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Etosha National Park, Namibia

Namutoni Rest Camp

This is a government run public rest camp facility for the east side of Etosha National Park. There is a restaurant with a nightly buffet, a swimming pool and a flood light lit watering hole. Your evening is sure to be eventful sitting in the natural theater of Africa.  — Mango's view

Namutoni is situated on the eastern side of Etosha pan, just inside the von Lindequist entrance to Etosha National Park. It is an improbably beautiful Beau Geste-style fort situated in an area dotted with graceful makalani palms, Hyphaene petersiana. It derives its name from the old German fort around which it is built and it overlooks the King Nehale waterhole. The presence of this fort undoubtedly gives Namutoni more character than the other rest camps inside the park. It is also the closest restcamp to the picturesque Fischers Pan, so expect great concentrations of waterbirds around here when it's wet - including a breeding colony of flamingos.

Fort Namutoni was declared a national monument on 15th February 1950, when it was decided to use it as a tourist camp. Funds were made available to have it rebuilt along the old German design from instructions of the Historical Monuments Commission. In 1957 it opened its gates to tourists for the first time. The sunrise and sunset bugle calls are no longer sounded, but you can still get a great view of Etosha Park and the setting sun from the elevated deck walkways of the fort.

Namutonis accommodation was completely re-furbished in 2007. There are 20 bush chalets and 24 double rooms. All rooms have en-suite facilities of a bath and shower, a toilet, mini-bar, air-conditioning and a tea/coffee station. Mosquito nets are fitted to the front and back doors. Double Rooms are accessed along wooden walkways and offer comfort and privacy with access to a private area both at the front and from the bathroom. Bush chalets are spacious and private, with double shower and basin bathroom. Sliding doors give access to a relaxation area in the front of the chalet while an outside shower is reachable via the bathroom.

Namutoni has a waterhole, which is floodlit at night, giving you an opportunity to see some of the shy, nocturnal wildlife. The animals appear to be oblivious of the resort - unaware of the bright lights or the people sitting on benches just behind the low rock wall. The light doesnt penetrate into the surrounding bush. It creates something of a stage - with the water at its center - focusing the attention on the animals that come to drink. During the dry season, you are bound to see something of interest by just sitting there for a few hours in the evening.

Located inside the fort are 2 restaurants. African Fusion offers African fare, while The Steakhouse has a more of a European flavor to its menu. Take your meals and drinks in the Chill Lounge if you prefer. Also inside the fort is the tourist shop where you can stock up on groceries. You can also find a craft shop selling a wide variety of traditional handcrafted Namibian goods. Jewelry and book stores complete Namutonis facilities.

Most people choose to drive themselves around the park. But you can join one of the three daily game drives around Etosha: Early morning, late afternoon and at night.

Includes: Bed & breakfast