Reviews of Namutoni Camp

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.

great water hole

Namutoni Camp review

location excellent saw both rhino & lions at nearby camp namutoni
the wildlife around waterholes was superb & access to eastern side of etosha was great
air con in rooms a major bonus

Namutomi Camp slightly better

Can report that the staff here were happy, appeared to work as a team and certainly went out of their way to help you in the restaurant.

Room: these have been revamped since our last visit. Our room was large, clean and the beds comfy.

Food: This was somewhat better than the rest, starters were refilled quickly and although it was the same menu, i.e. mixed veg, mashed potatoes, rice, they were of far better quality than the other NWL camps in Etosha.

Waterhole: small with few animals.

Namutoni ok for a single night

Stayed for one night.

Camp busy and watehole experience not too good with a number of thoughtless trippers.

New chalets at Namutoni are excellent

The revamp of the camp has delivered good results, our bush chalet was excellent - spacious, clean, comfortable and very well equipped - even including a hair drier, sunken bath and outside shower with plenty of hot water.

The dining and bar area is very attractive and comfortable with friendly, helpful staff (our waitress Heleni was particularly friendly) and the food choice and quality was very good. The reception staff were also very helpful making contact with Bidvest when we had a puncture.

Walkways around the chalet area were well lit although getting broken where cars are driving over them. The fort tower was open and gave good views and sunset but the remainder of the viewing platform remains closed because of its condition.

The water hole is non-existent although with a covered viewing area.

Hyena at dusk

It would have been helpful if someone had explained to us that the restaurant had moved since our last visit as we wandered around on the dark for a while before finding it.

A geat improvement with the paths concreted so now there are no loose boards and it is much quieter walking to the waterhole which was as quiet and empty as ever.

Some good game viewing at waterholes at this end of the park - often on our own as fewer people around.

The room was lovely however maintenance poor - one shower head badly corroded - it wouldn't take much to either replace or remove it.