Reviews of Camp Kipwe
Wildlife sightings and reviews
121 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Camp Kipwe and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Attractive lodge in Damaraland"
Superb sundowner high up the rocks! Food was very good, we also had an excellent lunch before we left (chicken and game wraps).
We took the desert elephant safari, with Taffy, an excellent and entertaining guide. It can take a while before you see the elephants but then it is an overwhelming experience to come so close to these beautiful animals. A highlight of our trip to Namibia!" See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Camp Kipwe review"
There was a nice outdoor bathroom, a large outside terrace with chairs and a good size safe but no fridge.
The food was excellent - some of the best we had.
The staff were incredibly helpful and genuine (not over-officious).
We walked up to a lovely sundowner spot on the second evening.
We went on the nature drive - our guide was outstanding (one of the best ever guided trips either of us has experienced in Africa). We saw lots of desert-adapted elephants, including a three-day old calf. It was definitely a worthwhile experience even with the cold/foggy early morning start!
We would love to stay there again." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Fantastic Camp Kipwe !"
It was wonderful experience to watch the sun go down over the desert standing on the highest rocks accompanied by an iced alcoholic drink!!!
The only comment I would like to make is that maybe, in time, the owners should perhaps consider is hiding a petrol pump behind a rock.!. Presumably they must keep a stock of petrol out there for their own use. Because of our fuel gauge problem we were acutely aware that although we had filled our tanks at the last possible location we had driven a very long way to get to the camp & would need to drive some considerable distance before we could purchase more. The worry of this was the only thing which marred our stay there because we didn't dare explore the area as we would have liked." See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia
"Camp Kipwe review"
Rooms fine but staff terrible and food the first night was poor. Poor vegetable soup, tough lamb shank (I think meat should fall off the bone) and the Malva pudding was just a square of mediocre sponge with a dollop of cold custard. The second night dinner was a bit better but generally below standard.
Service was disorganised and off-hand.
I did the Elephant trip early but was kept waiting until 7am to be picked up after a 5.30 alarm and as I was the only one I joined couple from Mowani. Good experience.
They tried to charge for both of us on the elephant trip when my husband wasn't feeling great so hadn't even arranged to go and they also tried to charge us 160N$ for two bowls of soup for lunch
We got the impression there were serious management issues here. Staff were surly and unsupervised ." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia; 1n in South Africa
"Camp Kipwe review"
Food was OK, save for our last evening meal, which was specially laid on in the boma and was delicious. The kudu steak was the best meat we had in the whole of our trip, including in Cape Town." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia
"Great Location to Explore Damaraland"
We took a desert elephant safari and our guide was very knowledgeable and thorough. He knew where to go to find the desert elephants. We not only saw one herd of elephants but three. Altogether there must have been about 40 to 50 elephants. It was quite an experience. We also went to Twyfelfontein and enjoyed it a lot. On our way to Windhoek we stopped at the petrified forest; it is worth it.
My only criticism of the area surrounding Camp Kipwe was the amount of garbage on the trails. You see dozens of bottles of beer, cardboard boxes, tin cans and plastic bags all over. It would be great if Camp Kipwe would work with the community to clean up the surrounding area." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia; 8n in South Africa
"Elephant spotting at Camp Kipwe"
Staff are friendly and welcoming, but service levels whilst still good, were slightly below that of other places we stayed. Although we were asked for dietary requirements on arrival these did not appear have been properly noted as they were overlooked on two occasions, but rectified immediately without any argument. Meals were 3 course with a choice of main courses. Food was good but was not quite up to the same standard as some other lodges. Sundowners on top of the Kopjie behind the lodge were superb - a great view with very little climbing effort with drinks and snacks brought up by the staff.
We took the trip to track the desert elephants and were fortunate enough to find them and get an excellent view. The guide was excellent, informative and entertaining and the trip also showcased the beautiful and diverse landscapes of this area. We believe this trip was also very good value for money as it is not something you would be able to do on your own.
The public areas of the camp are stylish and inviting and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay here." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Luxury at Camp Kipwe"
The camp is set amongst boulders so blends into the environment as is the small plunge pool where I was able to cool off after another long drive. We watched the sun go down from a spot high above the camp with drinks and canapés brought to us by the attentive staff in the company of two honeymoon couples.
Dinner was on an open terrace where we both had delicious Oryx steak.
Again we were sorry we only spent one night here as we could have spent a whole day exploring the area instead of making do with a short visit to the Twyfelfontein rock engravings on he way to our next destination." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
"Camp Kipwe review"
The room was large and a lovely outside bathroom. Must say we prefer lodges like Dorset homestead or DoroNawas where there is a large window to take in the astounding views,seems a shame to be in an igloo with very small windows.Nice pool,but quite tiny.
