Under the African Sky: Exploring Uis, Usakos, and Swakopmund's Campsites
Namibia's Family-Friendly Camping Adventures
When most people think about Namibia, images of towering dunes and abundant wildlife come into focus. And while these deserve every bit of their fame, Namibia offers so much more. Its campsites are a gateway to landscapes of silence and wonder—some tucked deep in the desert, others perched just outside bustling towns.
This is not an ultimate guide. No single article could contain the vastness of Namibia’s camping experience. Instead, it’s a glimpse into three places we explored: Uis, Usakos, and Swakopmund. Each offered its own unique blend of natural beauty, quiet reflection, and adventure.
Uis
Uis is small but it's wrapped up in a lot of legend. Once a busy mining town, it now hosts just 3,800 residents at the foot of Namibia’s highest peak, Brandberg Mountain.
The Brandberg isn’t just any mountain; it’s a gallery of ancient art. Its most famous work, the White Lady painting, has survived over 2,000 years, a testament to the region’s spiritual significance for the San people. Believed to be a site for healing rituals, it’s a place full of history and mythology.
We based ourselves at Brandberg Rest Camp, a comfortable spot in the heart of Uis. It offered campsites with electricity, hot showers, and braai facilities. After a day in the heat, the swimming pool was a real treat.
For those seeking proximity to Brandberg itself, White Lady Lodge is just outside Uis. Its well-maintained campsites and clean ablution blocks make it an ideal base for hikers. We spent a day at the lodge restaurant. If you’re sitting down for a meal, you’ll also get access to the pool. And you’ll need it - this part of the world gets hot. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot desert elephants..
Highlights:
Starry Nights: In Uis, the night sky is a canvas of stars
Rock Art: Guided tours to the "White Lady" painting connect you with ancient traditions and stories
Usakos
Usakos is the kind of place that invites you to pause. Surrounded by dramatic mountain vistas, this town is perfect for a quiet break.
We spent a weekend at the Uitkyk Guest Farm, and on our first night, we had the entire campsite to ourselves. That night an ostrich wandered into our site, pecking at our tent. The stillness of the night, interrupted only by the soft rustle of the ostrich's movements, made the experience surreal, and definitely one of our lasting memories.
An hour from Usakos lies Spitzkoppe, Namibia’s iconic granite peaks. Climbers, photographers, and dreamers alike are drawn to its surreal beauty. Back in Usakos, the pace slows. Here, camping isn’t about ticking off attractions but about embracing the stillness.
Highlights:
Spitzkoppe Mountains: A short drive leads to these magnificent formations
Quiet Comfort: Usakos is for those who value solitude and a break from the crowds
Swakopmund
Swakopmund is where adventure meets the sea. It offers everything from skydiving to quad biking. Yet it’s also a haven for campers, with options that range from family-friendly to thrill-seeker’s delight.
The beach is perfect for swimming in the summer, and you can even take out a kayak—with or without a guide. My daughter and I chose to paddle out with a guide and were rewarded with an unforgettable moment: a dolphin gliding through the water nearby.
One of our favourite camping spots is Goanikontes Oasis, a short drive from Swakopmund. In the middle of the dry desert landscape, this camp site is exactly what it sounds like: a retreat, featuring shaded campsites and a natural swimming pool. There’s a whole list of activities for kids, including arts and crafts, a Scorpion hunt at night, and an animal farm.
Highlights:
Adventure Sports: Whether it’s sandboarding or quad biking, Swakopmund delivers adrenaline in heaps
Ocean Views: Some campsites offer immediate access to the beach
Café Culture: After a day outdoors, the town’s eateries serve up a range of meals
Final Reflections
Camping in Namibia isn’t just a way to see the country—it’s a way to feel it. Each destination compels you to connect with nature in a way we don’t do often enough in modern life. Whether you seek solitude, adventure, or a bit of both, Namibia’s campsites offer experiences that linger long after the journey ends.