Namibia is a camper’s paradise. There
are a medley of sights, smells, tastes and sounds to be experienced and enjoyed
through camping in Namibia – from the harsh, barren, stony plains around the
Fish River Canyon, past the vast red dunes of Sossusvlei, along the wind-swept
shores of the cold Atlantic Ocean to the seemingly endless plains and rocky
mountains of Damaraland and the humid forests on the banks of the Zambezi River
in Caprivi. Each corner holds a secret treasure of its own. There is a wide
choice of sites all over Namibia for seasoned campers or nervous novices on
their first camping holiday, from luxury campsites under shady trees and grassy
lawns, to wild places under a camel-thorn tree in a sandy riverbed.
In recent years, there has been a
growth in preference for conservancy or community campsites. These campsites,
especially in the northwest and northeast of the country, have stylishly
natural designs, and have been built with material from the area such as
‘latte’ (sapling poles), reeds and thatch, with some being constructed creatively
in boulder alcoves or on riverbanks. The majority have flush toilets and hot
water, provided either by solar panels or the remarkably efficient wood-burning
‘donkeys’, and a shaded lapa area or kitchen counter with sink and wooden
railway-sleeper counter tops. Others, in the watery north, have decks
overlooking the river.
Camping holidays have become very
popular and offer the traveler an inexpensive alternative to seeing Namibia.
Many travelers spend most nights camping and using every 3rd or 4th night to
refresh and spoil themselves in a more luxurious lodge and also to keep the
rising expenses under control. Camping is a good alternative to discovering
unexplored parts of Namibia and at the same time being in close contact to
nature. Most car rental companies are offering the traveler a selection of
camping equipment to take along on their journey. The country's weather
conditions and the large selection of campsites throughout the country are
ideal for the adventurous traveler.
Download a Namibian camping guide: http://www.namibiagetaways.com/camping_guide.htm