Waking up by the sounds of wildlife and falling asleep under one of the most beautiful skies in the world. Overall, a paradise for camping lovers. Camping in Namibia is something I recommend for everyone, especially those who love being in nature, adventure and wildlife. This list sums up the 12 best campsites in Namibia, to make sure you will have the best camping experience.
FAQs about camping in Namibia
Can I camp anywhere in Namibia?
No, wild camping is not allowed in Namibia.
On top of that, many campsites are locally owned and an important income for the community. The excellent campsites they provide for tourists are of outstanding quality so for that reason, please make use of them.
Do you need to book campsites in Namibia?
Yes, you need to book your campsites in advance. Showing up without a reservation often leads to disappointment as most places are fully booked weeks in advance and have limited space.
Is camping in Namibia safe?
Yes, after visiting Namibia twice, I can say I never felt unsafe. As wild camping is not allowed, you’re always camping at a campsite with other people around you.
What is the best camp in Etosha?
Okaukuejo Camp was our favorite as it has the perfect central location to explore both sides of the park and with an amazing waterhole to watch wildlife.
Rent a 4×4 in Namibia
For camping in Namibia, you’re going to need a rental car. After doing some research online we decided to rent our 4×4 with camping equipment with Advanced Car Hire and could highly recommend that you do the same.
Make sure that you have the right car for you. Your overall experience depends on the car and equipment you have, trust me – I speak from experience. Need more tips on renting a 4×4 in Namibia, read my complete self-drive guide for renting a car in this blog post!
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Camping in Namibia
Camping in Namibia is going to be an adventure. For first-timers choose your campsites wisely and prepare yourself.
Before heading off into the desert, make sure you do a big shopping to stock up on some food and drinks. Together with saving some easy cooking recipes in a Pinterest folder.
However, don’t buy too much as you’ll only have a small fridge and you can’t leave any fresh food outside the fridge due to the Namibian heat.
The 12 Best Campsites in Namibia
Firstly, Namibia has a wide range of accommodations. From the most basic campsites with sometimes not even running water and electricity, to high-end lodges. Meaning, that you’ll find something that suits your needs and budget.
Most of our time in Namibia we spend our nights on campsites. We stayed in many different ones throughout the country – some better than others.
2025 Update
I’ve updated this list (January 2025) to add some extra recommendations after my recent visit to Namibia and Botswana. All the prices are also updated for 2025. I’ve noticed a small price increase in most campsites since my first visit in 2022, probably because Namibia is continuously getting more popular among travelers.
Campsites in Windhoek
#1 Urban Camp
When you start on your self-drive Namibian road trip you’re most likely to start in Windhoek – Namibia’s capital.
Urban Camp is a beautiful campsite located close to the city center and the best spot to relax after a long flight before heading off on your African adventure. Set up your tent or camp in one of the glamping tents from Urban Camp.
We rented one of the tents and absolutely loved the convenience and comfort after our long flight. Their property is stunning, feeling like you’re in nature, with amazing outdoor showers, a pool, and a restaurant.
💰 Price: starting from N$280 (€11) per person for a campsite, and N$1100 (€56) per night for a 2p tent.
Campsites at Sossusvlei
#2 Sossus Oasis Camp
Waking up by the most beautiful African sunrises and sleeping under the stars is best done at sossus oasis camp – this was without a doubt one of my favorite campsites on this list and a must on your self-drive camping trip!
With its location right next to the entrance of Sossusvlei, it’s the perfect base for visiting Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert.
There’s a fueling station, swimming pool, small shop, and restaurant on site, to stock up on supplies and refuel before heading off for your adventure.
Every campsite has their own wooden canopy, including a shower, toilet, washing bin, barbeque & electricity points. As of most campsites in Namibia it’s essential to book in advance. Sossus Oasis Camp is a small locally owned campsite with only 10 camping sites, so keep this in mind.
💰 Price: N$295 (€15) per person per night – For this price point, it’s definitely one of the most valued on this list.