The elephant drive was very well led by the best guide we had on the trip,he was knowlegable and was on a real mission to find the elephants for us,even though they were a long way away,the trip was much longer than their commitment,and done very cheerfully.
Another member of staff thought one of our tyres looked a bit flat,so he pumped it up for us,and kept an eye on it the next day too!
Really good service here." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Camp Kipwe review"
But, to give an example of the poor oversight, the daily 'service' of our room left the wastebaskets un-emptied, the dirty glasses untouched -- i.e., nothing was done but make the beds (when we told the manager, whose office was usually empty, he did send someone back). Also, I had to insist by showing our vouchers that we were entitled to two excursions per day, including a return visit to Twyfelfontein, for which they wanted me to pay the entrance (but relented).
Worse, this was the only place with many flies, probably caused by all of the animal droppings (cattle?) behind the hotel's hill, where the staff lives and makes an inexcusable mess of the area (all kinds of trash strewn about, which simply should not be allowed but the management seemingly doesn't care)." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia
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Other lodges in Damaraland
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Doro Nawas
Comfortable rooms and a convenient location make the community run Doro Nawas a great base for exploring Damaraland.
Mowani Mountain Camp
Mowani is a beautiful and stylish mountain retreat in southern Damaraland; it makes a great base for visits toTwyfelfontein.
Damaraland Camp
Setting the standard for community partnerships, Damaraland Camp offers a beautiful location, a range of activities – and a genuine welcome.
Desert Rhino Camp
Desert Rhino Camp offers a rare opportunity to track black rhino on foot in one of the last true wilderness areas – an amazing experience.
Etendeka Camp
Etendeka is an owner-run camp in the remote and less visited north of Damaraland. The camp is renowned for it's spectacular guided walking trails.
Grootberg Lodge
On the edge of an ancient plateau Grootberg Lodge has a stunning location and arguably the best views of any lodge in Namibia.
Twyfelfontein C'try Lod.
A large lodge set among the rocks, Twyfelfontein Country Lodge is a convenient base for visiting the rock engravings, which are only 4km away.
Spitzkoppen Lodge
Spitzkoppen Lodge provides stylish accommodation in an area of scenic grandeur with guided access to sites of ancient Bushman rock art.
Palmwag Lodge
Palmwag Lodge has a great location by a spring in the Uniab River and offers access to an area where you can see a variety of desert-dwelling animals.
Huab Lodge
Huab is a classic little Namibian Lodge which is slightly off the beaten track in a lesser visited part of Damaraland.
Brandberg White Lady
Brandberg White Lady Lodge, nestled at the foot of its namesake, makes a good base from which to visit bushman rock paintings including the 'White Lady'.
Vingerklip Lodge
Vingerklip Lodge occupies a lovely location, but is a little too far east for guests to visit Damaraland's main attractions.
Khowarib Lodge
Khowarib Lodge has a great location overlooking the Hoanib River. This is one of the few places to offer authentic Himba village visits.
Etendeka Walking Trail
The Etendeka Walking Trail promises to offer a back-to-basics walking and camping experience in one of Namibia's most remote and untouched wilderness areas.
Malansrus Camp
Within easy reach of Twyfelfontein, Malansrus offers a simple but comfortable base for visits to the rock engravings or seek out desert-adapted elephants.
Onduli Ridge
Onduli Ridge is a luxurious, low-impact luxury camp offering top-notch guiding in a remote wilderness area of Damaraland.
Ugab Terrace Lodge
Ugab Terrace Lodge is a comfortable stopover between Damaraland and Etosha National Park or Namibia’s Central Highlands.
Ozondjou Trails
The simple Ozondjou Trails gives a unique perspective on living with Damaraland’s desert-adapted elephants and how tourism is key to protecting them and the livelihood of the people.
Palmwag Sleep-out
Palmwag Sleep-out is a simple camping experience and a great way to enjoy the remote beauty of the vast Palmwag Concession
Damara Mopane Lodge
Damara Mopane Lodge is a large 60 room lodge surrounded by beautiful gardens. It can be used as a comfortable stopover between Etosha and the Skeleton Coast
Camp Doros
Small, intimate and with excellent eco-credentials, Camp Doros is set above an ephemeral river within a remote community concession of Damaraland.
Sorris Sorris Lodge
Overlooking the Brandberg Massif, Sorris Sorris is probably the most luxurious lodge in southern Damaraland.
