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This Taste of Namibia camping safari combines Namibia's top highlights, Etosha National Park and the Namib Desert, into an action packed holiday at a very reasonable price. Camping is not only cost effective, but a great way to maximise your time outdoors in a country that is usually sunny and dry. Namibia is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, who will be enthralled by wonderful game-viewing opportunities in Etosha and spectacular scenery in the Namib Desert. Your nights in the wilderness will be spent in easy to erect dome tents and in Windhoek you will be accommodated at a comfortable guesthouse. All the necessary camping gear is provided - all you need to bring is your personal items, a travel pillow, a towel and a torch.
Guide
This Namibia camping safari will be led by a professional guide, who also acts as your driver and helps around camp. All the guides speak good English and almost all are Namibians. With them, you'll be able to learn a lot about the country and what you encounter - including much about the flora, fauna and local cultures. They will be able to identify all of the animals, many of the birds, and some of the plants that you see. However, don't expect them to be expert ornithologists or botanists, using Latin names for every species.
Camp assistant
Another key member on this partly interactive camping safari is your camp assistant. It's their job to do most of the camp chores - so whilst you will help to put up and take down your tent (it's very easy!), you need not worry about cooking or washing up. This leaves you and your guide more time to relax and chat about Namibia and your safari experiences.
Camping equipment
Good-quality camping equipment is transported in the safari vehicle or in a custom-built trailer. Tents supplied are two-person igloo-style tents, about 2x2 metre, which are easy to assemble. Your guide and camp assistant will be on hand to help and show you how.
Each traveller has his/her own camp chair with backrest and a mattress that is about 5cm thick, covered in fabric and very comfortable. You are welcome to bring your own sleeping bag (3 to 4 season range is recommended), or a sleeping bag will be provided at no extra cost. Day time temperatures can be hot whilst evenings, especially in winter (June to August), can fall below freezing. We recommend that you bring a small pillow or inflatable travel cushion with you as pillows are not provided on this camping safari. You will also need to bring your own towel.
Vehicles
For groups of up to about four people, this camping safari sometimes uses a minibus or 4WD double-cab with a purpose built trailer. More often, you will be transported in a Toyota Dyna 'truck' which has been modified specifically for this type of trip. The Dyna vehicles are fitted with air-cushioned suspension, comfortable, individual bucket seats and a pop-top roof. All the vehicles have seatbelts and most are equipped with plug points used to charge batteries (suitable for low watt charging only). The camping sites also usually have a plug point available. Namibia uses the same 15 amp, three large round pin plug configuration as South Africa. It is useful to purchase one of these in advance so you can convert your chargers and appliances during your time in Namibia.
Namibia camping sites
Almost all of the campsites used on these safaris to Namibia are established rest camps. The facilities generally include ladies and gents' ablution blocks with hot and cold running water and a small kiosk or shop where you can buy items such as drinks and curios. Many of the camps also have a swimming pool nearby. Some campsites are better lit than others so it is important that you bring a reliable torch and spare batteries with you. The camp's communal area will be lit by gas or electric lamp until everyone settles in for the night, but your torch will come in handy if you need to walk around camp after dark and to use in your tent. Head torches are ideal for those keen on reading after dark.
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