KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

To access the Waterberg, turn east off the B1 onto the C22 about 30 km south of Otjiwarongo. Drive for 41 km and turn left onto the D2512. The gate of the NWR Waterberg Resort is 17 km down this road; Waterberg Wilderness is 8 km further.

STAY HERE

NWR Waterberg Resort This campsite is one of my favourites in Namibia, with a spectacular view of the cliffs from your tent. Camping costs R130 per stand plus R160 per person (max eight people per stand). Each stand has its own braai, power point and light. Camp on the lawn in the middle of the campsite or on a bigger, sandy stand on the outskirts.

The resort also has double rooms (from R590 per person sharing), bush chalets that sleep 2 – 4 people (from R720 per person sharing) and four-sleeper family chalets (from R810 per person sharing). Breakfast is included in the rate, except if you’re camping.

Waterberg Wilderness Private Nature Reserve

There are two small camps in the reserve: Waterberg Plateau Campsite has eight stands and Andersson Camp has four (R180 per person). Each camp has a small swimming pool. The stands are private and each has its own ablution facilities, braai spots and an awning with a table.

Other accommodation options: Waterberg Valley Lodge has twinsleeper safari tents, each with an en suite bathroom and a stoep with views of the valley (R690 per person sharing); Waterberg Wilderness Lodge has eight double units and five family units (from R1 220 per person sharing) in and around the original Von Flotow farmstead. (The Von Flotows were a German family who farmed here from 1911 to 1971, with vegetables, citrus and cattle.) Then there’s the exclusive Waterberg Plateau Lodge with eight chalets on the escarpment (R1 480 per person sharing), each with a stoep

and splash pool. The rates include breakfast, dinner and afternoon coffee and cake.

MORE THINGS TO DO

NWR Waterberg Resort has a big restaurant and bar in the historical Rasthaus, originally a police station, dating from 1908. Breakfast is served from 7 am to 10 am, lunch from noon to 2 pm and dinner from 7 pm to 9.30 pm.

There’s a big swimming pool and stoep behind the restaurant. Drinks are served here in the afternoon.

The shop at reception has limited stock and the filling station doesn’t always have fuel.

Waterberg Wilderness has three lodges and each has its own restaurant open to guests.

A rhino drive in the afternoon will bring you much closer to these animals. The tour takes 2 – 3 hours and you’ll also see other species like wildebeest, gemsbok, klipspringer and giraffe (R400 per person).

Book a guided hike with a tracker (R450 per person) to see what the animals got up to the previous night. The outing can keep you busy until lunch, and it’s a great way to learn more about animals and their habits. Take note: Be on the lookout for baboons. They’re used to humans and won’t hesitate to show their teeth or steal your rusks.

CONTACT

NWR Waterberg Resort 00 264 61 285 7200 (bookings); 00 264 67 305 001 (resort office); nwr.com.na

Waterberg Wilderness Private Nature Reserve 00 264 67 687 018; waterberg-wilderness.com See page 121 for more accommodation in the Waterberg area.