A new addition to Namibia’s burgeoning range of places to stay in the Savanna, Thorn Bush Tented Camp is designed to delight from the moment you climb the few steps up and into the grand entrance.
There’s no doubting the newness of everything at this fresh addition to the Otjiwa Collection. Powered by solar energy that feeds this off-the-grid location with electricity, the communal and private areas take their design cues from historic African cultures and colonial traditions. So you’ll really feel like you’re experiencing safari the way they used to safari.
Locating the camp in this particular area of the savanna was a clever move by whoever drew up and signed off the plans, as the riverbed provides something attractive and active with wildlife that guests can view from their accommodation. It’s a landscape that’s transformed by the weather with the parched landscape giving way to flowing waters in the rainy season, so choose the time of year you visit to suit your preference.
All suites have a living and sleeping area with fireplace that leads out onto a wooden deck with plunge pool from which you can watch the riverbed for signs of animal activity in privacy.
When you can tear yourselves away from nature’s show, you have air conditioned comfort to enjoy in your tent. Each has a bathroom to give you an alternative to the outdoor shower. Some suites can be joined to form family friendly accommodation, evidence that younger guests are welcome to join their adults in camp.
The horseshoe-shaped main lodge is where you’ll find reception and the dining room and bar. On the opposite side to the entrance, doors lead you out onto decking with recliners next to the swimming pool. Take your pick of these and the other forms of seating dotted around water, some covered, others open to the elements. You’re sure to find a favourite spot with a view you just can’t get enough of during your stay.
This part of Namibia is renowned for its wild rhino population, and you can choose to join guides and track them on foot or in specially adapted safari vehicles. Either way, you’ll experience the excitement and anticipation as you head out into the bush, wondering when you’ll set eyes on these amazing animals – there are no guarantees of sightings of course.
But your trackers will know the best places to explore and the most likely times to see rhino, so just trust their instincts and enjoy the experience. You’ll likely encounter all kinds of different wildlife on the ground and in the air along the way, most notably leopard, giraffe, cheetah and fish eagle, so you’ll want to keep your phone or camera ready to capture those magical moments.
Otjiwa Collection camps always lay on a good variety of activities, and Thorn Bush is no exception. Try exploring on horseback or e-bike. And get your fill of local culture with a visit to Ombu Village to meet members of the Herero Tribe, followed perhaps by a spa treatment back at camp.
At Otjiwa, sustainability and conservation go hand in hand. Guided by the principle of meeting today’s needs without compromising the future, the lodge is steadily working toward becoming entirely self-sustainable, inspired by Robert Swan’s words that “the greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” On the 10,000ha reserve, wildlife is kept wild and free, allowing guests to experience the wilderness as it naturally is. Steps have been taken to reduce waste, such as providing reusable glass water bottles in rooms and selling homemade iced tea in returnable glass bottles. Alternative, low-impact activities like horseback riding, guided cycling, and game walks offer ways to experience the bush without the footprint of vehicles. Otjiwa also produces much of its own fresh produce on-site - from herbs and vegetables in a greenhouse to fruit trees and microgreens - lowering food miles, reducing plastic packaging, and ensuring guests enjoy delicious, fresh meals. Central to the lodge’s conservation work is the protection of the endangered White Rhino, a species once reduced to fewer than 100 animals but now numbering around 16,000 thanks to conservation efforts. At Otjiwa, this mission is embodied by William, who has dedicated over 29 years to protecting the rhinos, knowing each animal by name and caring for them as family. His devotion reflects Otjiwa’s ethos: protecting wildlife not for personal gain, but for the benefit of future generations.
"A dream come true"
We had the most amazing family holiday, everything worked so perfectly, the arrangements and accommodation was spectacular!
"Unforgettable trip to Namibia – Thank you Namibia Tours & Safaris!"
We are a group of four from Romania and spent 3 unforgettable weeks in Namibia. We can't recommend them enough, and for any future travels in Namibia or other parts of Africa, we will definitely use their services again.
"We had a great experience"
From the time we put the key in the ignition till we boarded the plane in Windhoek nothing went wrong.
"Unforgettable bird photography trip in Namibia"
It was a fantastic experience, everything was very well organised, went smooth and according to expectations. It was our first self drive in Africa and it was a great, unforgettable time.
