A good campsite can really take your overlanding experience to the next level. On our Namibia trip, these three campsites delivered natural beauty, unique experiences and plenty of atmosphere. By Niki Köhne

We’re experiencing camping all over again – this time with our one-year-old. Life on the road has become a little slower, but in the best possible way. Travelling with him has encouraged us to stop more often, take in our surroundings, and discover places we probably would have driven straight past before. Namibia was the obvious choice for our first long camping trip with our son. Since we had visited in 2023, we already knew what to expect and there was comfort in knowing the roads, the campsites and what we could encounter along the way.

A refuge in the south

We entered Namibia through the Alexander Bay Border Post. After stocking up on groceries in Oranjemund, we drove about three hours to our first campsite at Klein Aus Vista.

We absolutely love it here, and it’s the perfect first stop after crossing the border. You could easily spend a few nights, using Klein Aus Vista as a base to explore southwestern Namibia.

The campsites are spacious and well spread out, with clean bathrooms, hot showers, dishwashing facilities, and even a friendly security guard who checks on campers throughout the night. As the sun goes down, the calls of the jackals echo across the desert, making for a truly memorable first camping experience in Namibia. Some of the campsites are shaded by trees filled with sociable weaver nests, and it’s a treat to watch the birds coming and going in the mornings and evenings.

Reception is at Desert Horse Inn, about 2km away, where there is a small shop, a restaurant and a swimming pool. From there, it’s only a short drive to the Garub Pan Viewpoint, where you have a good chance of spotting Namibia’s famous wild horses.

Tracks4Africa says: This July, the arid surrounds of Klein Aus Vista have transformed into a wildflower garden. All the elements – rain, temperature and timing – have to align for the desert to come alive with flowers.

Camping at a castle

For our first two nights in Namibia, we booked our campsite in advance simply for peace of mind. Normally, though, we prefer overlanding without bookings. We love having the freedom to change our plans, stay longer somewhere we enjoy, or stop wherever the journey takes us. We usually have a rough idea of where we want to go, but not necessarily how we’ll get there.

On this trip, our journey took us to Duwisib Castle, a place we had bookmarked to visit. We weren’t quite sure what to expect. Located on the way to Sossusvlei, the stone-built fortress calls to mind European fairytales, but its setting is distinctly Namibian. Duwisib Guest Farm Campsite is right next to the castle and offers braai facilities, hot showers, clean ablutions, and firewood for purchase.

We’d heard the castle was closed, but that someone nearby had a key and could let visitors in. As luck would have it, the gentleman was sitting outside the castle when we arrived. [According to NWR, the castle is closed until further notice but it still makes an incredible backdrop. – T4A]

Walking through the castle was fascinating. It was built by a German officer for the love of his life in the early 1900s, but sadly he was killed during the First World War. His American wife returned to the United States and left the splendid castle and all its contents behind. 

An oasis in the desert

While camping at Illofa in Henties Bay, a fisherman recommended Goanikontes. The drive there was spectacular, winding through dramatic rock formations and endless mountains that look like something from another planet. It’s easy to see why parts of this landscape are often compared to the moon.

Goanikontes feels like an oasis in the middle of the desert. The campsite lies next to a peaceful dam, and the ablution facilities are modern, clean, and well maintained.

The playground was an absolute highlight for our son. During your stay, you can visit the farm animals, enjoy a meal at the restaurant, wander through the small museum, or browse the shop, which is stocked with everyday essentials and gifts.

Out of these three campsites, Klein Aus Vista was our favourite. We loved its wide-open setting, peaceful atmosphere, and convenient location. From here, we took day trips to Kolmanskop and Lüderitz, making it the perfect base for exploring the area. It’s a place we’ll happily return to again and again.

Namibia has always held a special place in our hearts, but this trip made it even more meaningful. Watching our son learn to walk – almost run – while leaving his tiny footprints in the desert sand is a memory we’ll treasure forever.

About the overlanders

Husband and wife Niki and Hein not only love camping and overlanding around Africa, they love recording their experiences. As a designer and photographer, Niki brings an artist’s eye to their YouTube Channel – see what they experienced on their Namibian trip.  

Whether you’re looking for a campsite, somewhere to stretch your legs or a fuel stop, rely on Tracks4Africa for the information you need. The Namibia Traveller’s Paper Map covers the road network in detail, from main roads to 4×4 tracks. It reflects the same data as Tracks4Africa GPS Maps, making it ideal for route planning and as back-up. For more traveller information – such as destination descriptions, accommodation listings and country-specific practicalities, get the Namibia Self-Drive Guide. Combine the two in a travel bundle to save.