Naukluft Camp — Namib-Naukluft National Park

Naukluft Camp sits in the rocky gorge of the Naukluft River, shaded by camelthorn and wild fig trees in a landscape that looks nothing like the surrounding desert. Run by Namibia Wildlife Resorts, it offers numbered pitches with braai stands, flush toilets, and cold showers — basic by any standard but genuinely comfortable for an overland rig. It’s small, usually calm, and the night skies are ridiculous. This is the official start and end point for the Naukluft Hiking Trail (the 4-day and 8-day loops), and it doubles as base camp for day walks into the gorge. Book ahead through NWR — capacity is tight and this place fills up.

Access is via a graded gravel road from the D854 off the C14 between Solitaire and Maltahöhe. High-clearance 2WD handles it in dry conditions; after rain the road can cut up badly. The gate at the park entrance has limited hours — confirm with NWR before arriving late. No fuel within the park; Solitaire is your nearest stop.

Naukluft gorge basecamp — trails start here.