Namutoni Rest Camp — Etosha National Park

Namutoni is the eastern anchor of Etosha National Park, set around a restored German colonial fort that doubles as a sunset viewpoint. The campsite has ablution blocks, shaded sites, and a restaurant, shop, and pool in the main camp area. The floodlit King Nehale waterhole is a short drive away, and after dark the animals come to you. The drive out along the edge of Fischer’s Pan toward the east side of the park is some of the best game viewing and birding in Etosha, so bring binoculars.

Access is via the park’s good gravel and tar road network, so a regular vehicle does fine. Self-drive only, and you have to be inside camp before the gates close at sunset. Stay on the roads and keep your windows up around big cats. The dry season, roughly May to October, is the best game viewing because the animals crowd the waterholes. Book through Namibia Wildlife Resorts well ahead, and verify current rates and gate hours before you go. Have a dirty day.

Fort-side Etosha camp with a floodlit waterhole