Treesleeper Camp

Treesleeper Camp is a campsite in the bush next to Tsintsabis, a mostly San settlement in Oshikoto about 65 km north of Tsumeb. It belongs to the Haiǁom community and is run by the Tsintsabis Trust. The name is a translation of Haiǁom, which elders link to the old practice of sleeping up in trees to stay clear of lions and other predators. People come for the San guides rather than the facilities, and it fits well before or after Etosha’s eastern side.

What to expect

The camp went into decline after an unfinished government lodge project and then COVID, and stopped operating. Local volunteers and Dutch students started fixing it up, and in September 2024 the camp announced it was open again. For now it’s basic. There is ground camping with a bucket shower, a bucket or manual flush toilet and a braai area. The camp says there’s no running water, electricity or meals while renovations go on, and the treedeck sites are still being rebuilt. Tents can be hired.

The bushwalk (about two hours) covers tracking, fire making and bush food and medicine. The village tour (also about two hours) visits Haiǁom homes in the village. The fireside dance performance is on hold for now, according to the rates page.

Practical details

• Phone: +264 81 698 3374 or +264 81 313 3988. Bookings: treesleeper.booking@gmail.com.
• No 4x4 needed. From Tsumeb, cross the railway in the north of town and follow the road signposted to Tsintsabis for about 60 km. The camp’s directions call it the D3006; newer maps show it as the B15 towards Katwitwi.
• A small daily development fee per visitor goes to the community.

Good to know

On the village tour, guests are asked to bring a small gift for the families whose homes they visit, such as tea, sugar or a T-shirt. Bring enough water for your stay until the camp confirms the pump is working again.

Last updated 7 October 2026. Sources: Treesleeper Camp, Treesleeper Camp, our story, Treesleeper Camp, activities, Treesleeper Camp, contact and directions, Treesleeper Camp, newsletter September 2024, Treesleeper Camp, rates and current facilities, Travel News Namibia, Wikipedia, Tsintsabis.