Namutoni Rest Camp Etosha National Park

The Etosha Park (from 1958) is located 435 km (Okaukuejo) or 530 km (Namutoni) north of Windhoek. The park can be entered through either Von Lindequist (Namutoni) or Andersson Gate (Okaukuejo). It is one of the Africa's largest parks covering area of 22 270 square kilometres. The Etosha pan's size is 4 590 square kilometres, while all pans cover more than 5 100 square kilometres.
Name. The word ''etosha'' means place of dry water or, according to other sources, huge, white area.
History. Game Reserve 2, proclaimed by German Governor Friedrich Von Lindequist in 1907, comprised the Etosha pan and most of Kaokoland and covered almost 100 000 square kilometres. The park was reduced in 1947 by allocating Kaokoland to Herero.

According to recommendations of Odendaal Commission (1962) park's area was reduced even further. The present size of the park is 77 per cent less than before the Odendaal Commission.
 

Best time for visit. Winters are cool and dry in the park. Game tend to stay closer to water holes and chances to spot species are better. The rainy season normally begins at the end of October - beginning of November.
Average rainfall figures: Okaukuejo: 412 mm, Halali: 430 mm, Namutoni: 442 mm.
Camps.
Okaukuejo. The oldest camp in the park, opened in October 1957, is the home of Etosha Ecological Institute. Established in the end of last century as a control post to combat the spread of foot-and-mouth disease of cattle, illegal hunting and gun trading. Attractions: water tower (1963), floodlit water hole in the camp frequently visited by elephants, rhinos, lions and different species of antelopes.
Namutoni. The camp was opened in 1958. The first fort (1902-03), erected as a border post and was attacked in 1904 by 500 Ovambos. The garrison of seven German soldiers successfully defended fort for the whole day and  retreated later during the night. Next day fort was completely destroyed by Ovambos.

YouTube video: Halali Resort:

After Herero uprising Namutoni fort was rebuild and later used as a police post but during the course of time fall in disuse. Restoration works began on the end of 30s when one of the towers was destroyed by lightning. In 1950 the Namutoni fort was declared a National Monument.

The restaurant, additional accommodation units and shop were added in 1983.

Halali. The newest camp was opened in 1967. The name derived from the sound of traditional German hunting horn used to announce the end of the hunt. The only hills in the park are located here.
Vegetation. The vegetation groups can be identified as follows: grass plains along the pan (e.g. Andoni, Chudob), mopane woodland (Okerfontein), mixed thorns and terminalias (Namutoni), dense woodlands (tamboti, thorns, mopane) (Namutoni-Okerfontein).
Altitude. The average height of the park is around 1000 m above sea level.
Attention: SPEED LIMIT IN THE PARK IS 60 KM/H

Namutoni Information

On the eastern side of Etosha National Park, Namutoni centers around a beautiful old German Fort, overlooking the flood-lit King Nehale waterhole. The Fort dates back to a German police post built before the turn of the 20th century, which was later used as an army base. The Fort has now been developed into the hub of activity, offering two restaurants with exquisite cuisine, private chill lounges, a bar, crafts boutique, curio shop, jewelery and bookstore. The fort area is for pedestrian access only, and an elevated decked walkway along the water-hole facing wall provides opportunities for enjoying the surrounding scenery, wildlife and the spectacular sunsets over the flood-lit waterhole.

How to reach the resort (Directions from Windhoek)
Etosha National Park is easily accessible in a day from Windhoek. Take the B1 from Windhoek through Otjiwarongo and on to Tsumeb. Continue on the B1 for approximately 95 km and then turn left onto the C38 until you reach the von Lindequist Gate, which is about 12km from the Namutoni Resort, northeast of the park.

Landing Options
The nearest landing option is provided at Mokuti Lodge on the outskirts of the von Lindequist Gate by Namutoni and is only permitted with permission. Transfers from the air strip to Namutoni can be arranged with prior notification.

