlife. The King Nehale waterhole is floodlit at night and viewing benches provide opportunities to encounter some of Etosha’s shy, nocturnal game.

Most guests here drive themselves around the park during daylight hours, but the park authorities also run guided game drives, including night drives – which are not permitted by self-drivers. Drives set off at 5.30am, 3.00pm and 8.00pm, returning to camp about three hours later.

Geographics

Location
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Ideal length of stay
2–3 nights, often combined with visits to its sister camps, Okaukuejo and Halali
Directions
Namutoni is the most easterly of the NWR’s three erstwhile restcamps in Etosha. It is usually accessed via the von Lindequist Gate, from where it’s about a 12km drive.
Accessible by
Self-drive

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Bed & Breakfast
Food quality
Although we did not eat at Namutoni on our most recent visit in March 2017, we did glance at the restaurant menu .

There is a breakfast buffet serving both hot and cold items.

Lunch is an à la carte menu with options of soup, game salad, lamb chops and toasted sandwiches, with fruit salad or ice cream for dessert.

Depending on how many people are staying at the camp, dinner will be either a buffet or à la carte. Options include salmon, game steak, kingklip, pork chop and a vegetable dish, followed by cake or mousse for dessert.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
No
Drinks included
No drinks are included. The water can not be drunk as it is too salty but bottled water is available to buy.

Special interests

Wildlife safaris
Overlooks the flood-lit King Nehale waterhole, Namutoni gives visitors the opportunity to observe animals and birds at close range. The camp's main attracting are self-drive forays around the park. The Fisher's Pan nearby is often used as the breeding site for flamingoes.
See ideas for Wildlife safaris in Namibia

Children

Attitude towards children
Children are welcome at Namutoni Camp.
Property’s age restrictions
There are no age restrictions at Namutoni Camp.
Special activities & services
Children must be over six to participate in game drives with the camp.
Generally recommended for children
The flexibility of a self-drive trip often suits families very well, though as there is not a lot to keep children occupied at the camp, we do not think that it would suit very young children.
Notes
Note that dangerous animals do sometimes enter the camp area, and the pool is unfenced, so care needs to be taken and parents must always supervise their children closely.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Namutoni Camp

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Namutoni 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.

Giraffe

100% success

Oryx

100% success

Wildebeest

100% success

Zebra

100% success

Elephant

94% success

Eland

73% success

Lion

64% success

Spotted Hyena

62% success

Black Rhino

55% success

Cheetah

50% success

White Rhino

31% success

Leopard

15% success

Brown Hyena

14% success

Aardvark

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

Roan antelope

0% success

Sable antelope

0% success

Communications

Power supply notes
There is a back-up generator, although during our visit in March 2017, which was in the rainy season, this was not kicking in when the mains electricity went off.
Communications
There are no telephones but there is internet access around the pool and restaurant area. Vouchers for this WiFi must be purchased from the reception or the restaurant.
TV & radio
There are no radios or TVs.
Water supply
Mains

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
There is a first-aid kit at Namutoni and some of the staff are first-aid trained. The nearest doctor is in Tsumeb, about 115km away.
Dangerous animals
Moderate Risk
Security measures
There's a low stone wall between the waterhole and the chalets, to reduce the chances of dangerous animals entering the camp and security guards are also present at the camp.
Fire safety
All rooms have fire extinguishers.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Night drive

    Night drive

  • Private activities

    Private activities

Extras

Disabled access
Not Possible
Laundry facilities
A laundry service is available for an extra charge.
Money
No currency exchange is available.
Accepted payment on location
Visa cards are accepted, but we would recommend using cash (in Namibian dollars or South African rand) because the process of using a credit card can be rather slow.

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Namutoni Camp's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Namutoni Camp.


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When to go to Etosha National Park

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Namutoni Camp in Etosha National Park


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Etosha National Park in January

January marks the start of Etosha's main rainy season. The Etosha Pan, usually a vast expanse of white clay, may partially fill with water in good rainy season, attracting flamingos and other migratory birds. The landscape transforms into a lush green oasis, providing ample food for wildlife. Many animals give birth during this time, offering chances to see newborns.

While game viewing can be challenging due to dispersed wildlife and thick vegetation, birdwatching is excellent. Migratory species arrive and birds display breeding plumage. The Okaukuejo and Halali waterholes remain active, though less crowded than in dry months. Visitors should be prepared for occasional thunderstorms and potentially muddy roads, especially around Fischer's Pan.

The vibrant greenery and the presence of young animals make this a fantastic time for photography.

  • Variable weather: hot, dry or humid with rain
  • Occasional localised thunderstorms in Etosha
  • Many animals with young; spectacular birdlife
  • Wildlife dispersed, harder to see in Etosha
  • Fewer tourists; low rates at most lodges

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in January

Etosha National Park in February

February is typically Etosha's wettest month. The Etosha Pan may be partially filled, creating a spectacular sight and attracting numerous waterbirds, including flamingos. The landscape is vibrantly green, with many animals raising their young.

