Reviews of Namutoni Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
90 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Namutoni Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"What a disappointment!"
On arrival you are told to drive round the back of the fort to a car park where (if you're lucky) you will be picked up in a golf cart and driven 100m round the corner where you have to get off and walk to your room. This is a pointless gimmick.
At first glance our Bush Chalet looked lovely but within a few minutes we realised that, while, as we understand, trying to compete with the high quality accommodation outside the park, and charging comparable prices, the refurbishment appeared to have been done on the cheap. Window blinds were broken, the sink chipped, fascias missing from furniture, drawers stuck, glasses etc listed on the inventory were missing. However, indoor and outdoor showers were excellent and beds comfortable. The rooms should deserve 5 paws but the tackiness and poor quality leads to our downgrading.
Two restaurants were advertised, Steakhouse and African Fusion. Only the location of the 'Steakhouse' was open but that was only serving a very poorly cooked buffet, not a restaurant meal. Food had obviously been cooked hours before and left to stand in warmers – and we ate at 6.30pm – pity any poor folks coming along later! Staff were friendly and tried to be helpful. As we stated in our feedback at the time we think this is tantamount to misrepresentation.
Next morning the cold breakfast was fine – no hot breakfast was offered though a cook lurked in the background of the kitchen by a burner so it might have been possible.
Rooms at Namutoni are only available on a full board basis; in our opinion this is a rip-off as the vast majority of guests arrive in the late afternoon and leave in the morning, having no chance of lunch. No alternative was offered, in fact we asked about the possibility of a packed lunch but it was quite clear this would only be available at extra charge. We would definitely not stay here again.
However, there are some very good waterholes in the area – and we had good sightings at the one in the camp after breakfast – so if you're willing to pay the price and tolerate the service for the sake of the location you might consider it." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia; 2n in Zambia; 1n in Botswana
"Namutoni Camp review"
We thought that we were staying on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis but it turned out that lunch was included too. Unfortunately nobody told us this! Also, nobody told us to book a table for dinner - it turns out this is a must if you want to sit inside (which you probably do in July/August as it gets pretty cold once the sun has set). The food itself was very good - the first night was a buffet, the second night was a set menu (with a choice of three main courses). Breakfast here was very good but it can get a bit busy and there isn't much space inside.
The waterholes in the Namutoni area are very busy, for us Klein Namutoni and Chudop were particularly fruitful. Dik-dik Drive (unlike Rhino & Eland drives) was very aptly named!
We did an organised night drive and an early morning drive here - the night drive was excellent with lots of wildlife and an informative guide, the morning drive was disappointingly quiet but it was very, very cold. Unfortunately, though, we were the only guests and our guide didn't seem very interested." See all these reviews: 20n in Namibia
"Namutoni Camp review"
The drinking pool seems to attract less animals all of the time (certainly compared to Okaukuejo's) but there are great other pools in the area. The night drive was excellent." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Namutoni Camp review"
"Surprisingly excellent rooms"
Great location for Etosha but we didn't see anything at the waterhole." See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia
"Namutoni Restcamp review"
We kept wishing we were back at Okaukuejo!" See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Namutoni Restcamp review"
"Namutoni Restcamp review"
No problems with the all inclusive concept of meals , although not as good as some of the private lodges with d'hote menu was quite acceptable . The Camp was quite empty so the service was fine.
Due to heavy rains the park was flooded in certain areas and some roads had been shut by the park authorities. This did stop not some good sightings LIon Hyena, Eland especially around the Chudop waterhole area. The Fischers pan drive was great for Zebra, Giraffe , Wildebeest, Warthog, Gemsbok. No elephants as they had all gone north." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana
"Namutoni Restcamp review"
Helpful pleasant staff" See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Namutoni Restcamp review"
Poor general store, but it looks as if shops are being reorganised" See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
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Other lodges in Etosha National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Okaukuejo Camp
Set within Etosha National Park, Okaukuejo Resort is a large camp with a productive, floodlit waterhole.
