The Waterberg Camp underwent extensive upgrading in 2007. It nestles along the base of the cliffs of the Waterberg Plateau, inside the National Park of the same name. It towers some 200m above the surrounding landscape, and the plateau with its sheer cliffs and fascinating rock formations, serve as a breeding area for endangered animal species.
Facilities include a restaurant, kiosk, (which is open outside restaurant hours) and adjacent to the reception office is a shop which stocks basic groceries, beer, wine, wood and souvenirs. The restaurant and bar are still located in the old, historic Rasthaus, which was built in 1908 and originally used as a police post.
Breakfast is served between 06h30 and 08h30, and consists of a buffet offering cereals, fruit, yoghurt, breads, cheese, meats and eggs and bacon. Tea and coffee are available throughout the day. The pool bar opens from 09h00 to 18h00. It has a small menu, including soft drinks and snacks, such as burgers, salads and chips. The pool bar is also the only place open for lunch.
Dinner is served between 19h00 and 21h00, with a choice from the chef's à la carte menu. The food and service here are of a decent standard, it has always had the reputation as one of Namibia's best rest camps. There is a swimming pool, with the newly built pool bar.
Accommodation is in a combination of double rooms, premier (bush) and family chalets. Each room has an en-suite bathroom, with wrought iron vanity units and ceramic basins, (complementary toiletries and soft towels), a ceiling fan, twin bed with comfortable bedding, bedside lamps, a wardrobe, a dressing table with mirror, a couple of lounge chairs, a tea/coffee station and a mini-fridge. A big sliding door leads into a private porch are, complete with table and chairs. Some of the rooms have barbeque facilities.
Family Chalet: Self catering unit with two bedrooms, kitchenette and braai (barbeque) area
Premier Bush Chalet: deluxe double chalet with queen size bed, en-suite bathroom, fridge & tea station
Bush Chalet (4 adults): two bedroom chalet, both rooms en-suite, lounge area, fridge, tea station and braai area
Bush chalet (2 adults): double chalet with bathroom, lounge area, fridge, tea station and braai area
Double Room: room with en-suite bathroom, fridge & tea station
There are a number of activities at Waterberg, including daily guided 4x4 game drives to the plateau, and are led by a park ranger. There are a selection of shorter walking trails around the camp, that you can explore by yourself, in a morning or afternoon. The fit and active can climb up to a look-out point on the top of the plateau. What a view!
A variety of animals can be viewed in and around the plateau, including black and white rhinoceros, buffalo, sable and roan antelope, and the diminutive Damara Dik-Dik, which can be observed at close quarters foraging around the camp.
Over 200 bird species have been recorded in the area, including the only colony of the endangered Cape Vulture, left within Namibia.
Guided 'Waterberg Plateau' hikes: These hikes take you into the grounds of famous Waterberg Plateau Park. Even though the park's four-legged inhabitants usually keep their distance, our hiking guide will almost always show you the fresh scent of leopard, rhino, buffalo and various antelope. From the plateau you enjoy spectacular views of the fertile valley of Waterberg Wilderness and across the Omaheke (or Sandveld), as this particular part of the Kalahari is called. Also discover striking sandstone formations, massive fig trees and our spring which bubbles abundantly. The hiking tours take about three hours. The difference in height that has to be managed on the way up, and again when coming down, is about 150 metres.
Hiking trails: Explore Waterberg Wilderness on your own steam; several well-marked trails wind their way through the tree and shrub savannah of our nature reserve. With the help of a leaflet you can identify numbered plants as you go. Ancient San (Bushmen) settlements and burial sites also wait to be discovered - as do the remains of a transit camp set up for Herero in 1906, as well as the ruins of the house inhabited by missionary Olpp who was in charge of the camp.
Game watching on foot: Accompanied by a tracker, our open-top vehicle takes you into the park until you come across interesting fresh scent. You now continue on foot. With a little luck you will not only spot the many different antelope that roam the reserve - so abundantly stocked with game - but also the two white rhino; they usually do not pose any threat to people. This is an activity for the physically fit as you might be in the bush for several hours and well into the midday heat.
Scenic drives: With an open-top vehicle we take you onto the vast plains of the Omaheke (Kalahari) in the soft afternoon light. Given a little luck you may encounter white rhinoceros, giraffe, Burchell's zebra, kudu, gemsbok, springbok, impala, red hartebeest, eland and Damara dik-dik, as well as ostrich and warthog in this part of Waterberg Wilderness. Depending on the time of year, a short detour to the clay pan which collects the water from our spring is quite worthwhile, as the pan attracts scores of waterbirds.
