Desert Quiver Camp

98% (10 reviews)

Full review Our view Geographics Food & drink Children Wildlife sightings Communications Health & safety Activities Extras

Desert Quiver Camp: Our full report

Desert Quiver Camp can be spotted from miles away, with it’s simple but comfortable self-catering chalets ...

... stretching across the desert plains, just 5km from the Sesriem entrance to the Namib-Naukluft National Park.

The 24 self-catering chalets at Desert Quiver Camp are arranged in a semicircle either side of the main area. They are simply adorned in natural colours, which along with their sloping roofs reaching down to the desert landscape, help them to blend in to their natural surroundings. Each has twin beds, a fold-out sleeper couch, an en-suite shower room, separate toilet and washbasin, and an electronic safe. All of the chalets also have air conditioning, which has a heat setting for the winter months. Two of the chalets, close to the main area, are wheelchair accessible, with ramps, wider doors and a slightly different bathroom layout.

In front of each chalet is a patio where you'll find a free-standing barbecue facility, along with a kitchenette that's equipped with a sink, a fridge, a two-plate electric hob and a wooden bench for seating. Utensil boxes can be borrowed from reception against a N$300 (£15) refundable deposit, and fresh braii packs for the barbecue can also be ordered daily, for delivery in the evenings.

The camp's main area incorporates a bar and a large, sparkling swimming pool at the foot of a kopje, overlooking a small man-made waterhole. The bar has cosy firepits to ward off the evening chill and a large-screen TV to catch up on the news or sporting events. Opening hours at the bar are 2.00–10.00pm daily, but soft drinks can be obtained at reception from 8.30am until the bar is open.

Groups or families of ten or more travelling together have the use of two communal bomas: separate outdoor areas, each with a central firepit, a shaded area with loose cushions, and a basic kitchen.

We'd advise travellers who plan to self-cater here to buy all their provisions before they arrive. There is a well-stocked shop at the garage in Sesriem, approximately 5km away, or you could bring in supplies from Windhoek or Swakopmund.

Although self-catering in an open-air kitchen is usually a lovely way to eat, it's worth noting that sandstorms are not unkown here, as you'd expect in one of the world's oldest deserts. So very occasionally the weather will make eating out highly challenging. We understand that guests may opt instead to dine at Desert Quiver Camp's sister property, Sossusvlei Lodge, a 15-minute drive away and a good, if busy option in inclement weather.

It is also possible to book and take part in many of the activities available from Sossusvlei Lodge, including excursions into the dunes, quadbiking, scenic flights and more. However guests at Desert Quiver Camp will need to make their own way to the lodge, as their vehicles will not come to pick you up. Alternatively, as the camp is only 5km from the park entrance it makes an ideal base for those wishing to drive themselves to the dunes.

Our view

Desert Quiver Camp is a great budget option for self-drivers visiting this area who are happy to cater for their own meals. We like the look of the modern, comfortable chalets and they are well placed for easy access to Sossusvlei.

Claire Scott

Namibia expert

Geographics

Location: Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia
Ideal length of stay: 2-3 nights
Directions: Desert Quiver Camp is situated 5km from Sossusvlei Lodge and the Sesriem gate, to the south of the D826.
Accessible by: Self-drive

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Bed & Breakfast
Drinks included: We are told that the tap water here is fine to drink but bottled water can be bought on site.

Children

Attitude towards children: Children of all ages are welcome at Desert Quiver Camp. If children under 12 years are sharing a room with two full paying adults, their accommodation will be free of charge.
Property’s age restrictions: There are no age restrictions.
Special activities & services: None
Equipment: Cots and extra beds for children can be provided on request.
Generally recommended for children: We'd generally consider this camp to be fine for children of all ages but see the notes on safety and supervision below.
Notes: The camp is unfenced so game (mostly antelope, but possibly the very occasional cheetah or leopard) could wander through. By contrast, snakes and scorpions will very often be found in a desert area like this – and although they are unlikely to bother anyone unless they are disturbed, children should be supervised at all times. Furthermore the pool is unfenced and unguarded.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Desert Quiver Camp

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

Oryx

100% success

Aardvark

0% success

Brown Hyena

0% success

Cheetah

0% success

Giraffe

0% success

Leopard

0% success

Meerkat

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

Spotted Hyena

0% success

Wildebeest

0% success

Zebra

0% success

Communications

Power supply notes: There is a back-up generator in case of a power failure.
Communications: WiFi is available in the main areas. We are told that there is a patchy cellphone signal here, too, but in an emergency guests may use the camp’s landline.
TV & radio: There are no TV or radios here – you’re in a very remote location.
Water supply: Borehole
Water supply notes: Toilets are plumbed and the bathrooms had hot and cold running water. The camp’s grey water is recycled and used to irrigate the trees planted around the main area.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: No
Medical care: The closest doctor for minor issues is in Sesriem; in an emergency, patients would usually be flown to Windhoek.

Quadbike warning: Quadbiking is sometimes available as an activity in this area. As with any potentially dangerous activity, it’s vital that you take responsibility for ensuring that you have adequate travel insurance prior to getting involved. Be aware that some insurances cover quad-bike activities only for bikes with lower engine ratings: check such clauses particularly carefully before you get on a bike.
Dangerous animals: Moderate Risk
Security measures: There is a guard on duty 24 hours a day and the chalets are lockable.
Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers in the kitchenette area outside each chalet.

Activities

4WD Safari
Helicopter
Hot air ballooning
Quad-biking

Extras

Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: Available at an extra cost.
Money: For personal belongings, there's a small digital safe in every bedroom. The camp’s sister property, Sossusvlei Lodge, can exchange foreign currencies, and has its own cash machine.
Accepted payment on location: Payments are accepted in Namibian dollars and South African rand cash, or with Visa and Mastercard.