Camping outside etosha

Hi all

We are going to be in Namibia in November/December and hoping to camp outside Etosha as the camp sites are so expensive. Does anyone know of any good campsites outside the park? Also, are we are going to enter with out a tour guide can anyone advise me how easy it is to spot wildlife and are we really missing out by not camping at a waterhole in the park?

Any tips would be really helpful.

Thanks

Kate

The waterhole were really a highlight for me... But then, it's also a question of luck. The first night in Okakuejo we saw nothing, the second night at Halali we spotted lots of rhinos and a hyena, and the third night at Namutoni we had or one and only sight of a lion(ess)... I think you can also get in the park a little earlier and stay a bit later if you camp inside it...
However, I have a vague souvenir that some ot the lodges outside Etosha also have a waterwhole... Maybe do a search on this forum, I'm pretty sure I saw that here

Oh yeah, I was there in late december, when it's harder to spot animals. We saw loads anyways, since Etosha is really great for game viewing. But we didn't see any elephants, or most of the big 5... The waterwholes in the park during the days weren't as busy as in the winter either (from what I've heard anyways!)

cheers

Edited by: catherine_couturier

The Onguma Safari Camp near Namutoni Gate is way cheaper than Namutoni and you have you own private toilet and shower. The campsites is located in a forest and compared to Namutoni the sites have plenty of shade and it doesn't get crowded. The camp itself has a very nice design, with swimming-pool etc.. Google it. Just a few minutes from the entrance so you can start a game-drive just when they open the gate.

The prices in Namutoni is a real rip-off.

Onguma's a great little campsite. Thoroughly recommend it. They only have 6 (or 8) sites though, so book well ahead for Dec. There's a bar, restaurant, pool and they have their own waterhole too. Each campsite has a huge personal fire space, cooking/washing up space, power, a v clean bathroom in a rondavel - and they even bring complimentary fire wood around for you.

Outside Andersson Gate, Etosha Safari Camp has a nice patch of lawn, a bar, pool and restaurant too. It's about 9km south of Andersson Gate.

In my opinion... although the camps inside Etosha are ridiculously expensive now - you've obviously gone to a hell of a lot of effort to get yourself to Nthn Namibia and it'd be a shame to go all that way without staying for at least one night in a camp. Even if you see nothing at a waterhole - it's still a pretty cool experience sitting around the waterhole after all the day-trippers have gone home, with your beer/wine hoping something will show up, laughing at the jackals chasing moths and bragging about what you did/didn't see during the day with everyone else. And the night sounds are amazing - esp lions roaring which you won't hear if you're at an outside camp.

Depends how many days you want in Etosha, but if it's your 1st trip to Namibia, you really want to experience a night in Etosha. I'd possibly stay otuside at Onguma (as that camp is great) and then inside for a night at Okaukuejo. If you have more time after that - move out to Etosha Safari Camp to save some money.

I second all the above. Have stay at both camps recommended in December 07. Both excellent. Especially loved Onguma. Great facilities and the staff wonderful. I also agree that one night at Okakuejo is worth the extra expense.
In terms of game viewing we had the best sightings in three trips in early December. But it had not rained at that point. Was exceedingly hot (up to 45 deg c) but we saw a lot of lions, elephants, a rhino, honey badgers, hyaena and all the usual game in good numbers. Depends a lot on whether the rainy season has started yet. The best thing you can do if it is dry and hot is get out as early as possible - as soon as gates open - because by 9 or 10 the activity has really died down a lot. Lions in particular will have had a drink and will be finding a shady spot for the day. Game like springbok, zebra, gemsbok and elephant will still be somewhat active during the day. Then go out late afternoon (leaving enough time to get back out before gates shut!) as animals start to move about again. Had all our predator sightings this way. Check the sightings book at the camp office or talk to other visitors - some good tips can really help. Enjoy!

Thanks for all your responses, they were a great help. I think I will take your advice and pay out for one night in Etosha and spend a few more nights outside the park.

Anyone know of any good (and cheap) places to camp in Swakopmund?

Thanks again

Kate