On the doorstep of Namibia’s Etosha National Park, Andersson’s Camp is a simple and comfortable eco-retreat run by Wilderness Safaris and makes an excellent base both for self-drive and fully inclusive safari explorations of this fascinating area. The original farmhouse has been restored into a welcoming living area overlooking a very active waterhole and the sunken hide allows guests to get close to some amazing wildlife action, often including rhino and lion as well as impala, zebra and eland. The peaceful location inside the Ongava private game reserve allows for walking and night safaris in addition to the day safaris into Etosha.
The twenty tented en-suite chalets are creatively designed using recycled materials from the farmstead, such as corrugated iron for internal doors, big tin bath tubs as the shower basins and reclaimed stone enclosing the en-suite bathroom. The resulting rustic charm is both comfortable and cozy, the big beds draped in mosquito netting, hot water bottles thoughtfully provided in winter, and double doors opening onto a private wooden verandah.
In the expansive lounge all the sofas face the waterhole where an impressive procession of wildlife presents itself as guests sip pre-dinner drinks. An unobtrusive perimeter fence keeps guests safe from the lions drinking at the waterhole and the hide offers amazing close-up photographic opportunities. Game-viewing continues over an excellent meal, with complimentary wine, as dusk falls and the nocturnal animals emerge. The camp is close enough to the gate of the Etosha National Park to catch the early morning light, ideal for photographers, and this combination of private reserve and National park gives the best game viewing: Etosha’s famous elephant herds, wildebeest and dramatic landscapes explored on a self-drive or guided safari, complemented by Ongava with its resident rhino, giraffe and cheetah.
The atmosphere is intimate, welcoming and family-friendly, with the perimeter fence keeping small children safe and the staff going out of their way to keep them happy. As one of Wilderness’ Adventure camps, Andersson’s provides good value for money in a wonderful unspoilt location, simple comforts, genuine hospitality and excellent game-viewing.
