Dolomite Camp

Dolomite Camp is built along a dolomite ridge in the western section of Etosha National Park, roughly 3 km from Galton Gate on the park's Kamanjab side. This part of Etosha only opened to self-drive visitors relatively recently, and the loops around the camp — Renostervlei, Dolomite and Klippan — remain some of the quietest driving in the park. The ridge gives the camp its character: everything looks out and down over open plains and waterholes, and sunsets run the full width of the horizon.

Twenty thatched chalets are spaced along the ridge and reached by raised walkways, so no unit overlooks another. Bush Chalets have two beds, an en-suite bathroom and a private deck. Four Deluxe Chalets add a private plunge pool and are set up for couples. Because the ridge is steep and rocky, guests are shuttled between their chalet and the main area rather than walking — worth knowing if mobility is a consideration.

The western section is the strongest part of Etosha for black-faced impala and Hartmann's mountain zebra, and black rhino move through the area at night. Waterholes are small and pressure on them is low, which tends to make sightings unhurried. Guided morning, afternoon and night drives leave from camp, and the ridge itself is a viewpoint — a lot of guests simply sit on their deck with binoculars and watch the plains below.

Rates are per person per night, dinner and breakfast included. The camp is a comfortable half-day drive from Kamanjab and pairs naturally with Damaraland to the south-west or a west-to-east traverse of Etosha towards Okaukuejo and Halali. Park entry fees are paid at the gate. Fuel is not available at the camp itself, so fill up in Kamanjab or at Okaukuejo before you arrive.