Ultimate Safaris support leads to re-opening of Conservancy-owned community business
After more than a decade of closure and a
retreat to a state of full disrepair, thanks to a financial investment of
nearly N$ 1 million from Ultimate Safaris’ Conservation Travel Foundation and
the Community Conservation Fund of Namibia, the Doro !Nawas Conservancy-owned Granietkop
Campsite is once again open and ready to welcome tourists.
The agreement to redevelop the campsite,
which is built around an instantly recognisable granite outcrop along the D2612
in the heart of Damaraland, was originally signed in 2019 when Ultimate Safaris
approached the Doro !Nawas Conservancy to develop Onduli Ridge in the area. While
plans for the campsite’s redevelopment had to be put on hold with the arrival
of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, and the resulting decrease in funding
available right across the tourism industry, the completely refurbished campsite
will be hosting its grand re-opening on Thursday 15 August 2024.
While guests need to provide their own
camping gear and food, each of the 5 private campsites, set among the granite
boulders at the base of the granite outcrop, is equipped with a shower, wash
basin, flush toilet, food prep area, fireplace, and a raised braai. Much
attention has been paid to ensuring the campsite operates on a minimal impact
basis, with lighting provided by a sophisticated solar plant, and an on-site
solid waste management system which ensures all waste is sorted and processed
on-site before being transported to recycling depots in Windhoek.
With easy access to surrounding highlights,
including the Burnt Mountain, Organ Pipes, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site
of Twyfelfontein, a brand-new website (www.granietkop.com) with online booking
functionality, and staff training and booking and management support being
provided by Ultimate Safaris’ Travel Conservation Foundation, Ultimate Safaris
CEO, Tristan Cowley says they are “really delighted to get this
conservancy-owned business back up running,” expressing his hope that “before
too long it will be contributing significantly to livelihood of the members of
the Doro !Nawas Conservancy”.
Our Retreats
Our retreats are conservation impact investments designed to combine exceptional hospitality, environmental sustainability, community development and meaningful connection to place.
Onduli Ridge
Signature Retreat
Onduli Ridge is an extraordinary desert retreat built amongst ancient granite outcrops, offering immersive wilderness experiences, refined design and exceptional comfort within one of Namibia’s most remarkable landscapes.
Onduli Enclave
Private Retreat
A private villa retreat offering exclusivity, extraordinary comfort and complete immersion within Namibia’s ancient desert landscapes.
Camp Sossus
Immersive Exploration Retreats
Camp Sossus is a secluded desert retreat positioned within a naturally formed granite amphitheatre near Sossusvlei, offering immersive exploration and understated luxury.
Camp Doros
Immersive Exploration Retreats
Camp Doros is an intimate wilderness retreat focused on tracking desert-adapted black rhino alongside experienced Rhino Ranger teams in remote Namibia.
Galton House
Urban Retreat
Located in Windhoek, Galton House is a stylish urban retreat offering contemporary comfort, warm hospitality and a seamless transition into your Namibia journey.
Meru Camp
Mobile Retreat
Spacious Meru tents designed for comfortable mobile safari experiences in remote wilderness areas while maintaining simplicity, authenticity and immersion.