Cultural tour into Hereroland: This tour requires booking 24 hours in advance. For half a day you have the opportunity to get a glimpse of everyday life, the culture and tradition of the OvaHerero people. A local guide comes and meets you at Waterberg Wilderness to take you to his people's communal area nearby. You visit a traditional village where you can feel totally at ease taking photos and asking questions. At your next stop, the village of Okakarara, you are shown a marketplace, a school and the 'Okakarara Community Cultural Centre', which was built with EU funds. The excursion wraps up with traditional songs and dances performed by women from the community, while you enjoy coffee and cakes, wild grapes and nuts or perhaps even roasted termites.
Cheetah Conservation Fund: The natural habitat of Cheetah in the wild has shrunk dramatically all over the world. Thus the fastest terrestrial animal on the planet has become a highly endangered species. With about 2,500 animals, Namibia boasts the largest Cheetah population on earth. In order to protect Cheetah in Namibia, the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) was founded in 1990.The CCF information centre is as entertaining as instructive and definitely worthwhile. Cheetah which no longer can be released into the wilds for various reasons, are kept in large enclosures next to the centre. You will be able to take stunning pictures of the big cats. On certain days visitors are also welcome to watch Cheetah at full speed during their sprint-training.
Vulture Restaurant: The Rare and Endangered Species Trust (REST), established in 2000, is mainly concerned with protecting the Cape vulture which is an endangered species in Namibia. Once there were seven colonies of about 2,000 birds in the country. Now, only one colony of eleven Cape vultures remains in the cliffs of Waterberg. For observing and studying the birds, REST set up a vulture restaurant with an observation screen. Carrion is regularly laid out at the restaurant, which does attract Cape vultures and hundreds of White-backed and Lappet-faced vultures.The screen is very suitable for taking good pictures. Visitors can also get acquainted with Nelson, a flightless vulture which is kept in a large aviary. A host of interesting facts about these useful scavengers can be learnt at REST's research and study centre.
Waterberg Plateau: Thanks to rich springs, the eastern cliffs of 'Water Mountain' are characterised by an almost subtropical abundance of flora. The plateau of this table mountain was proclaimed a nature reserve in 1972. Animal species in need of protection - such as Sable Antelope, Buffalo and Rhino - were resettled there. Furthermore, Rüppell's parrot and other rare types of birds can be spotted. From the semi-state rest camp a path leads up to the rocks at the edge of the plateau where Rock Hyrax and Klipspringer are found. The historic police station now houses a restaurant with numerous pictures from the olden days.
OvaHerero cultural centre: Farm Hamakari is situated east of Waterberg, close to the little town of Okakarara. At Hamakari OvaHerero fighters suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of German troops in 1904. At the historic site a cultural and tourism centre is now being established, which will house an exhibition on the history and culture of the Ovaherero people; local arts and crafts will also be sold there.
A small, private safari lodge north of Otjiwarongo.
Lodging located on the property used by the Heetah Conservation Fund, this is an excellent option if you want to learn about cheetah conservation.
Mid-sized hotel in Otjiwarongo offering both lodge & hotel style accommodation. All the usual facilities including a pool, air-conditioned rooms and a restaurant.
Situated to the north of the Waterberg Plateau (which is unusual as most lodges are toward the south) this highly recommenced lodge offers spacious comfortable rooms and plenty of activities.
One of the oldest lodges in Namibia, Mount Etjo has seen several historic events including the signing of an agreement pivotal to Namibia gaining independence. Still offers good quality accommodation and game drives.
A private two bed room suite, comes complete with own swimming pool, lounge and kitchen. Private chef and meals can be arranged or guests can visit Bush Camp.
Without a doubt one of the best lodges in Namibia, add leopard and cheetah viewing to stunning accommodation and well prepared meals and this place is a complete winner.
The 'entry level' camp at Okonjima offers all the same great cats experiences as the other lodges in the portfolio. A one of a type not to be missed Namibian experience.
Large private complex, includes all modern luxuries. Enjoyed by international movie stars and corporate moguls - but available to any group wanting to stay!
A variety of accommodation options - ranging from large self-catering villas to double rooms. Just a few kilometers south of Otjiwarongo.
Small 8 room guest farm with an emphasis on conserving the natural eco-systems
Excellent choice for walking and visiting the highlights of the area
On the same property aw the Waterberg Wilderness Lodge but situated higher up the mountain offering excellent views.
These are honest reviews, both good and bad, from our travellers who visited this property.
