Madisa Camp is situated on the D2612 road to Twyfelfontein, a very popular route. The camp is hidden between amazing rock formations which are scattered with Bushman Paintings and has privy to an ancient Desert Elephant route that often gets visited by these beautiful giants.
Ideal for the traveller who wishes to camp comfortably without compromising the experience of exclusivity in this vast and magnificent area of Damaraland Namibia.
Madisa is a good base camp to explore from as there are very interesting sites in the area such as Twyfelfontein, Brandberg, the Petrified Forest and much more these are all a easy drive and after a day of exploring what better to finish with a swim and enjoy your campsite under a blanket of stars.
Each spacious campsite has an exquisite view of the Gauntegab River bed and rock formations. The campsites have individual ablution facilities situated on stilts hidden in the tree tops. The braai facilities also double up as a heater (donkey system) for hot running water at each open air shower. The camp sites are shaded by large Mopane trees and have a low rock wall around each site.
The swimming pool and bar area are very welcoming after a long day and give you a chance to rejuvenate and enjoy your surroundings. It’s also nice to meet fellow travellers and share tails around a communal camp fire at night while the sky puts on a breath taking show of stars.
Madisa Camp Sites
Madisa offers 9 private camp sites all with their own ablution facilities. These sites are spacious and are situated on the river bed with a low stone wall around . Each site has a braai area which doubles up as a donkey geyser for hot water.
It’s a lovely atmosphere to kick back relax around a fire and listen to the nocturnal sounds of the bush. Madisa is also a fantastic place for star gazing, the nights are brilliantly clear.
Each site has lights which are powered by generator (hopefully soon by Solar Power). The generator runs in the evening from sundown till 9pm.
We also offer 5 overland sites which are large and each have a circle braai area with seating, a wash up basin and water supply. The ablution block is a communal one with nice clean showers and toilets.
The swimming pool and bar area are tucked away at the foot of the spectacular granite koppie providing a great setting. We have also built the elephants a drinking trough which can be viewed from on top of the koppie.
Madisa Safari Tents
Madisa Safari Tents are self catering tents built cleverly and as eco-friendly as possible around our scenic boulder formations each with their own en suite rock bathroom consisting of a basin, shower and toilet. The tents sleep a maximum of two people and offer twin beds or a double bed this should be confirmed in your booking.
All linen is provided in these comfortable Safari Tents allowing for a good nights rest after falling asleep to the sounds of the oldest desert. There is a braai area for your use, please bring your own equipment along. Hot water is available at night (solar system) and there are paraffin/solar lighting in the tent and bathroom area.
Please note meals at Madisa can be arranged, please let us know at the time of your booking if you would like to join us for dinner or breakfast.
We do basic home cooked meals around the fire. Its very relaxed and is a great way to enjoy the setting and chat to fellow travellers and our Madisa family.
Activities
Elephant Tracking
This is a day’s activity depending on how far away the elephants are. It’s an amazing experience going out with a guide and tracking and learning how to read the bush to find these gentle giants in their unique environment.
Guided Village Walk
This is an interesting few hours on foot learning about the local culture and spending some time with them in their environment.
Sundowner Walk
This is a short walk around the huge Granite Bolder with a guide sharing some facts with you and ending with a refreshing sundowner overlooking Damaraland.
Scenic Game Drive and Sundowner
This Drive leaves from camp and meanders around the surrounding areas where sightings of the Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra and other game can be spotted.
Other self-drive activities to Twyfelfontein (Organ pipes and Burnt Mountain) are also very enjoyable or if you would prefer to just relax, make use of the swimming pool and enjoy the camp feel free to do so.
A Few Things To Know:
1. Madisa does have wild animals around and is not fenced off so it is good to stay alert and responsible at all times.
Some advice when the Desert Elephant pass through…
Do not shine torches at elephants this makes them aggressive.
Do not run, stop and slowly walk away.
Do not scream or make loud noises.
Do not let your dog bark.
Stop and listen for branches breaking and ‘rumbling’ noises if moving around at night.
Do not take flash photographs, if they are close by just enjoy watching them. Keep your distance. The elephants know we are here, if the situation is calm they will remain calm. So please help us to give the elephants the respect they deserve.
2. We run on a generator at night from sun down to about 9pm this is mainly for lights in the campsites. It is advised to travel with all your necessary back up batteries etc. for keeping your fridge/deep freezers going for your stay.
3. We do allow dogs to visit too but they need to be kept under control at all times as we do have baboons in camp most of the time and this can be hazardous for your pup. Our dogs are also normally in camp and are well behaved towards other dogs most of the time.
4. Our water is drinkable but does not taste nice as it has large amounts of Kalk in it. We do sell water at the bar but its always a good idea to travel this area with a decent drinkable water supply.
5. Ice is not always available.
6. 2×4 cars can reach Madisa but the road can get corrugated and quite bumpy at times.
7. We do sell wood at the camp for N$20 per bundle.
8. We do have cold drinks etc.
9. Please love and respect our area as much as we do.
10. Enjoy your stay at Madisa:)