Bear in mind this is a large government-run restcamp. Don’t expect much personal attention or extensive facilities. Best arrive with the attitude of pitching your tent and going with the flow. Don’t sweat the small stuff. It can be dusty, but it's Africa, it can be a bit run down, but it's a great location. You're right in the middle of the park and it's reasonably good value.

Halali lies between the two government-run restcamps of Okaukuejo and Namutoni and is well signposted from both. It can be accessed from either the southern Andersson’s gate or the eastern Von Lindequist gate.

So what’s the ethos here? Well, Halali is the German word for the traditional ending of a hunt. Consequently, the camp signifies the end of game hunting and the rise of eco-tourism in Namibia. It's one of only five camps and lodges inside Etosha park all of them government-run.

Halali stands beside one of the few hills in Etosha. It’s the smallest and quietest of the original restcamps, although don't expect silence: this is a popular place and is much larger than most private camps in Namibia.

In a way Halali is a bit like in a small village. There’s a shop and a fuel station as well as a restaurant and a big swimming pool, which campers can use. It’s reminiscent of one of those open air municipal pools. But don’t expect a lifeguard.

The restaurant is big and open-plan with sliding doors on either side. The walls are covered with animal paintings, and tables are set out individually. On one side of the restaurant is a small bar, where a kiosk window opens to sell snacks during the day. Lunch isn’t served. Halali's restaurant is very much a canteen and all meals are served buffet style.

Everything is linked by a micro network of roads and footpaths.

Obviously the single most important draw card here is the floodlit waterhole. Sit on the rock terrace and check it out at any time, day or night. Sightings are generally good and people have seen black rhino here.