The camp is basic, restaurant is bad. Game drives very disappointing. I would have skipped this place
Apart from the nuisance of the baboons we enjoyed this place, accommodation fine and food was enjoyed.
Excellent camp, spoilt by aggressive baboons on campsite and no attempt to curb or provide secure bins
Beautiful setting, but in a bit of need of upgrading. The road to it should be noted as in a bad state.
Good end to the hols. Enjoyed short hike. Good campsite facilities. Nice wind down before heading home..
Accomodation is great. Dinner / breakfast good. The walk to the top of the mountain is worth the efforts
Nice place though the accomodation would need some upgrading. There was no accomodation for a family of 5.
Unfortunately we found the staff at reception on our arrival extremely rude and not very informative at all
A very nice location, but the staff in the restaurant was unfriendly, i think a little bit like in the army.
Spectacular backdrop for campsite, don`t think we should have to pay park fees if just staying in the campsite.
Nice rooms overlooking the valley. We had New Years Eve dinner at the restaurant. Food and staff were excellent.
Good accommodation - disappointing dinner buffet - not great value for money. We liked the large swimming pool too
After the heat and dust of Etosha, Waterberg was like a cool oasis. Definitely want to come back and spend longer.
There starts a nice walking tour to a top of the waterberg plateau. It has a nice swiming pool but it was empty :(
lovely place--lovely walk to the plateau, but drive up as far as you can go from the restcamp and then start the trek!
Nice location, well organised and situated to take a hike in the mountains. The facilities are in good state and clean!
Great location and the ablution block was really good. Very nice place to camp. Shop could have a more extensive range.
Baboons a bit of a hazard but staff helpful, friendly, welcoming; room lovely - spacious and well equipped, restaurant good.
The rest camp is good - basic accommodation but a good stopover point. Enjoyed the hikes in the area. Worth the price we paid.
Close to our favourite place. Fantastic location and good rooms. We would rather have skipped Onguma and stayed here two nights
Very obvious that it was off season with overgrown grass, grounds unkept, pool area filthy. Cranky parks person, restaurant fine
The place was OK. The food was simple and you had to pay to have wifi. It's good if you want to stop before going to the capital.
great, big and clean house; well situated. Environment not perfectly maintained (but no problem) (I was attacked by a baboon :-) )
Very good. Good location for hiking on the ridge. Nice to be able to see monkeys, mongoose, dik-dik and dassies at close querters.
The breakfast here was excellent as was the service. The rooms weren`t as nice as those at Okaukuejo and Namutoni but were adequate.
Our chalet was very nice. The staff here were friendly and the food was ok. The walking trails were excellent and we really enjoyed it.
As you know this a little tired, but the only way to do the Waterburg game drive. Rooms basic and could do with renewal. Restaurant good
the staff is very good. but the state of the lodge, almost abandoned, is not normal: abandoned swimming pool, damaged structures, etc ...
Good stay. Time limited by cancelled early morning Air Namibia flight which meant us arriving late. Very quiet camp with some lovely walks.
Very good - walks were really nice - nothing too strenuous - have to watch out as the activities were fully booked and you can't self drive
A very pleasant place to break a long journey, restful and good birds. Restaurant staff all seemed in a bad mood when we went for breakfast.
The Waterberg Camp was the best. The bathroom was clean und the Camp was close to the Waterberg, so we could walk and didn`t have to take the car.
Good facilities and a beautiful setting. The staff were helpful in showing us how to find the paths to walk to the plateau. Don't feed the baboons!
Accomodation is Basic and during July our Family Bungalow was really cold. The pool is o.k. but the baboons were really scary. They do attack People.
A lovely spot, good for walking. Nice camping area, some of the toilet blocks are in much better condition than others, so pays to check them all out!
Pleasant but run down. Half full pool. At campsite only water in one ablution block to start, no water at all on day two. Poor maintenance. Basic shop.
Nice setting, especially if you hike up to the plateau. Accommodation wasn`t great, but good value for money at that price. Fine for a first night stop.
friendly reception, neat bungalow, with coffee facility, precence of baboons, but no real problems with them. The markings for the hikes could be better
Beautiful! However, I think that their website is not quite honest about the accommodation which in reality isn't as romantic as they want us to believe
Pleasant for a short stay, not much to do in the longer term which is fine. Rooms could really do with some heating. This place gets cold! Otherwise all fine.
The buffet was possibly the worst. The meat was too tough to eat. The manager was very friendly and professional and gave us a discount so it worked out well.
