Camp Kipwe sits in the Uibasen-Twyfelfontein Community Conservancy, with rondavel-style bungalows and a pool carved out of the local boulders. A sundowner viewpoint gives 180-degree views.
The camp runs two signature outings: a morning drive to find the desert-adapted elephants, and an afternoon excursion to the UNESCO-listed Twyfelfontein rock engravings, Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes.
Camp Kipwe at a glance
| Departs / distance | Time | |
|---|---|---|
| Desert-elephant drive | Usually 06h30 | About 4–6 hours |
| Twyfelfontein, Burnt Mountain & Organ Pipes | Usually 15h00 | About 2 hours |
| Drive from Swakopmund | 320 km | About 4 hours |
| Drive from Windhoek | 550 km | About 5.5 hours |
| Twyfelfontein airstrip | 15 km | About 20 minutes |
What travellers ask
Who runs Camp Kipwe?
Chiwani Safari Camps. Its sister camp nearby is Mowani Mountain Camp.
Should I stay at Camp Kipwe or Mowani?
Both are good choices and both are Chiwani camps in the same area. They have different styles, so pick the one that suits the stay you want.
How many nights should I spend at Camp Kipwe?
We recommend two nights.
How do the desert-elephant drives work?
The guided drive usually departs at 06h30 and lasts about four to six hours, with drinks and snacks. We recommend the guided drive rather than searching for the elephants on your own.
Are the elephant drive and the Twyfelfontein excursion included in the rate?
No. Both are extra and paid at the camp.
Can young children join the elephant drive?
Yes. A private vehicle can be arranged on request.
Can I visit the Twyfelfontein rock engravings from the camp?
Yes. The Twyfelfontein, Burnt Mountain and Organ Pipes excursion usually departs at 15h00 and takes about two hours.
How far is Camp Kipwe from Swakopmund and Windhoek?
About 320 km (around 4 hours) from Swakopmund and 550 km (around 5.5 hours) from Windhoek. Twyfelfontein airstrip is 15 km away, about a 20-minute transfer.
Do I need a 4x4 to reach Camp Kipwe?
No. The road is gravel, and a 2WD vehicle is fine.
What rooms does Camp Kipwe have?
Rondavel-style bungalows with open-air bathrooms (outdoor shower) and air-conditioning, twin beds that convert to a double, plus the Kipwe Suite and two thatched Luxury Suites, each with a heated splash pool.
Do the rooms have air-conditioning?
Yes. The bungalows have air-conditioning.
Is there Wi-Fi and phone signal?
Wi-Fi is limited because of the remote location, and cell reception is limited too.
Is Camp Kipwe good for children?
Yes. The camp is child friendly. Children under 3 stay free, and children aged 3 to 12 sleep in a children's tent or on camping beds in their parents' room.
Are there plug points in the rooms?
Yes, every room has plug points. Power is 220/240V with a backup generator, and the sockets take round 3-pin 15-amp or 2 round-pin plugs.
Which payments does the camp accept?
Mastercard and Visa, and Namibian dollars, rand and US dollars.
Rates and booking
Safaris that stay here
6 Desert Tracks itineraries include Camp Kipwe: