Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
hoek. There's no set route, and the itinerary is left to the whims of the guide. Accommod-
ation is in simple huts, but participants must carry their own food and sleeping bags.
HIKING
Resort Walking Trails
Around the pink-sandstone-enclosed rest camp are nine short walking tracks, including
one up to the plateau rim at Mountain View. They're great for a pleasant day of easy walk-
ing, but watch for snakes, which sun themselves on rocks and even on the actual tracks.
No reservations are required for these trails.
Sleeping
The Waterberg Camp should be booked in advance through NWR in Windhoek, although
walk-ins are accepted, subject to availability. The Waterberg Wilderness Lodge is
privately owned and accepts walk-ins, though advance reservations are recommended,
given its popularity.
Waterberg Camp $$
( 067-305001; 2-person campsite N$300, bush chalet N$1200)
Together with its sib-
ling properties in Etosha, the Waterberg Camp is part of NWR's Classic Collection. At
Waterberg, campers can pitch a tent in any number of scattered sites around
braai
pits and
picnic tables. Campsites benefit from space, views of the plateau and the plains beyond,
and well-kept amenities. Self-caterers can pick up firewood, alcohol, basic groceries and
other supplies from the shop, while others can sink their teeth into a fine oryx steak at the
restaurant (a rather grand stone building up the hill from the campsite - it's a bit of a slog
on foot - complete with old pics and chandeliers) and wash it down with a glass of South
African Pinotage from the bar. One word of warning, though: Waterberg is overrun with
crafty baboons, so keep your tents zipped and your doors closed, and watch where you
leave your food.
CAMPGROUND, LODGE
Waterberg Wilderness Lodge $$$
( 067-687018;
www.waterberg-wilderness.com
;
camp site N$150, s/d with half board
from N$1050/1800; )
While it's considerably more expensive than the Waterberg
Camp, Waterberg Wilderness occupies a vast private concession within the park and is a
wonderful upmarket alternative if you've got a bit of extra cash to burn. The Rust family
has painstakingly transformed the property (formerly a cattle farm) by repopulating wild-
life and allowing nature to return to its pre-grazed state. The main lodge rests in a sun-
drenched meadow at the end of a valley, where you'll find red-sandstone chalets adorned
LODGE
