Brandberg

Well-maintained and scenic camp on the bank the Ugab River with a nice view of the Brandberg. Chalets and the very spacious campsite are situated under old trees that give a lot of shade. Hot and cold water, the reception has a bar and a pool, and two tame meerkats for entertainment. No electricity at the camp site but the receptionist has no problem with hoards of people charging their equipment there, including fully-sized camping fridges and mega-powerbanks. Very friendly and accommodating staff. At night, a Khoekhoe cultural group sings and dances for guests (also on the camp site) in exchange for a tip. Access is possible, albeit challenging, in a sedan; all further driving requires a 4x4. The Ugab is home to desert elephants which occasionally pass by closely.

The building is the former casino of the mine and does exhibit some colonial charm. Rooms and campsite, bar, restaurant, pool billiard and table tennis. The huge pool alone is a reason to stop over (day visitors allowed) but it is closed for renovation (Dec 2018). The campsite has trees but very little shade.

Very basic camp site with long-drop toilets, cold shower, and firewood for sale, all else needs to be brought along. Only two or three of the camping spots are nice, but the place is very remote and inaccessible and therefore rarely crowded. Unfortunately not maintained and at the brink of falling apart. Not for the faint-hearted, as you can hear predators howling at night, and the Ugab River elephants, if they pass the spot, used to walk right through the camp site. As of 2023, the unkempt dogs of the local workers keep all wildlife at bay. While this might be the idea from the point of view of the people living here, it isn't ideal for nature-loving tourists.