Horrible reception. However, people at the restaurant were great. They definitely have to train their reception staff to behave like the ones in the restaurant!
not real thing to do as the swimming pool was out of service; not of lot of walking roads , we regret it . rooms are correct but whithout no particular charming
Basic but nice camp naxt to the Waterberg. Bathrooms were in clean and good condition. Not so much contact with the staff - just at the CheckIn at the Reception.
Nice setting below the plateau but the room was possibly a little on the chilly side at night. A wandering troop of baboons ensure you don´t leave the door open!
The staff was a bit unfriendly but overall everything was clean and nice. Everything was working; hot water for showering was available. Overall - a good experience.
A gem and we did not do the site justice. Choice was excellent and your reaction to our request very good. (Difficult to find room numbers when you arrive after dark!)
Dreadful accommodation - freezing cold and very dilapidated. We would not stay here again. However, service in the restaurant was the best we came across in a NWR place.
Accommodation here is very basic but adequate. Stunning location. Saw lots of small animals and there are some good walks around although signage is poor. Food was fair.
Accomodation in line with our expectations : 1 personal member very arrogant at the reception and not very helpful which denoted the overall good work of other employees.
We got a room with separate beds and we asked for another with a King Size Bed. For a small upgrade (300N$ for 2 nights) we got a nice bungalow. Be aware of the baboons...
Baboons were a problem, and maybe staying outside the park is better as the rate for park fees is quite steep, and no driving is aloud, and game drives are way to expensive.
Apparently has an issue with baboons, which the staff highlighted at check in, but we were not affected. Campsite can be hot and gets crowded on weekends with local visitors.
Excellent restaurant and management. Quality of the interior of the chalets could be improved. Cancellation policy is by far too restrictive and not at all customer friendly.
Very simple chalet but nice and clean and in a superb position. More than we expect.Food very good and the waiter at restaurant helpfull and funny too. Nice walk to the plateau.
Very nice rooms, food, scenery spectacular. birding was winding down for us, but if it had been our first stop instead of our last I`m sure it would have impressed in that category too.
Although quite basic, everything was neat and clean. Beautiful surroundings and friendly staff at restaurant. Climb to plateau could be marked better - we weren't sure which path to take.
A beautiful camp - surrounded by lush bush, many small game animals, lots of birds and beautiful hikes. Comfortable chalets and self-catering option. Beautiful swimming pool and good rest stop.
Lovely settings but unfortunately we arrived with a torrential rain. As for us it was a night stopover before heading back to Windhoek, maybe a guesthouse in Otjirarongo would have been sufficient.
It was a very nice camp and the room was lovely. Food choices in the restaurant were limited but that was ok. We loved the old style dining room. All the staff there were very helpful and friendly.
Stunning setting. Good accommodation but no patio chairs or braai. Low occupancy due to extremely high price. Game drive very expensive but the guide Bariar was charming and well-informed. Fantastic pool.
Biggest issue here was the baboons, not sure if it is worth mentioning to the NWR that they could improve the problem immensely by providing cages for the bins in the campsite to prevent the baboons access
old place. the rooms are newer but without any atmosphere, the restaurant is old, the buffet not good, the personal at the reception is so and so. it is a place for travel groups and so i missed personality
Very quiet at this time of the year, guess it can get pretty busy there during the holiday season. Campground well equipped, clean and well serviced. Negative comments about NWR in our experience not justified.
The staff were friendly and helpful. The infamous Waterberg baboons were a real nuisance during the day and you cannot leave anything, including your tent, alone for a moment. The facilities were well maintained.
Also nice place,with perfect my only comment is that the road sign of the place is different as marked in papers and in the camp itself. I was not sure when I turned off the road if I am entering the right place.
Problem with baboons - there's plenty of warnings about them but surely they could tell people to put out their rubbish in the morning so the baboons dont spend the night upending the bins. Or get rid of the bins.
A bit run down, people not that interested in the guests, except for those working in the restaurant. Game drive guide not at all interested in his job, hardy any thing to say, came out of a book and stopped there.
Lovely place with many birds. The restaurant is not very closed to the campsite but the staff in the restaurant is very nice and the view really enjoyable. There are some places with grass and everything is very clean.
The bungalow was clean, he food at the restaurant was good, the people friendly, the history interesting and of course, the scenery was absolutely great. We took the District road to Grootfontein which was an amazing drive!
Lovely location - accommodation woefully unmaintained - lacking any atmosphere, mouldy bathrooms, rickety and rusty outdoor facilities, stained furniture. Restaurant staff enthusiastic but clueless. Reception staff perfunctory.