GPS Coordinates
18°48'29.93" S
16°56'27.71" E

Accommodation

Accommodation is provided in comfortable en suite double rooms; interconnected through elevated wooden walkways, or spacious bush chalets, all equipped with private relaxation areas and outdoor showers. Camping is also available.

20 Bush Chalet 2 beds, 1 room; Elegant, Specious and private, with double shower and basin bathroom; sliding doors giving on to relaxation area at front and outdoor shower accessed from bathroom area. Equipped with fridge and tea station.

24 Double Room 2 beds, 1 room Accessed along wooden decked walkways, these sophisticated rooms offer comfort and privacy, enjoying a private outside area both at the front and from the bathroom. Equipped with fridge and tea-station.

Camping Site Demarcated shaded sites with Ablution Blocks (photo album camping ablutions) all with showers and toilets.
Field Kitchens equipped with cooking areas.
All camping sites are outfitted with braai facilities, power points and cold & hot water.

NB: In addition to the rate per night there is a refundable N$500.00 room deposit payable upon check in at reception

Other Facilities: Swimming Pool, Steak House, African Fusion Restaurant, Tourist Shop, Bar, Bookstore, Jewelry Shop, Fuel Station

Check In and Check Out Times:
Check In time on day of arrival is 12h00 and Check out time on day of departure is 10h00.

Restaurant Opening Hours: Winter time (May – August)
Morning 05h30 - 10H00
Afternoon 12h00 – 14h00
Evening 17h30– 21h00
Lunch pack

Restaurant Opening Hours: Summer time (September – April)
Morning 06h00- 10H00
Afternoon 12h00 – 14h00
Evening 18h00– 22h00
Lunch pack

Attractions and activities: Historic Fort with woken Deck, Flood-lit Waterhole, guided morning and afternoon Game Drives, Nature Walks within the camp

Game Drives Schedule
Morning 06h30 – 09h30
Afternoon 12H00 - 18H30
Evening 20h00 - 23h00

Children between the ages of 6 and 12 are charged at half price.
No children under the age of 6 are permitted.
Book your seat at least 1 hour before the trip commences.
The morning drives are according to the gate opening times.

Photo album

Photo album camping ablutions Namutoni

Images:

• Sign to Fairytale Forest
• Okaukuejo luxury bungalow
• Fairytale Forest
• Moringa Tree
• Etosha flood January 2004
• Monument of 68 heroic Ovambo fighters who died in battle against 7 Germans in 1904
• Hyena
• Von Lindequst Gate
• View of Okaukuejo swimming pool

Related:

• African elephants
• Namibia Wildlife Resorts scheduled Game Drives
• Desert Express luxury train: Northern tour (Mokuti Lodge)
• Regulations for visitors to Etosha Park
• Tsumeb
• Outjo
• Shuttle to Etosha Park
• NWR's rates
• Map of Okaukuejo Camp
• Reservations of resorts in National parks

Accommodation in the area:

• Etosha Gateway Lodge (Toshari Inn)
• !Uris Safari Lodge
• Backpackers at Martins Africa
• Buschfeld Park Resort
• Bambatsi Holiday Ranch
• Etosha Safari Camp (Eldorado)
• Etosha Garten Hotel
• Etosha Aoba Lodge
• Epacha Game Lodge and Spa
• Etosha Aoba Lodge
• Etosha Mountain Camp
• Epacha Eagle Tented Lodge
• Gabus Game Ranch
• Harnas Etosha
• Holstein Guest Farm
• La Rochelle Lodge
• Minen Hotel
• Mushara Lodge

• Makalani Hotel

• Mokuti Lodge
• Mousebird Backpackers Lodge
• Namatubis Guest Farm
• Tandala Ridge Bed & Breakfast
• The Mushara Outpost
• Royal Impala Lodge
• Pension O.M.E.G Allee
• Shikamasha Lodge & Camping
• Vingerklip Lodge
• Vreugde Guest Farm
• Ongava Lodge, Tented Camp & Little Ongava
• Onguma Safari Camp Etosha

• Ombinda Country Lodge

Usage and entrance fees per day (payable on arrival or pre-booked): click here