While game viewing can be more challenging due to the abundance of water and vegetation, patient observers can spot a variety of wildlife, and share their sightings with fewer other visitors. Birdwatching is excellent, with many species in breeding plumage. The Fairy Tale Forest near Okaukuejo is particularly lush during this time.

Visitors should be prepared for occasional thunderstorms and potentially challenging road conditions, especially in the eastern part of the park. The lush environment and the presence of young animals provide a unique opportunity to witness the park's life cycle.

  • Variable weather with occasional thunderstorms
  • Bush feels alive; birdlife at its peak in Etosha
  • Wildlife in Etosha dispersed, harder to spot
  • A variety of newborn and young wildlife to see
  • Few tourists; lowest rates for accommodations

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in February

Etosha National Park in March

As Etosha's main rains taper off, March offers a mix of wet and dry days. The landscape remains green and alive, with insects and smaller animals more easily seen, and many birds and animals are finishing raising their young.

The Etosha Pan may still hold some water, attracting flamingos and other waterbirds. Game viewing improves as the month progresses and animals start to herd together at permanent water sources. The Okaukuejo, Halali, and Namutoni waterholes become increasingly active.

Birdwatching remains excellent, with many migrant species still around. The Dolomite Camp area in the west offers good chances to spot rarer antelope species like black-faced impala.

The transition from wet to dry conditions provides a fascinating glimpse into the park's seasonal changes.

  • Weather variable; thunderstorms less frequent
  • Animals well-fed after months of abundance
  • Wildlife in Etosha still dispersed, harder to see
  • Migrant birds prepare to leave the park
  • Few visitors; rates often low at Etosha lodges

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in March

Etosha National Park in April

April typically sees dry weather dominating in Etosha, with decreasing chances of rain. The landscape remains relatively green, and animals are in excellent condition with shiny coats. Increasing numbers of elephants seen as the herds begin to use the permanent water sources. The Okaukuejo waterhole becomes particularly active, especially in the evenings.

Photographers benefit from clear air and lush, green backdrop. Night drives from camps like Halali offer chances to see nocturnal animals. Birdwatching remains good, though some migratory species begin to depart, and the Fischer's Pan area can still be productive for waterbirds if there's residual water from the rainy season.

The shift towards drier conditions improves the chances of wildlife sightings.

  • Becoming drier and cooler, especially at night
  • Few visitors except around Easter; low rates
  • Wildlife in Etosha still relatively spread out
  • Migrant birds have largely left the park
  • Fresh air and often green landscapes in Etosha

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in April

Etosha National Park in May

May marks the transition to Etosha's dry season. The landscape starts to dry out, but may still retain some greenery. Wildlife increasingly gathers around permanent water sources, making game viewing more predictable. The Okaukuejo, Halali, and Namutoni waterholes become excellent spots for animal observation – especially when floodlit after dark. Night drives offer opportunities to see nocturnal species like leopards and owls.

The Etosha Pan is usually dry, creating a stark, shimmering backdrop for photography. Birdwatching remains good, with 340 different species recorded in the park. The western part of the park, accessible from Dolomite Camp, offers chances to see rarer species like black rhino in a less frequently explored environment. The dry season's onset brings a new rhythm to the park's wildlife dynamics.

  • Lovely weather: dry, warm days & cool nights
  • Etosha drying out; landscapes still partly green
  • Fantastic air clarity; ideal for photography
  • Visitor numbers low; lodge rates still low
  • Wildlife starting to gather at Etosha waterholes

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in May

Etosha National Park in June

June brings cooler temperatures with clear skies to Etosha. The landscape is drying out, encouraging animals like elephants, rhino and giraffe to waterholes. This makes for excellent game viewing, especially at popular spots like Okaukuejo and Halali. Night drives on private Etosha reserves, like Ongava, are particularly productive.

The dry Etosha Pan creates mirages and a unique backdrop for photography, perhaps a lone ostrich crossing the stark salt crust. Birdwatching remains rewarding, with bright colours standing out in drier vegetation. The Namutoni area, with its fort, provides a mix of wildlife viewing and historical interest.

Cooler temperatures making walking safaris enjoyable in Etosha’s adjacent wildlife reserves, like Etosha Heights.

  • Clear days, cold nights in Etosha National Park
  • Great air quality; perfect for photographers
  • Moderate lodge rates; shoulder season begins
  • Wildlife gravitates to Etosha's waterholes
  • Some greenery remains in parts of the park

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in June

Etosha National Park in July

July is prime time for wildlife viewing in Etosha as animals, in particular predators, are more active later in cool mornings and earlier in the afternoons. The dry landscape concentrates animals around waterholes, making for predictable and spectacular sightings. The Okaukuejo waterhole is particularly active, especially at night when black rhinos often visit and jostle for position with elephants.

The stark white Etosha Pan creates a unique backdrop for photography, with heat mirages shimmering on the horizon.

The dry season's peak offers unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities. Game drives along the southern edge of the pan offer excellent opportunities to see large herds of zebra, wildebeest, and antelope. Birdwatching is rewarding around waterholes, with species like eagles and vultures frequently sighted.

