Just 25 minutes' drive from Etosha's eastern entrance gate, and about 12-13km from the main road, Etosha Aoba Lodge stands on a private nature reserve. This reserve dates back to May 1998, when one farm here was proclaimed as 'Fischer's Pan Private Nature Reserve'. Other farms were added to this in 2007, and more than 200km of internal fences have been removed – so that it now covers 360km² and shares a boundary with Etosha National Park.
The lodge itself stands in a tamboti forest and its central 'Lapa' (a thatched, open-sided dining area) has a terrace which over-looks a water hole. There's also a swimming pool; a bar/restaurant, a small curio shop, a small library – and facilities for guests to access the internet.
Etosha Aoba has 10 thatched bungalows, many of whose verandas overlook the "Omuramba Ovambo" – a dry river bed. Each is furnished with large twin beds (topped by a mosquito net) and a private en-suite bathroom. Each has a 24-hour, 220V electricity supply, as well as a ceiling fan, a tea/coffee machine and a small mini-bar (stocked with drinks).
Most visitors use Etosha Aoba as a base for their own drives into Etosha National Park. Although there is some game, and good birding, on the lodge's own reserve, it usually pales in comparison with that in the national park.
That said, there are a some game hides positioned near waterholes on the property, within a short walk of the lodge, and a botanical trail, including details of more than 50 different trees & plants.
If you don't want to drive yourself around the national park, then Etosha Aoba can organise an open vehicle and professional guide to take you around the national park.
The staff at the lodge come from a variety of different backgrounds, and although English is the language that is most often spoken here, staff also speak Owambo, Damara, San, Afrikaans and German.
Lodge overview
Lodge type: Safari
No. of bedrooms: 10 bungalows
Season: Open Year Round
Ideal length of stay: Two to three nights are recommended here
Directions: The Etosha Aoba Lodge is adjacent to the Etosha National Park.
It's easy to reach, about 12-13km from the main road, and the turnoff is right next to the Von Lindequist Gate, on the eastern aside of Etosha National Park.
Accessible by: Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Half Board
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Drinks included: Drinks are not included here.
Children
Attitude towards children: Children are welcome here, but it's important to note that there are dangerous wild animals around, and the swimming pool is too deep for younger children.
Age restrictions: Children under 9 are free, charged for meals and drinks only; children of 10 and over are changed an adult price.
Activities: There are no special facilities or arrangements for children.
Equipment: The bungalows at Etosha Aoba don't easily accommodate extra beds; they're just not big enough! However, small camp beds are possible for smaller children, under about nine years old. These are too small for larger children.
Generally recommended for children: Not recommended for younger children, but fine for children who are 10-12 and over – although even they will need constant supervision by their parents.
Notes: Children over ten can join the guided 4WD trips into the park; families with younger children will need to book a private vehicle and guide if they wish to take a guided trip.
Central communications
Power supply: Mains Electricity
Communications: Central phone and Internet access in the main facilities. Mobile reception good.
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: The nearest doctor in Tsumeb, an hour's drive away.
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers in rooms
Extras
Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: There is a laundry service, provided at an extra charge.
Accepted payment: Accepted payments are N$, US$, GB£, € and credit cards
Etosha Aoba Lodge review
A more traditional and older place than those in which we had stayed previously, and as such, the rooms seemed small. However, objectively, they were perfectly spacious and the facilities were good wi...
Etosha Aoba Lodge review
After some of the other lodges this one felt rather dated and because it is hidden away in the trees it perhaps lacked the atmosphere of the others.
Lovely site and very welcoming
The oldest accomodation we stayed in and slightly frayed at edges but a very good site and excellent hosts. The food was very good and we were sorry only to have one night in this camp.
We highl...
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Etosha Aoba Lodge