Reviews of Namutoni Camp
(84%) From 76 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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Much better than Okaukuejo
A much more pleasant experience than Okaukuejo where we'd driven from.
The room was light, airy and modern and the camp itself had a much more relaxed, calm and 'open' feel to it with some well-tended gardens/green spaces. The staff were helpful and had the time to assist us when we needed it. We had a problem with our bathroom and this was resolved in a prompt, efficient and friendly manner.
By driving to the nearby waterholes we saw an abundance of big game - far richer than we could have hoped for - including five separate sightings of lion (one male with a kill, and two females with a kill), female cheetah and cubs with a kill, and a group of about 50 elephants at one waterhole.
Namutoni Fort
Namutoni Camp has new chalets and the fort is only in use for a gift shop (last time we were here, we stayed in the fort!)
Our room was large and well-furnished, but, as with all the Etosha camps, there seems to be little maintenance (dripping taps, running toilets). The bathroom was very odd; completely open to the bedroom with a double shower and a bath! The complete lack of privacy could put off some people.
The numbers staying at Namutoni aren't that large, but it seems to attract plenty of coach parties and lodge safari trips, especially for lunch.
It's a good base from which to visit plenty of waterholes, but the one at Namutoni itself is virtually surrounded by tall reeds and, despite a new viewing area, you'd be lucky to see much here.
Average camp site
Whereas it was great to be in Etosha with such close proximity to the game, we felt the camp itself was poorly run, looked as though it needed updating,the shop was inadequately stocked, the food in the restaurant average, the pool looked murky, & there was no lighting at the waterhole.
But we had a very nice room, perhaps not our favourite place on this trip.
Namutoni Camp review
The night drive here was rather casually handled bye the guide.
In general, if folk want to take paid drives morning ones seem to offer more.
Namutoni Camp review
This was our third visit to Namutoni.
We stayed in a Bush Chalet and this was very comfortable and also much more convenient now that one can park next to the chalet.
This is by far the best of the three original camps in Etosha.
Quite a pleasant experience....
.....Well, we had just come from Okaukuejo! Suddenly, the bedroom was twice the size and pleasantly decorated. There was a feeling of space and comfort (even if the maintenance dept had plenty to do) There were open lawns, and the restaurant was airy and the menu a la carte. There was still a fixation with ticking reservation lists, but it was a pleasure to get table service and some freshly cooked food. We enjoyed our 2 nights here.
We had some good drives from here, especially northward. I suppose it all depends on where has had some rain, but we saw ridiculous collections of giraffe (30 at one time), cheetah, some lion, plenty of elephants, eland, and then all the main culprits.
Fort abandoned
Sadly while you can still enter the German built fort, it is being slowly refurbished and thus all the shops, bars and cafes were closed save for one deserted curio shop.
Namutoni is well positioned to see a good number of permanent waterhole.
Namutoni Camp review
We had great expectations but were somewhat disappointed. Staff was disinterested, (unnecessary) queues at the reception, morning drive for next day fully booked (not a problem as we had our own car, but in general not nice if you have only one day).
Room/cabins although very nice inside, had only a cramped little outside terrace and no view at all. Restaurant as well as food were disappointing.
The fort itself is abandoned except for a little souvenir shop in the corner: no bar or restaurant in sight contrary to what was advertised.
Next time better to take a nice lodge outside the park, which wouldn't cost more, even if that means getting up earlier 'cause you're not allowed in the park until after sunrise.
Namutoni Camp review
The Lodge water-hole was non-existent - there were reeds in the water which may be useful for bird watchers in the summer.
The nearest good water-hole was Klein Namutoni and we found the best plan was to go there and watch in the evenings until 7 minutes before the Namutoni gates closed and then dash back!
Namutoni Camp review
A great location with a very active waterhole and close to some of the best waterholes in Etosha, Namutoni is a great setting for seeing the animlas and birds and scenery but the rooms are very basi, while fitting the standard for al the national parks. the rooms had clearly been designed ambitiously, with plenty of room, but the bathroom desing is a bit too front and center for most room sharers.
the maintenance of plumbing, electricity and furnishings is also strained. The facilities are disappointing as we expected the old fort to be impressive, Instead it is run down and mostly shut off to any exploring.
The generators are shut off for 2 hours in the afternoon, making AC nonexistent in the worst heat of the day (42C at times we were there). But even worse, it means the shop has to process every transaction by hand during those hours so a long line rapidly forms for guests trying to buy ice creams and soda from rapidly warming and understocked coolers.
