Olifantsrus Campsite

Olifantsrus lies in the western section of Etosha National Park, roughly halfway between Dolomite Camp and Okaukuejo on the C38, and is the only camp in the park that takes campers exclusively. The site was an elephant abattoir in the 1980s, and the small information centre on site tells that history plainly rather than glossing over it. Because the western section carries less traffic than the east, the loops around camp are often empty.

There are ten well-spaced sites, each with a power point, braai area and space for a vehicle and rooftop or ground tent, sharing modern ablutions with hot water. Camping is charged per person with a maximum of eight people per site and is room-only. There is no restaurant and no chalet accommodation, so arrive self-sufficient with food, drink and firewood — the shop stocks basics only.

The double-storey hide over the waterhole is the reason most people come. The lower level is a sunken photographic blind set at water height, giving eye-level images of elephant, rhino and lion drinking a few metres away; the upper level is a covered deck with benches. Both stay open to campers after dark, which is unusual in Etosha, and the quiet hours after dinner are frequently the best of the day.

Olifantsrus pairs naturally with Dolomite Camp for the western half of the park and with Okaukuejo heading east. Gates open at sunrise and close at sunset, and driving between camps after dark is not allowed, so plan arrival with daylight to spare. Park entry fees are paid at the gate. Camping rates are the same year-round.