Hidden gems of Namibia Part 3 – Roy’s Rest Camp

Roy's Rest Camp

A great stopover opportunity - basically not too hidden at all

After some great adventures in Etosha National Park, you might be longing for some relaxation with fishing and bird watching. The Kwando river region is a great place to go to to find all of this - and even more, like hippos!

If it is not the green of the Caprivi that thrills you, but rather the fascination of the San people or wildlife and quietness of Khaudum National Park your route most likely leads you there as well.

Since the drive into either direction is quite long, we recommend a stopover at one of our favorite campsites called “Roy's Rest Camp”.

Just have a look to the map, you will see yourself what is the very fist specialty of this place. Its great location helping to cut distances and add up more relaxation to your journey!

Roy's Rest Camp - a historically connected to the Dorsland Trek

Roy's Rest Camp, which started in 1995 as cattle farming and a rest camp on farm Elandsgate consumes only a small part; 2,800ha. Elandsgate is one of the oldest farms in the Grootfonrein district and has been since 1930 when it belonged to the Alberts family and originated from the Dorslandtrek.

The Dorsland trek laid the foundation and played an important role in the further developments of this historical town. It is a rustic, very personal and a leisure camp with its own character. With the creatively designed surroundings, you can feel and love the uniqueness, because in many places and corners, you cannot escape the inspiring atmosphere.

Some brief info about the Dorsland Trek

The Dorsland Trek (meaning "Thirstland Trek") was a series of migrations by Afrikaner Boers from South Africa to present-day Namibia, Angola, and Botswana between 1874 and 1881. Driven by a desire for independence, better land, and economic opportunities, these settlers faced extreme hardships, including harsh desert conditions, disease, and conflicts with indigenous groups.

The trek started in Transvaal and moved northwest into the Kalahari Desert, a journey that proved deadly due to a severe lack of water—hence the name "Dorsland" (Thirstland). Eventually, some groups settled in Ovamboland and Angola, where they lived under Portuguese rule for decades before many returned to South West Africa (now Namibia) in the 1920s.

The Dorsland Trek is a symbol of Afrikaner perseverance and pioneering spirit, but it also had long-term consequences for the local populations and colonial relations in the region.

Enjoying the atmosphere at Roy's or going for activities - it's up to you

You will experience it to be the perfect hideaway where it is all about old fashioned hospitality and good atmosphere. For your stay you can choose between the Rondavel with an open bathroom and simple beds, bungalows with a bit more luxurious beds, inter-leading family rooms, several campsites and some en-suite rooms for individual travelers.

In case you decide to stay more than just one night, there is even a few exciting activities offered by Roy's. Such as peaceful Walking Trails, spectacular close-up Game Viewing at the hide and waterhole, relaxing at the Swimming Pool or having a laid-back sunset around the campfire with an ice cold Cocktail. This is where stories begin with the bright stars above us. Their Souvenir shop with lots of mementos to remember the days spent on the Omalunga Palm Route, Namibia's heartbeat.

Or you visit the 66 ton iron-nickel meteorite on the Hoba West farm, just 20km south of Grootfontein on the D2905. It was discovered in the 1920's by Jacobus Hermanus Brits while ploughing one of his fields with an ox.

Don't forget to visit the Old Fort museum in Grootfontein which was the military fort and administrative post built in 1896 by Schutztruppe and the Native population.

One of our personal highlights is the fun 4x4 road trip to the Ju/'Hoansi Living Museum - it is a must! Here you learn more about snaring, tracking, lighting a fire, making ropes, jewelry, bow and arrow and so much more!