Namutoni has something no other Etosha camp possesses: a building with a history. The whitewashed German colonial fort at the centre of the camp was originally constructed in 1897 and has been restored to provide accommodation within its walls. Sleeping in the fort, walking its elevated tower at sunset, and understanding the colonial history that the structure represents adds a dimension to the Namutoni stay that is entirely absent from the other camps.
The Fort
The original Namutoni fort was built by German colonial forces as an administrative and military outpost in what was then German South West Africa. It was destroyed in a Herero attack in 1904 (as covered in the Etosha conservation history) and rebuilt in 1906. The current restored structure provides accommodation in the former garrison rooms, with the fort courtyard serving as a social space.
The fort tower provides one of the few elevated viewpoints in Etosha, and the view over Fischer’s Pan at sunrise or sunset is one of the most distinctive photographic opportunities in the park.
Location and Access
Namutoni is approximately 12km from Von Lindequist Gate, making it the natural base for visitors arriving from Tsumeb (70km east of the gate). It is approximately 140km from Okaukuejo.
Coordinates: 18°49’S, 16°55’E
Fischer’s Pan
The pan immediately adjacent to the camp fills with water in exceptional rainfall years and attracts flamingo in large numbers. The floodlit area near Namutoni provides nocturnal access to the pan margin, and the fort tower allows pan views during the day. The Namutoni waterhole and Fischer’s Pan guide covers the full seasonal dynamics.
Unterkünfte
Fort rooms provide the most distinctive accommodation in Etosha. Standard chalets and camping pitches are also available in the camp grounds surrounding the fort. The fort’s communal areas include a restaurant and bar within the courtyard walls.
Book via nwr.com.na. Availability is generally better than Okaukuejo due to lower visitor numbers in the eastern section.
Contact Mat-Travel to include Namutoni in your Etosha programme.