  • Dry days, crisp nights; excellent for stargazing
  • European holidays begin; more families visit
  • Peak season; high rates, lodges often full
  • Fantastic wildlife watching
  • Animals concentrate around Etosha waterholes

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in July

Etosha National Park in August

August is the height of the dry season in Etosha, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Animals concentrate around waterholes, with a variety of predators and prey often seen at any one time. Night viewing at the more secluded yet floodlit waterhole at Halali is often rewarded with sightings of shyer leopard and porcupine.

The dry season's intensity brings wildlife into sharp focus. The open plains along the edge of the Etosha Pan are good for seeing large herds of zebra and wildebeest, and often cheetah too. Predators often lie in wait for their prey near waterholes offering sightings of hunts to patient game viewers.

Birdwatching remains rewarding, with raptors like bateleur and martial eagles frequently sighted.

  • Dry days, cold nights; clear skies in Etosha
  • Busy by Namibian standards; family rooms full
  • Peak season; high rates, advanced booking needed
  • Excellent wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park
  • Large herds gather at Etosha's waterholes

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

Etosha National Park in September

September offers peak wildlife viewing in Etosha. The extreme dry conditions concentrate animals around waterholes, making for spectacular sightings of multiple species. The Okaukuejo waterhole is particularly active, with elephants, rhinos, and lions frequently visiting.

The last months of the dry season showcases the park's wildlife at its most concentrated. The stark landscape of the dry Etosha Pan creates dramatic backdrops for photography. Game drives along the pan's edge offer chances to see large herds of zebra, springbok, and oryx as well as lion prides and cheetah. The western part of the park, accessible from Dolomite Camp, often provides a more exclusive safari experience with good rhino sightings. Night drives on adjacent private reserves like Hobatere offer opportunities to see nocturnal animals such as genets and aardwolves.

Birdwatching is excellent, with species standing out clearly in the sparse vegetation.

  • One of the best months for Etosha wildlife viewing
  • Warm days, cold nights; temperatures rising
  • Colourful birds stand out against a starker backdrop
  • Etosha's waterholes teem with diverse wildlife
  • High season; book Etosha accommodations early

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Etosha National Park in October

October is typically Etosha's hottest and driest month, offering excellent wildlife viewing. The intense heat and dry conditions heighten the drama of wildlife interactions.

Animals concentrate heavily around waterholes, with spectacular sightings common at Okaukuejo, Halali, and other permanent water sources. Patient photographers spending time at waterholes are richly rewarded. Large herds of zebra, wildebeest, and various antelope species can be seen along the pan's southern edge. Predator sightings, including lions and cheetahs, are frequent as they target gathered and weakened prey. Thinning vegetation at Namutoni makes it easier to spot the dimunitive Damara dik dik – Namibia’s smallest antelope.

Birdwatching remains rewarding, with raptors and colourful rollers often spotted.

  • Peak wildlife-viewing month in Etosha National Park
  • Hot and dry; Etosha feels like a desert
  • Air can be hazy with dust in some areas
  • Peak time; expect high season rates in Etosha
  • Etosha lodges often full, especially early October

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Etosha National Park in November

November marks the transition to Etosha's rainy season, bringing change to the landscape and wildlife behaviour. Early rains may green the vegetation, dispersing some wildlife from waterholes. However, game viewing remains good, especially around permanent water sources like Okaukuejo and Halali’s floodlit waterholes.

The first rains can create dramatic scenes as animals celebrate the water's arrival, with plains game often giving birth. Predators often give birth at this time too, to coincide with the time of plenty. Migratory birds begin to return, and birds take to the skies in spectacular aerial shows as they catch more active insects.

Seasonal wildflowers and dramatic, thundery skies add interest to photographic compositions. Summer rains bring reptiles such as tortoises and chameleons out into the open. The onset of rains brings a refreshing change to the park's ecosystem.

  • Variable month in Etosha, depending on rains
  • If rain comes, explosion of vegetation and life
  • Baby animals often born around mid-month
  • Shoulder season; mid-range rates offer value
  • Showers more likely later in the month in Etosha

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Etosha National Park in December

December is often a drier month before January sees the main rainy season begin. The landscape begins to show green from November's rain and the odd rainshower in December. Many animals have young, so there’s the chance to watch frolicking calfs and lambs.

The combination of rainfall and sunshine rejuvenates the park's landscapes and wildlife. While wildlife disperses away from the waterholes with increased water availability, game viewing remains good, especially on the open plains along the southern edge of Etosha Pan. Birdwatching is excellent, with many species in breeding plumage and displaying for mates as well as migrant species arriving.

Visitors should be prepared for occasional thunderstorms and potentially muddy roads, especially in the eastern part of the park.

  • Hot, sometimes humid with cooling showers
  • Landscapes green where rain has fallen in Etosha
  • New life and energy in the park's ecosystem
  • Excellent for birdwatchers in Etosha
  • Larger animals may be harder to spot

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in December

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