Halali Camp
The smallest of Etosha's erstwhile restcamps, overlooking its own floodlit waterhole, Halali has a superb location near the centre of Etosha Pan.
Mushara Bush Camp
The family-friendly Mushara Bush Camp offers great value and is an excellent base from which to explore Etosha National Park.
Ongava Lodge
With fantastic views over a private reserve bordering Etosha, the smart Ongava Lodge offers driving and walking safaris on the reserve, and guided drives in Etosha.
Ongava Tented Camp
Set around a waterhole on a private reserve, the small Ongava Tented Camp combines understated comfort with activities that include walks and night drives.
Onguma Tented Camp
Onguma Tented Camp is a lovely, little tented camp which centres around an attractive waterhole a short drive from the Von Lindequist Gate to eastern Etosha.
Mushara Lodge
Close to the eastern entrance to Etosha, the comfortable Mushara Lodge is well-placed for exploring the park in your own vehicle or on a guided drive.
Dolomite Camp
Opened in 2011, Dolomite Camp allows visitors access to the far west side of Etosha National Park, which was previously off limits to most visitors.
Onguma Bush Camp
For great wildlife viewing without breaking the bank, the affordable and understated luxury of Onguma Bush Camp could be perfect.
Hobatere Lodge
To the west of Etosha National Park, on the edge of Damaraland, Hobatere Lodge offers good game-viewing on its own reserve.
Mushara Outpost
Intimate and luxurious, Mushara Outpost is well-placed on a private reserve to explore nearby Etosha National Park on your own or on a guided drive.
Safarihoek Lodge
At the heart of the private Etosha Heights Reserve, Safarihoek Lodge offers comfortable accommodation and excellent game-viewing.
Onguma The Fort
The Fort is the jewel in the crown of the Onguma lodges, and arguably the whole of eastern Etosha.
Onguma Camp Kala
For a bird’s eye view across African bush, the stilted rooms at Onguma Camp Kala are truly special.
Onguma Forest Camp
From its woodland setting on the Onguma Reserve, Forest Camp is within easy striking distance of Namibia’s flagship national park.
Etosha Safari Lodge
A short drive from Etosha National Park's southern entrance, Etosha Safari Lodge is a convenient base from which to explore the park.
Taleni Etosha Village
Only 4km from Etosha's southern entrance, Taleni Etosha Village is an affordable base from which to explore the park.
Etosha Safari Camp
Funky, low-key and very original, Etosha Safari Camp is well placed for visiting Etosha National Park on a self-drive or guided safari.
Little Ongava
The beautifully located and luxurious Little Ongava is a stunning place to stay in order to explore Etosha National Park and the private Ongava Reserve.
Andersson's at Ongava
With game drives on both its private reserve and in Etosha, Andersson's at Ongava also offers access to the Ongava Research Centre.
Mountain Lodge
In the heart of the private Etosha Heights Reserve, the family-friendly Mountain Lodge offers game drives and bush walks within an exclusive environment.
Mokuti Etosha Lodge
With 106 rooms, child-friendly Mokuti Etosha Lodge is more like a hotel than a lodge. Facilities to include a gym, spa, tennis courts and even a snake park.
Etosha Oberland Lodge
A short drive from Etosha National Park's southern entrance, Etosha Oberland Lodge is a very comfortable base from which to explore the park, with excellent food.
Vreugde Guest Farm
Vreugde Guest Farm is a delightful owner-run and working sheep farm where you can expect a warm welcome and charming hospitality.
Villa Mushara
Offering luxury on a peaceful private reserve close to Etosha, Villa Mushara is a great choice for honeymooners & those wishing to indulge themselves.
Etosha King Nehale
A short drive from the national park's northern entrance, Etosha King Nehale Lodge is an interesting and comfortable base from which to explore the park.
Safari House
The private Safari House on the Etosha Heights reserve is a great option families or friends travelling together.
Onkoshi Camp
Onkoshi Camp is owned and run by Namibia Wildlife Resorts. Built on elevated wooden platforms it overlooks Etosha Pan.
