Waterberg Camp
Accommodation at the Bernabe de la Bat Resort - Namibia
The Waterberg Camp underwent extensive upgrading in 2007. It nestles along the base of the cliffs of the Waterberg Plateau, inside the National Park of the same name. It towers some 200m above the surrounding landscape, and the plateau with its sheer cliffs and fascinating rock formations, serve as a breeding area for endangered animal species.
Facilities include a restaurant, kiosk, (which is open outside restaurant hours) and adjacent to the reception office is a shop which stocks basic groceries, beer, wine, wood and souvenirs. The restaurant and bar are still located in the old, historic Rasthaus, which was built in 1908 and originally used as a police post.
Breakfast is served between 06h30 and 08h30, and consists of a buffet offering cereals, fruit, yoghurt, breads, cheese, meats and eggs and bacon. Tea and coffee are available throughout the day. The pool bar opens from 09h00 to 18h00. It has a small menu, including soft drinks and snacks, such as burgers, salads and chips. The pool bar is also the only place open for lunch.
Dinner is served between 19h00 and 21h00, with a choice from the chef's à la carte menu. The food and service here are of a decent standard, it has always had the reputation as one of Namibia's best rest camps. There is a swimming pool, with the newly built pool bar.
Accommodation is in a combination of double rooms, premier (bush) and family chalets. Each room has an en-suite bathroom, with wrought iron vanity units and ceramic basins, (complementary toiletries and soft towels), a ceiling fan, twin bed with comfortable bedding, bedside lamps, a wardrobe, a dressing table with mirror, a couple of lounge chairs, a tea/coffee station and a mini-fridge. A big sliding door leads into a private porch are, complete with table and chairs. Some of the rooms have barbeque facilities.
- Family Chalet: Self catering unit with two bedrooms, kitchenette and braai (barbeque) area
- Premier Bush Chalet: deluxe double chalet with queen size bed, en-suite bathroom, fridge & tea station
- Bush Chalet (4 adults): two bedroom chalet, both rooms en-suite, lounge area, fridge, tea station and braai area
- Bush chalet (2 adults): double chalet with bathroom, lounge area, fridge, tea station and braai area
- Double Room: room with en-suite bathroom, fridge & tea station
There are a number of activities at Waterberg, including daily guided 4x4 game drives to the plateau, and are led by a park ranger. There are a selection of shorter walking trails around the camp, that you can explore by yourself, in a morning or afternoon. The fit and active can climb up to a look-out point on the top of the plateau. What a view!
A variety of animals can be viewed in and around the plateau, including black and white rhinoceros, buffalo, sable and roan antelope, and the diminutive Damara Dik-Dik, which can be observed at close quarters foraging around the camp.
Over 200 bird species have been recorded in the area, including the only colony of the endangered Cape Vulture, left within Namibia.
- Activities at the lodge
- Activities in the vicinity
- Guided Game drives
- A daily game drive in the Plateau Park can be booked at reception
- Walking Trails
- Visitors are free to wander along several well marked paths around the rest camp and up onto the Waterberg Plateau (where there are excellent views of the surrounding savannah)
- Cheetah Conservation Fund
- The natural habitat of Cheetah in the wild has shrunk dramatically all over the world. Thus the fastest terrestrial animal on the planet has become a highly endangered species. With about 2,500 animals, Namibia boasts the largest Cheetah population on earth. In order to protect Cheetah in Namibia, the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) was founded in 1990.
The CCF information centre is as entertaining as instructive and definitely worthwhile. Cheetah which no longer can be released into the wilds for various reasons, are kept in large enclosures next to the centre. You will be able to take stunning pictures of the big cats. On certain days visitors are also welcome to watch Cheetah at full speed during their sprint-training. - Vulture Restaurant
- The Rare and Endangered Species Trust (REST), established in 2000, is mainly concerned with protecting the Cape vulture which is an endangered species in Namibia. Once there were seven colonies of about 2,000 birds in the country. Now, only one colony of eleven Cape vultures remains in the cliffs of Waterberg. For observing and studying the birds, REST set up a vulture restaurant with an observation screen. Carrion is regularly laid out at the restaurant, which does attract Cape vultures and hundreds of White-backed and Lappet-faced vultures.
The screen is very suitable for taking good pictures. Visitors can also get acquainted with Nelson, a flightless vulture which is kept in a large aviary. A host of interesting facts about these useful scavengers can be learnt at REST's research and study centre. - Waterberg Plateau
- Thanks to rich springs, the eastern cliffs of 'Water Mountain' are characterised by an almost subtropical abundance of flora. The plateau of this table mountain was proclaimed a nature reserve in 1972. Animal species in need of protection - such as Sable Antelope, Buffalo and Rhino - were resettled there. Furthermore, Rüppell's parrot and other rare types of birds can be spotted. From the semi-state rest camp a path leads up to the rocks at the edge of the plateau where Rock Hyrax and Klipspringer are found. The historic police station now houses a restaurant with numerous pictures from the olden days.
- OvaHerero cultural centre
- Farm Hamakari is situated east of Waterberg, close to the little town of Okakarara. At Hamakari OvaHerero fighters suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of German troops in 1904. At the historic site a cultural and tourism centre is now being established, which will house an exhibition on the history and culture of the Ovaherero people; local arts and crafts will also be sold there.
Waterberg Restcamp is situated east of Otjiwarongo off the D2152. Turn north off the C22 onto the D2512 and the camp is 17 km from the junction on the northern side of the road.
Babson House at the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF)
Lodging located on the property used by the CCF. Excellent option if you want to learn about cheetah's and their conservation
C'est Si Bon Hotel
Mid sized hotel in Otjiwarongo offering both lodge & hotel style accommodation. All the usual facilities including a pool, air-conditioned rooms and a restaurant
Erindi Game Reserve
A large, well stocked, privately owned game reserve. Excellent for sightings of wild dogs and other endangered species
Frans Indongo Lodge
Situated to the north of the Waterberg Plateau (which is unusual as most lodges are toward the south) this highly recommenced lodge offers spacious comfortable rooms and plenty of activities
Mount Etjo Lodge
Situated on a private game reserve this is one of the oldest lodges in Namibia and has seen several historic events including the signing of an agreement pivotal to Namibia gaining independence. Offers a range of suites & luxury rooms.
Okonjima
Okonjima Main Camp is the oldest and most affordable of the lodges at the AfriCat foundation.
Okonjima Bush Camp
Without a doubt one of the best lodges in Namibia, add leopard and cheetah viewing to stunning accommodation and well prepared meals and this place is a complete winner
Okonjima Bush Suite
A private two bed room suite, comes complete with own swimming pool, lounge and kitchen. Private chef and meals can be arranged or guests can visit Bush Camp.
Okonjima Villa
Large private complex, includes all modern luxuries. Enjoyed by international movie stars and corporate moguls - but available to any group wanting to stay!
Waterberg Rest Camp
The NWR run camp situated on the slopes of the plateau. Fairly standard and slightly overpriced accommodation, the old police station which has been converted to a restaurant is a scenic (if not taste) highlight.
Waterberg Wilderness Plateau Lodge
On the same property aw the Waterberg Wilderness Lodge but situated higher up the mountain offering excellent views
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