This was such a beautiful place and the staff were friendly, helpful and seemed to enjoy their jobs. The food was good, the room was lovely with best quality sheets, mattress etc. I would really recommend a stay here. Thank you
the tourist were a little bit angry because they had to wait a long time for dinner because there were important persons at that moment and they had to eat first,but the staff couldn't change this probleme and made their excuses
Seen better days. We were impressed that a leak from the basin was repaired within about 20 minutes of reporting it (on a Sunday morning). Lovely walks, but the trails aren't nearly as well marked as they say they are. Food basic.
We arrived in rain and enjoyed the restaurant and bar. All of the staff were very helpful although the campsite was a first come first served and I would have liked to know that we had three sites booked just incase we were delayed
A very well chalet for 4 people, the restaurant in the old station and the waiter Selagius ( the namibian OMAR SY) and his kindness... good trails but no good information in the office (young children get up to Point vieuw with tong!)
Smaller and less animal focused than Etosha but very keen and friendly young staff. They could improve the experience with better trail markings and a trail/nature guide or even a naturalist presence other than on the conducted drives.
Nice spot with nice pool to cool down in! Need to give a better warning though about the baboon problem in the area. Also need to mention that lack of game on the drives as it was pricey for the product delivered (and too much driving).
A wonderful environment and campsite - pity the hot water in the ablutions block where we were camped was turned off - No real need to do this as campsite was fairly full. A wonderful campsite with all sorts of critters coming to visit!
Fair. Run down, dusty- needs just a layout makeover. Amenities blocks in good condition and clean with lights and washing up facilities. Pool good. Secure your goods - baboons an issue - invaded a campsite with tents and got into the tent.
Liked the room, saw no monkeys (although there should be so many...), went to dinner (nice but heavy) and to the plato (guided tour). The staff was very friendly (at dinner), we liked the guided safari tour and saw many of the the wildlife.
See Halali! A little worn-down. Service of staff needs to be improved! The rooms were absolutely ok! Looking at the price, there`s little to complain! But again, it`s a sad story, that most state-owned lodges stay far beyond their possibilities!
In respect of Waterberg definitely pay to do the game drive as you will see game not seen elsewhere in Namibia and the plateau is a surprise (not at all what you expect from looking up from the campground) and you need to go up and see for yourself.
We found this nice. We went on a Safari and saw rhinos (we think were white (wide). We did the hike to the top of the mtn and found the history intriguing (restaurant, cemetery, Herero). The campsite was pleasant and resatuarant staff nice. Good place to camp.
A very basic campsite with a lot of pitches and well maintained ablution blocks. Beware of the baboons, they destroyed our tent while using it as a trampoline. If you camp here, choose a pitch close to other used pitches to limit the chances of baboon interference.
Didn't have long enough here because we arrived late afternoon and left early morning. Attractive setting and a shame we didn't get a chance to do some walking. Seemed a bit run down. Food was fine. Room basic and adequate. Put off by all the warnings about baboons.
see above - scruffy, poorly maintained camping facilities. A guide who did not know how to drive his truck properly; little interest in spoor and birds, and what those things might tell him about the animals; just driving around aimlessly hoping to see something. V poor.
Please inform people travelling with bikes that bikes are not allowed to enter the Waterberg resort. We had to leave our bike at the reception as the manager of the site would not let us in. We were very happy though with the accommodation and all the facilities available.
The camp is a bit 'administrative' with the brick blocks lined up along the road. The surroundings were great to explore with marked routes. The pool is excellent and the room and food were good. We enjoyed the drive to the plateau - despite not seeing any wildlife of note.
A good hotel too, but the place was almost empty when we were there - wonder why we were booked into the most expensive cabins (nice but for a 1 night sleep, it was quite unnecessary in our view, especially when our cabins were a good 10 minutes walk from the hotel restaurant.
If intend to use the braii take everything including crockery & cutlery. This makes it difficult for international visitors. We stayed 2 nights and it was not enough - will be going back to walk more of the area. Our first ever sighting of a Small Spotted Genet. Nice big pool area.
Somewhat standard accommodation but spotlessly clean and offered game viewing from bed! I loved sitting outside the room and watching dikdik, baboons, mongooses and warthogs just metres away. Realistically, we were so busy with game drives and hikes that the room was just a place to sleep!
Good rooms and we enjoyed the walk up to the plateau. The afternoon drive was well worth doing, but to get the best value (for game viewing), an extra hour after dark at the waterhole on the plateau would have been well worth it. The setting for breakfast, at the old police station, was great.
Waterberg Restcamp is situated east of Otjiwarongo off the D2152. Turn north off the C22 onto the D2512 and the camp is 17 km from the junction on the northern side of the road.
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