Etosha National Park is one of the top destinations in Namibia, offering excellent safari game drives and a great introduction to the country’s desolate landscapes.
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Etosha was the first stop on our 2 week Namibia adventure. Having just arrived in the country, we weren’t sure about what the park would have to offer.
To make the most of our 3-day trip, we decided to leave our visit to the expert and choose to stay at the Etosha Safari Camp, one of the most well-known accommodation options in Etosha National Park.
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About Etosha Safari Camp
Etosha Safari Camp is a Gondwana Collection property with lots of charm and quirky decor, located just 10 kilometres outside the Ombika Gate in Etosha National Park.
This rustic camp consists of 50 chalets, a camping area, pool and a lively restaurant and the Down Corruption Bar. Each evening guests gather here for entertainment from its resident musicians and enjoy buffet-style traditional African dishes.
The Rooms
Of the 50 rooms on-site at Etosha Safari Camp, 5 rooms are family rooms, 4 are triple rooms, and 41 are twin rooms. Each room is air-conditioned, has an en suite bathroom and its own private, shaded porch.
We stayed in one of their twin rooms and found it to be a pleasant reprieve from the heat of the day and a comfortable space to rest our heads at the end of the day.
Budget travelers will be happy to learn that camping is also possible at Etosha Safari Camp. The Camping2Go glamping tents are well equipped with 4 single beds, an en-suite, and are located deeper into the bush for the ultimate Etosha camping experience. Each one of these permanent tents comes with a fully equipped kitchenette for guests to whip up their own meals. There is a gas stove, fridge, sink and even a BBQ (or braai as they locals call it).
For people with their own Etosha camping equipment, there is a camping and caravan area at Etosha Safari Camp. There are powered and non-powered sites, and guests share ablution blocks.
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Food & Drink
Etosha Safari Camp has a restaurant and a bar on-site offering a full board option for travelers like us, who are looking for an easy, all-inclusive stay.
The restaurant is located in the main building and has an alfresco dining area, where they serve African meals with an international twist. We were surprised to find game meats like Oryx and Kudu grace the menu, but learned that these were common dishes in Namibia. There was always plenty to eat with lots of dishes to choose from, even for vegetarians.
The bar at Etosha Safari Camp is decorated with African memorabilia. We found historical posters from the Apartheid years and street signs hanging from the walls, the decor reminiscent of traditional rural bars.
Activities
With its close proximity to Etosha National Park, the number one activity is to explore Etosha Park. However, you’ll need more than just one day to see all that it has to offer.
If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can book a half-day or full-day Etosha safari tour from the lodge. You’ll climb aboard an open-top 4×4 to track the Big Five and other free-roaming animals like giraffes, buffalo, and springbok.
Even though we were traveling with our own car, we opted to join a guided tour to Etosha National Park. Our guide was an expert at spotting wildlife in the park and took us to more remote corners of the area than we would have discovered on our own. Plus, hiring a guide is another way that we can support the local economy in this region, so it was a win-win decision.
Back at camp, guests can explore the grounds on foot admiring the Mopane tree forest, take a dip in the pool, or take in one of the spectacular Namibian sunsets.
Sustainability
Etosha Safari Camp is a Fair Trade Certified camp. This certification is based on the six principles of fair share, fair say, respect, reliability, transparency, and sustainability. The Fair Trade Certification promotes fair and sustainable businesses that empower the local community and build their tourism enterprises with a respect for nature and the environment.
During our stay at Etosha Safari Camp, we noticed the strong ties that the lodge had with the local community and eco touches like the refillable products in the bathrooms.
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The Bottom Line
If you are looking for a mid-range lodge to base yourself while exploring Etosha National Park, then Etosha Safari Camp should fit the bill. With its varied accommodation options and charisma, there is a room or campsite to fit every taste and budget.
Disclaimer: Our stay at Etosha Safari Camp was provided courtesy of Gondwana Collection, but all opinions expressed in this post are our own.