#3 Sesriem Campsite
If you’re planning everything well in advance, you might be lucky to snatch yourself a camping spot at Sesriem campsite. This campsite is located inside the Namib Naukluft Reserve and therefore gives you the opportunity to get to Sossusvlei before sunrise and stay after sunset unlike other accommodation outside the gates.
All campsites are located far apart from each other with shared ablutions, and each site with their own electricity points and barbeque area. The property offers a swimming pool, restaurant, and shop.
💰 Price: N$670.00 (€35) per person per night
Campsites in Spitzkoppe
#4 Spitzkoppe Campsite
Although Spitzkoppe Restcamp is the most basic campsite on this list with only a sheltered toilet, the views are making up for it very quickly.
While being located inside the Spitzkoppe Reserve, the area has largely spread out campsites scattered around the reserve that give you the ultimate camping feeling with not a soul in sight.
Simply drive through the park and search for a free spot. How to know if it’s available? Whenever spot a table and chairs on the site, that means it’s taken. We choose a site within walking distance of the famous arch and with amazing views of the Spitzkoppe rocks. Be aware that there’s little shadow so choose your spot wisely.
💰 Price: N$210 (€10) per person per night
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Campsites in Damaraland
#5 Madisa Camp
Madisa Camp feels like going back in time and it’s all about living a slow and simple life. You can either book a tent or stay at one of their campsites with shared or private ablutions. We choose the campground with private ablution.
As I have said, you’re going basicsto basic. Therefore, to enjoy a warm shower, you must make your fire. The shower and toilet are outdoors and the sink must be my favorite spot overlooking the endless wilderness. It’y a unique concept and therefore a must on your trip!
Bring enough warm clothes while camping in Namibia – it get’s pretty cold at night
Madisa Camp has a beautiful pool and bar with many relaxing spots. Don’t feel like cooking? There’s also a restaurant on site and you can book activities on-site at the reception.
💰 Price: starting from N$250 (€13) per person per night for a campsite.
#6 Palmwag
Palmwag campsite was a pleasant surprise for us, as we planned to stay at their lodge instead of camping. The campsite and the property are very established with everything you need for a fine stay. Each campsite has a shelter with a washing bin and electricity points with shared ablution.
Palmwag offers a restaurant with insane views, multiple pools to refresh on a hot day, and a small shop. The restaurant gives priority to their lodge guests, so if you want to join us for dinner, you have to make a reservation in advance.
There are a variety of activities for you to book upon arrival, like rhino tracking and nature drives in Damaraland.
Keep an eye on your surroundings as elephants are frequent guests as well. 😉 We were lucky to spot a large herd of elephants at the end of the afternoon right in front of the lodge, and one even came to say hi during dinner.
💰 Price: N$ 320 (€17) per person per night.
Campsites in and around Etosha
#7 Okaukuejo Camp
Cozy afternoons watching wildlife at the waterholes and sleeping by the sound of roaring lions? Everything is possible in Etosha National Park.
Okaukuejo was our first campsite in Etosha and definitely our favorite campground in the park – thanks to the waterhole, that’s located right outside the campsite fences. All-day wildlife gathers here to drink and if you’re lucky you’re able to spot hyenas, lions, and leopards!
Grab yourself some drinks, head to the waterhole before sunset, and let the wildlife come to you. We were lucky enough to spot many rhinos, elephants, and giraffes here!
The campsite is pretty basic with shared bathrooms and personal electricity plugs. Besides the campsites, the camp also offers chalets, some even overlooking the waterhole.
2025 update – we revisited Okaukuejo Camp recently and can confirm that the campsite is still an amazing option and the game viewings were as good (maybe even better) as our first visit!
💰 Price: starting from N$460 (€23,50) per person per night for a campsite.
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#8 Olifantrus Camp
Olifantrus is located on the far west side of Etosha National Park and is often skipped by most travelers as they only tend to stay on the east and center of the park. Unlike other campsites in Etosha, Olifantrus is for campers only and doesn’t offer lodging.
The campsite offers 10 campsites, each with own electricity points, a small shelter, and shared ablution.
