Aabadi Mountain Camp is for travellers who want their Damaraland raw and unpolished. Set on a private concession in the hills outside Khorixas, it is a rustic, owner-run place of simple stone chalets and tents where the emphasis falls squarely on the surrounding wilderness rather than on creature comforts. For a certain kind of visitor – and its loyal repeat guests – that is precisely the appeal.
The accommodation is basic and characterful: solid double rooms and safari tents with en-suite or shared facilities, lit in places by lantern and paraffin rather than mains power, which only adds to the off-grid atmosphere. Evenings revolve around the campfire under a blazing canopy of stars, with the silence of the desert broken only by the occasional call of a jackal or owl. This is a camp that leans into its remoteness.
What draws people here above all is the desert-adapted elephants. Aabadi has a strong reputation for tracking the herds that move through the Huab river system, and guided outings from the camp offer an intimate, low-key alternative to the excursions run by the bigger lodges. The Twyfelfontein rock art, the Petrified Forest and Khorixas itself are all within reach for day trips.
Rooms are sold on a room-only basis – no meals are included – though meals can usually be arranged with advance notice, and the simple set-up keeps costs down. As a price guide, a double room for two adults is around N$2,000 per night including taxes, making Aabadi one of the most affordable ways to sleep in the heart of elephant country.
Aabadi is deliberately off-grid, so come prepared: bring cash, a torch and an easy-going attitude, and confirm in advance whether you want meals arranged. Access is on gravel and sandy tracks off the roads west of Khorixas, where a high-clearance vehicle is recommended, particularly after rain. The cooler, drier months from May to October are best for elephant tracking and comfortable nights under canvas. This camp suits independent, adventurous travellers and wildlife enthusiasts who prize authenticity, campfires and close encounters with desert elephants far above hotel-style comfort.
If you value atmosphere, wildlife and value over polish, Aabadi is a genuine Damaraland original. Check live availability and current pricing via the button below.
Check current availability for Aabadi Mountain Camp on Booking.com.
