So conveniently situated just 15 minutes drive south of the capital Windhoek, Monteiro lies in an extremely pretty and natural setting, nestling under the Gross Hertzog Mountain with wonderful views to the remainder of the spectacular Auas mountain range. It is now over three years since Monteiro first opened its doors to the public; and the choice of accommodation remains spot on for travellers looking for value at the less expensive end of the overnight marketplace. Of the six campsites, five are nicely shaded, and a seventh site will be added soon. Each of the sites has water and power points and braai (barbecue) facilities, for which bundles of firewood can be purchased. A communal field kitchen and two excellent, spotless ablution facilities further complement the surroundings. Monteiro can also provide tented and fully equipped accommodation for those who are travelling without canvas, but prefer to sleep under the stars. All these camping places enjoy lovely, well maintained, grassy locations, each with a pleasant degree of privacy.
But for those who prefer a solid roof over their heads, there are two delightful guest chalets, equipped with twin beds and two bunk beds also. These chalets have full, spacious en suite amenities with a bath and a shower in the one case, just a nice shower in the other. Also to be found are useful cooking facilities, a fridge and indeed all the equipment needed to enjoy a self-catering stay. Each of these guest rooms has an individual braai place outside. Whisper it quietly, but there is talk of two more guest chalets being constructed to meet ever-increasing demand. There is also a very pleasant swimming pool, again with fabulous views, for all to enjoy; nearby owners Wessel and Hannelie Swanepoel have recently added a small but useful kiosk selling lots of the items that campers will be pleased to find, as well as treats such as ice creams for the children. Other services provided, on request, at Monteiro are a laundry availability and the supply of picnic packs if so required.
It is not always so easy to find top class managers or caretakers for tourism establishments these days; the burgeoning number of outlets has seen standards sometimes fall short of the ideal levels that such an engaging and fast emerging destination as Namibia would wish for and indeed strive for. Well, no such problem at Monteiro Camping and Self-Catering Chalets where the resident and incumbent couple – Josef and Martha Swartbooi – along with their delightful daughter Benotie, have proved to be the most capable, hard-working and cheerful caretaker managers that you could wish to find anywhere. Their attitude is perfect, reflecting on the smashing atmosphere that greets guests arriving and staying at Monteiro, the place is always spotless, nothing is too much trouble and yet the pair are not always ‘in your face’ and intruding into your space. Just right.
It’s amazing that such a short distance from Windhoek, you can feel so much at one with nature and be fortunate enough to spot Kudu, Oryx and Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra quietly grazing nearby. Birding opportunities are excellent too. Meanwhile the delightful garden areas, wonderfully well stocked with all manner of plants, and expanding continuously, are a credit to both owner and staff. Rates, too, considering such an ideal proximity to the capital, continue to be pitched at very reasonable and affordable levels. Such keen pricing is ensuring that occupancy levels at Monteiro are the envy of many establishments in reaching both locals keen to spend some quality time in nature not far from their urban homesteads and of course good numbers of visiting tourists, especially those driving up from neighbouring South Africa on that shiny B1 black top. It simply doesn’t get much better than this!
FACT FILE
Monteiro Camping and Self-Catering Chalets is situated off the main B1 tar road just 11 km - a 15 minute drive at most - from the B1 traffic circle to the south of Windhoek. You’ll be heading towards Rehoboth, and Monteiro is very clearly and officially signed from the road in both directions. Rates are as follows: Camping N$55 per person per night. Tented, fully equipped accommodation is also offered at a nightly rate of N$140 (single) or N$220 (double). The Guest Chalets are N$220 for one person overnight, then N$320, N$420, and N$480 for two, three or four guests respectively. A daytime only visit is available at N$30 per person. Wood is sold at N$ 15 per bundle at a useful kiosk that stocks many other camping necessities. All other rates are upon request. Make your reservations on either +264 61 241345
w (Tel & Fax) or +264 81 129 1172 (Cell).
E-Mail: monteiro@iway.na
Website: www.monteironamibia.com