One of the main reasons to stay the night in Olifantrus is the hide out looking out on the waterhole. It’s open all day, so you can sit there and watch animals coming to drink even in the night or early morning.
💰 Price: N$ 510 per person per night.
#9 Halali Camp
Halali campsite is one of the most popular and busiest campsites on this list, mainly because of the Moringa waterhole located at Halali and its central location in Etosha. Each campsite is very basic, similar to those at Okaukuejo, with each its braai area, electricity points, and shared ablution.
Moringa waterhole is open for all Etosha visitors, however, only guests staying at Halali Camp can stay after sunset when the gates of the national park close. Especially after dark there’s a high chance of seeing rhinos, lions, hyenas, and even leopards.
💰 Price: starting from N$460 (€23,50) per person per night for a campsite.
Note: all campsites located inside Etosha National Park are owned by the NWR, and are only able to book through them. In my complete Etosha guide, I explain everything on how to book, where to stay, and how to plan your trip to Etosha National Park.
#10 Onguma Tamboti Campsite
Onguma Nature Reserve is the little neighbor of Etosha, located only 5 minutes away from the entrance gate Von Lindquist. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a more unique and quiet alternative to the ones inside Etosha.
Onguma Tamboti Campsite offers campsites with private indoor ablution with a shower and toilet and a sheltered cooking area.
Next to Tamboti Campsite, there are many other accommodation options inside the reserve and it also offers an amazing restaurant (with good vegetarian options) and a swimming pool to refresh after your morning safari.
Always stock op on water and on-the-road snacks, there are not many shops along the way
The reserve offers guided game drives in Onguma Reserve and we were lucky to spot a pride of 12(!) lions on our sundowner. Core memory made for sure.
You can also book game drives in Etosha with Onguma, however you’re only able to enter the park at sunrise, so I would save those game drives for when you’re staying inside the park.
💰 Price: N$405 (€19,50) per person per night.
Price-wise, we absolutely loved how much value we’ve got compared to the prices inside Etosha National Park. On top of that, the property is stunning!
Campsites in Caprivi Strip
#11 Nunda River Lodge
One of the new additions to this list is Nunda River Lodge. Located in the Caprivi Strip, the lodge offers a luxurious touch for their campers, with a lovely swimming pool and a river-view restaurant.
They offer different kinds of accommodation ranging from campsites to chalets and epic activities to explore everything that the Caprivi Strip has to offer.
As it’s located directly next to the Okavango Delta, game viewing has never been easier. The Caprivi Strip is also the only place in Namibia where you can spot hippos! Many families of hippos and even crocodiles call this river their home and you can even see them from the lodge if you’re lucky.
The lodge offers all sorts of activities like sunset boat tours where you can spot all sorts of wildlife and birds, traditional Mokoro canoe trips, and game drives in nearby national parks.
The lodge hires locals from the nearby villages providing them with jobs, so it’s a good way to support the local community.
💰 Price: campsites start from N$230 (€12) per person per night.
Other Campsites
#12 Okonjima Nature Reserve
Even though Okonjima is the most expensive campsite by comparison to others we visited in Namibia, it did feel like a high-class campsite. The reserve has only a few large campsites to offer, all including a large covered area with a dining and washing area, food lockers, activity information, 2 indoors (well kinda indoors) showers, a toilet, and big fire pits, including wood.
Okonjima offers campsites and chalets – that suit everyone’s needs and budget.
💰 Price: starting from N$730 (€38) per person per night campsite.
How to book your campsites in Namibia
Most of the campsites in Namibia are possible to book through booking.com or on the website from the accommodation.
Be aware that with accommodation in Namibia, it’s necessary to book well in advance. Many of the above-mentioned campsites are popular and fully booked pretty fast, especially the ones in Etosha National Park and at Sossusvlei.
To summarize, Namibia has some epic campsites and whether you decide to stay at these 12 campsites that I’ve mentioned above or not, you’re going to have an amazing camping trip!
If you’re planning a trip to Namibia and need any help, feel free to drop a question below or send me a DM on Instagram! I’m happy to help. ❤️
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