Im Damaraland zu campen ist wahrhaftig eine außergewöhnliche Erfahrung. Die atemberaubende Distanz , die finsteren Nächte, das ein oder andere Tier, das um das Zelt schleicht, und die wunderschönen Spaziergänge bei Abenddämmerung, und all das zu einem super günstigen Preis
This guide ranks and reviews the eight main campsites across the region. Facilities range from surprisingly complete (Spitzkoppe) to entirely absent (Messum Crater). Prices are generally very low. What they offer instead of facilities is location, and in several cases the location is extraordinary.
1. Spitzkoppe Community Campsite
Inhalt
- 1 1. Spitzkoppe Community Campsite
- 2 2. Brandberg White Lady Campsite
- 3 3. Aba-Huab Community Campsite
- 4 4. Palmwag Campsite (Palmwag Lodge Grounds)
- 5 5. Ugab River Community Campsite
- 6 6. Ai-Aiba Rock Painting Lodge Campsite
- 7 7. Khorixas Rest Camp
- 8 8. Messum Crater (Wild Camping)
- 9 Camping Essentials for Damaraland
Ort: Among the granite boulders of Spitzkoppe; 106km north of Swakopmund Facilities: Drop toilets, cold bucket showers at most sites; braai grids; no electricity Vehicle requirement: 2WD accessible Availability: No advance booking required; community staff on site Kosten: Approximately NAD 100 to 150 per person per night (confirm on arrival)
The best campsite in Damaraland, and one of the best in Namibia. Individual sites are positioned within and between enormous granite boulders, each effectively private and each with a different character: some open to wide views, some enclosed in rocky alcoves, some beneath overhanging cliff faces. The darkness for astrophotography is exceptional. San rock paintings are within walking distance. The community management is friendly and efficient.
Best for: Astrophotographers; anyone who wants the Spitzkoppe boulder experience from the inside; travellers approaching from the coast.
2. Brandberg White Lady Campsite
Ort: Western base of Brandberg Mountain, via D3214 from Uis Facilities: Ablution blocks (flush toilets, cold showers); braai grids; shaded sites Vehicle requirement: 4×4 recommended Booking: Through NWR (Namibia Wildlife Resorts) or community office on site Kosten: Approximately NAD 150 to 200 per person per night
The only campsite at the base of Brandberg, positioned at the trailhead for the White Lady hike. Sites are shaded by large acacias and the gorge walls provide shelter and dramatic scenery. Waking here before dawn to begin the hike in the cool of the morning is the ideal experience.
Best for: Hikers doing the White Lady trail; those wanting Brandberg as both a landscape and heritage experience.
3. Aba-Huab Community Campsite
Ort: Aba-Huab River valley, near Twyfelfontein Facilities: Flush toilets; cold showers; braai grids; some sites with small shelters Vehicle requirement: 2WD accessible (dry conditions) Booking: Community office on arrival; some advance booking available Kosten: Approximately NAD 120 to 180 per person per night
The campsite for the Twyfelfontein area, positioned on the bank of the Aba-Huab River, which supports a resident desert elephant population. It is not unusual to wake to elephants in the riverbed adjacent to the campsite. Basic but functional facilities in an excellent location. Proximity to Twyfelfontein in Damaraland, Organ Pipesund Burnt Mountain makes it the natural camping base for the central Damaraland rock art circuit.
Best for: Budget travellers doing the Twyfelfontein circuit; those wanting an elephant-adjacent camping experience without the lodge price.
4. Palmwag Campsite (Palmwag Lodge Grounds)
Ort: Palmwag Lodge, western Damaraland Facilities: Full ablutions (flush toilets, hot showers); electricity at some sites; access to lodge pool and restaurant Vehicle requirement: 2WD accessible (C35 is good gravel) Booking: Through Palmwag Lodge; advance booking recommended Kosten: Approximately NAD 200 to 300 per person per night
The most well-serviced campsite in western Damaraland, within the grounds of Palmwag Lodge, which means access to the pool and restaurant on the same property. A waterhole near the campsite attracts wildlife, including the occasional elephant. The lodge can arrange rhino tracking with SRT rangers as a day activity. The most practical campsite for overlanders wanting a comfortable night in the Palmwag area before heading into the concession.
Best for: Overlanders; campers wanting full facilities and the option of wildlife activities; those using Palmwag as a western Damaraland base.
5. Ugab River Community Campsite
Ort: Ugab River, on the track toward Ugab Wilderness Camp Facilities: Basic ablutions (drop toilets); braai grids; no electricity; no hot water Vehicle requirement: 4×4 recommended Booking: Community office or on arrival Kosten: Approximately NAD 80 to 120 per person per night
Remote, basic, and genuinely wild. The campsite is on the bank of the Ugab River, upstream of the gorge section, in an environment where leopard tracks are regularly found in the riverbed sand. Birdlife is excellent. The gorge landscape begins immediately. Facilities are minimal; bring everything you need.
Best for: Experienced overlanders who value remote location over facilities; hikers planning to explore the Ugab Gorge.
6. Ai-Aiba Rock Painting Lodge Campsite
Ort: Near Twyfelfontein Facilities: Flush toilets; braai grids; basic ablutions Vehicle requirement: 2WD accessible Kosten: Approximately NAD 150 per person per night
A quieter alternative to the Aba-Huab campsite for those focusing on the Twyfelfontein area. The lodge’s own rock painting trail adds a cultural dimension to the camping experience.
Best for: Those who find the Aba-Huab campsite full; travellers wanting a slightly more private Twyfelfontein-area camping option.
7. Khorixas Rest Camp
Ort: Khorixas town Facilities: Good ablutions; braai grids; electricity; some bungalows also available Vehicle requirement: 2WD Booking: On arrival or advance via the municipality Kosten: Approximately NAD 100 to 150 per person per night
The most urban of the Damaraland camping options, but useful as a base camp for day trips to the Petrified Forest, Vingerklip, and Twyfelfontein. Fuel, supplies, and basic services are all within the town. A practical rather than scenic option.
Best for: Self-drive travellers using Khorixas as a circuit hub; those who want town services at hand while exploring central Damaraland.
8. Messum Crater (Wild Camping)
Ort: Within Messum Crater; no designated sites Facilities: None whatsoever Vehicle requirement: 4×4 essential; recovery equipment required; second vehicle recommended Kosten: Free (no community or park fee applicable at time of writing; confirm current status)
Not technically a campsite, but included because it is the most extraordinary camping location in Damaraland. Completely self-sufficient camping within the ancient volcanic crater, with drone photography of extraordinary geological patterns and night skies that match Spitzkoppe for darkness. Requires full expedition-level self-sufficiency. The Messum Crater guide covers the access logistics and self-sufficiency requirements in full.
Best for: Experienced 4×4 travellers fully equipped for remote self-sufficient camping; adventure photographers.
Camping Essentials for Damaraland
Die packing list covers camping-specific gear in full. Key points:
- Carry minimum 10 litres of water per person if heading for remote campsites (Ugab, Messum)
- A gas stove is preferable to relying on firewood, which is scarce at most sites
- Wildlife is unfenced at most sites; store food in sealed containers inside the vehicle overnight
- A good headtorch with red mode and spare batteries is essential
- First aid kit including wound care, rehydration sachets, and blister treatment