Another great place to stay. A bit of mission navigating to our room, this casino / hotel is massive! Would recommend it for any family with kids, and if you are looking for a slightly more chilled stay away from the bright lights and noise on the strip.
Few border crossings are fun in Southern Africa, mainly due to the lack of efficiency and the high cost of the various fees that all who pass through are required to pay.
However this border post is probably the best you will encounter as the building is newly built and well equipped. The transition from Namibia to Zambia is usually quicker than most border posts, but plan on an hour to get through. It is also good to know that they have banned the currency traders from coming onto the premises, a huge problem at all other border posts.
If you are heading to Zambia, then try to cross here with enough daylight to make it to Livingstone as this road is notoriously bad with some extreme pot-holes to navigate around. It is very important to focus and stay alert while driving, keep an eye out for wildlife and oncoming traffic. These roads are used as a main transit route by haulage companies taking goods to the Congo and further North.
Ngepi is a ‘must-visit’ establishment when travelling through Namibia.
It is every inch unique and offers an atmosphere unmatched anywhere in Southern Africa. It is quite common to hear stories of travellers who planned to stay for a night and ended up leaving a week later.... the vibe here is 100% about connecting with nature and being able to relax in peace whether it is in a room or campsite (or toilet) overlooking the river. The restrooms, showers, bedrooms are all open air and provide one awesome awesome experience! Oh... and they also throw some epic parties!
Ngepi is all about being eco-friendly, and teaching people that it is entirely possible to live in a sustainable way. You will never hear anyone who has visited Ngepi say anything negative about the camp, instead you’ll hear stories of incredible experiences, all which could never be re-enacted.
I have stayed here many times, and upon every arrival have been greeted by the most friendly, warm and welcoming people. This is definitely one of Namibia’s best and most well known camping spots... the campsite is huge and the grass allows a comfort not often found in Namibia. The restrooms are A-Grade.
But the real reason people visit Etosha Safari Camp is the vibe. The entire establishment is themed around the history of the area and of Namibia and it is presented in an incredible fashion. The bar and restaurant walls are covered with old posters, number plates, photographs of the countries giving each visitor glimpse of the journey that as culminated in the success that Namibia is today. The ‘shebeen’ styled bar is awesome!
Best part... is sitting with friends around the fire, listening to local in-house band who are absolute magicians on their guitars. This is a special place, ato spend a night before heading into Etosha National Park... which is perhaps the most special place on the planet.
A great place to stop after a long day of travelling. The establishment is a short drive out of Mariental, which is perfect for getting out in the country side. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere around the bar and restaurant, and only the daring will try the pool.... the water in this area is known to be a few degrees below normal!
The campsite is another of the hidden gems in Namibia, totally secluded in the African bush. Grab a bunch of mates, make a fire, sink some beers under the African sky and let the experience soak in.... there are few places left on Earth where one can truly experience the great outdoors. This is one of them.
This is a superbly run camp site. Most importantly it nails the simple things on the head. It is 100% safe, has a relaxed atmosphere, plenty of trees and shade, and the camp site is in the middle of Windhoek! The ablutions / restrooms have great showers, there is an awesome pool, a bar, food etc... all at a reasonable price. Urban Camp is absolutely perfect. It is also walking distance from Joe’s Beerhouse, so all-in-all.... after a long day of travel, this is a great place to set up camp before heading out of city again.
Nowhere else in Africa will you find a more breath-taking landscape..... made better only by an early summer sunset over the most magnificent canyons.
Temperatures here can reach extreme highs during the day, and will drop rapidly once the shadows extend across the canyon. If you are considering a trip through Namibia, this is in the top 3 places to visit, and you should definitely plan on bringing a few beers or a bottle of champagne to toast the sun... and our great continent.
Then as time slows with dusk, it only makes sense to retire the short drive to the Canyon Roadhouse where the coldest beer for more then 120km in any direction will be awaiting your arrival. It is almost mandatory to light a fire and get prepare to experience the most vivid, star studded night-sky that you will ever experience in your life.
If you are heading to see the Fish River Canyon, then your best bet is to aim to be at the lookout at 5pm so you can catch the sunset. The best route here is to take the C12. Then after a sensational sunset of the canyon, the only place to camp or book a room at... is the famous Canyon Roadhouse!
The bar and restaurant has one of the most unique setting in all of Southern Africa, surrounded by old, vintage cars and trucks with road trip memorabilia from around Namibia covering the walls. You will meet people from all across the world, and leave having had one incredible, and memorable experience!
If you are heading South to Ais-Ais or heading North to Windhoek or to Soussusvlei, then a stop here is well worth it.
“All roads lead to Joe’s” is the saying.... and it is true, no visit to Namibia is complete without a visit to this legendary establishment. Here you’ll find no shortage of beers and the finest crocodile, kudu, zebra steaks in Southern Africa, made only more perfect by a boma, complete with fire under the African skye.
Joe’s is where friendship are formed for life. The food is top quality, the beer is cold and the experience will leave you yearning to return!
Oh man, you could not get more authentic or more old school if you tried. Tuckers is a hidden gem, great food, great people... in the heart of OTR. Come in with low expectations and you'll be blown away!