NORTH PLACES TO STAY
AFFORDABLE OPTION
(See page 13.)
LOW SEASON
Many of these lodges lower their prices significantly at the height of summer (January to March, sometimes April). It gets very hot, and it can rain, but you'll save a lot of money if you visit during these months.
COMMUNITY CAMPS
There are many community-run campsites in Damaraland and the Kaokoveld. It's pointless to try and phone to book and usually not necessary either. Just drive in, someone will come to assist you.
KAOKOVELD & KUNENE RIVER
1 Epupa Falls Lodge
On the banks of the Kunene River, 200 km north of Opuwo. At the top of Epupa Falls, the lodge has a restaurant, bar, deck and swimming pool. Camping from R180 p.p. (SADC residents, max six people per stand), plus R100 per trailer or caravan (max four vehicles, or two vehicles and two trailers per stand). There are six stands. There are three family units, five chalets on stilts with views of the falls, and one honeymoon suite. All accommodation from R1 400 p.p. sharing DB&B. Ovahimba cultural experience R800 p.p. Other activities on their website.
00 264 81 250 8225 (WhatsApp only)
2 Omarunga Epupa Falls Camp
This Gondwana lodge at Epupa Falls has a restaurant, bar, lapa and swimming pool. Camping from R295 p.p. (10 stands, no electricity). Safari tent from R2 295 p.p. sharing B&B. You can visit an Ovahimba village (R945 p.p.), do a sundowner walk (R410 p.p.) or go on a guided river walk (great for bird enthusiasts, R385 p.p.).
00 264 61 427 200
3 Epupa Falls Viewpoint Campsite
This basic community campsite is on the same koppie as the Sundowner Hill viewpoint and overlooks the waterfall. Ablution facilities, awnings, firewood and a bar are available. There is power to recharge your camera and phone. Camping R150 p.p. You can arrange a guided donkey tour for 10 to 14 days along the Kunene River to Marienfluss.
00 264 81 727 1394 (Samuel Ndiaombe)
“Epupa Falls View Point Campsite” on Facebook
4 Epupa Camp
This scenic camp is about 1 km upstream from Epupa Falls. Choose from six riverfront camping stands, each with private ablutions, braai facilities and a washing-up area. There is limited power. Each stand can accommodate a maximum of 11 people; R225 p.p. Ten Kingfisher riverfront self-catering tents (two single beds, linen provided) with communal facilities from R1 035 p.n. Ten safari tents R2 920 p.p. per night sharing DB&B, electric lights, mosquito nets, shaded porch in front of the tents. Ovahimba village visit R870 p.p; sundowner drive R430 p.p; half-day rafting trip R870 p.p. Meals available on request.
00 264 61 237 294 (bookings)
5 Kapika Waterfall Lodge
Kapika's 10 chalets have great views of the river and the waterfall. There are two camping stands with private ablution facilities for R350 p.p. (four people per stand). Chalets from R2 420 p.p. sharing DB&B. Swimming pool, restaurant and bar. Ask about specials when you book – locals and SADC residents get a 20% discount.
00 264 81 480 4400 (lodge)
6 Camp Cornie
This neat campsite under makalani palm trees is about 30 m east of Epupa Falls. Three campsites with power and private bathrooms: R200 p.p. Two dome tents with shared ablutions: R450 p.p. Luxury en suite safari tent R650 p.p. It's pet-friendly and there's a swimming pool and bar. They offer kayak trips, fishing, birding and tours to a nearby Ovahimba village.
00 264 81 624 7585
00 264 83 7000 204
7 Kunene River Lodge
On the Kunene River, 70 km west of Ruacana. Most of the 12 stands are under leadwood or jackal-berry trees, with views of the river. The stands have braai facilities, power and communal ablutions. Camping from R340 p.p. (valid until December 2024). The lodge has a restaurant and a swimming pool. A river cruise is available depending on the water level. Or hire a fishing rod for R200 per day. Nearly 300 bird species have been recorded, including rare ones like the Cinderella waxbill – this is the only place in southern Africa where you can see it. Visit the Dorsland Monument at Swartbooisdrif, or drive to Ruacana Falls upstream. Please note they are busy with construction behind the lodge premises, so there might be some noise during the day.
00 264 65 685 016 (lodge)
reservations@kuneneriverlodge.com
8 Mavinga Lodge and Campsite
The lodge is 37 km east of Swartbooisdrif, on the D3700, along the Kunene River at an Ovahimba village called Okozongombe. Camping stands on lawn, with awnings and braai facilities, right on the water's edge R200 p.p. (own tent) or R250 p.p. for a hired tent. Double en suite room from R950 p.n. B&B. Restaurant on site. There's a swimming pool, bar, braai area, satellite television, and solar power. Activities include birdwatching and sundowners over the Kunene River.
00 264 81 404 1954 (Elizabeth Paulus)
9 Kunene Islands Camp
On the D3700, 40 km east of Swartbooisdrif. Campsites are on the river, with fenced areas to keep out the crocs (R200 p.p.). Two croc-safe safari tents are pitched high on a riverbank: R250 p.p. for two people (bring your own bedding). They have solar power (not for electrical appliances), and there's wood for sale. Bring your own drinking water. 00 264 81 149 4313
10 Omunjandi Restcamp
On the D3700, 41 km east of Swartbooisdrif and 8 km west of Ruacana Falls. The five stands are in the shade
