Reviews of Namutoni Camp
(82%) From 82 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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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.
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.
