NWR unveils new Naukluft Campsite

Namibia Wildlife Resorts’ Naukluft Campsite has undergone a multi-million-dollar renovation to include new accommodation and other facilities. Tucked between the Naukluft Mountains, the campsite can be reached by winding gravel roads and boasts breathtaking scenery of the Namib-Naukluft Park, which is one of the largest conservation areas in the world. The Naukluft Campsite was reintroduced with its new facilities on Saturday. The total cost of the renovation project, including new furniture, amounted to N$7.93 million. Naukluft Campsite manager Johannes Pitji said that the site was first opened on April 1, 1986 with only four camping spots, but a few years later in April 2000 it was handed to NWR by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Since then the camp had grown to ten camping spots. “Due to our client demand NWR has increased the accommodation facilities and activities.” The campsite now offers six chalets, 21 campsites with two overflow sites, a restaurant and a bar. Staff housing has also been built. The campsites offer basic amenities such as braai areas while new ablution blocks have also been built. According to the Managing Director of NWR, Zelna Hengari, the Naukluft section of the Namib-Naukluft Park where the campsite is located was initially created as a sanctuary for Hartmann’s mountain zebra. Naukluft’s steep cliffs attract various cliff-breeding bird species, including black eagles, and a variety of wildlife. This section of the park is also home to five different vegetation communities. With its massive and varied rock formations, Naukluft is a geologist’s paradise. “The mountainous area is extremely beautiful and also has an interesting history and geography,” Hengari said. According to her the Naukluft Mountains are very popular for hiking and four-wheel-drive trails and even offer something for the sedentary, as beautiful rock pools near the campsite are the ideal place to spend a lazy day in the sun. For an outdoorsy, adventurous individual, there are 4x4 trails, hiking trails, nature walks and excellent opportunities for bird watching in this area. All around the campsite there are beautiful hiking routes which are a must for nature lovers. Visitors can choose from two shorter day hikes, the Olive and Waterkloof trails and also a 120km trail which takes eight days. The Olive trail starts near the campsites in the Naukluft Campsite and follows a 10km loop of which much is populated by wild olive trees. At the beginning of the trail there are some olive trees indicating the start of a climb to the top of the mountain. The descent down to a riverbed follows a beautiful gorge where hikers can see quiver trees. A slightly difficult but nonetheless highlight of the trail is at the end of the gorge where hikers have to use a chain bridge to cross rock ledges. The Waterkloof trail is a 17km hike taking about eight hours to complete. The first and last parts of the trail follow the lovely rock pools of the Naukluft Mountains, while the middle section of the hike takes you across the dry plateau area. Surprisingly the Waterkloof trail begins and ends with rushing streams and deep, clear pools set amidst magnificent scenery. Hikers can opt to go on an eight-day hiking trail with seven overnight stops. It can also be done in four days. This trail affords visitors the opportunity to discover on foot the most beautiful part of Namibia. This hiking trail is regarded by many hikers as one of the toughest in Southern Africa. The Naukluft Campsite is located 245km from Windhoek, 153km from Sossusvlei, and 339 km from Swakopmund. NAUKLUFT ELLANIE SMIT