Okaukuejo Camp: Our full report

Okaukuejo Camp (formerly known as Okakwiju), meaning a woman who bore a child each year, stands near the public southern entrance of Etosha National Park, at the western end of the famous Etosha Pan. It officially opened for visitors in 1957, and is the oldest and largest of the three former government-run rest camps (the other two are Halali Camp and Namutoni Camp).

Okaukuejo is now operated by the para-statal Namibia Wildlife Resorts. It was completely upgraded and re-furbished in late 2007, when there was a change for the better in its accommodation. The service and food proved harder to improve, but great strides have been made in these areas too – see our reviewers' comments. Okaukuejo Camp is also the administrative centre of the park, and home to Etosha Ecological Institute, responsible for the research and conservation of the park's flora and fauna.

Okaukuejo's main attraction is the large, flood-lit waterhole, which receives exceedingly regular visits from a wide diversity of wildlife. These animals include herds of antelope, lion, family groups of elephant and black rhino, which are seen remarkably frequently. It's not an over-statement to say that this is probably the best place in Africa to observe black rhino in the wild – as there are often a number of individuals which come down to this waterhole to drink at night.

The spectacle starts at dawn and continues throughout the day, with visits from herds of zebras and springbok during the afternoon. It's especially fun to sit back after dinner with a bottle of wine, watching the water's nocturnal visitors and their interactions. Beside this, the landmark stone tower at the heart of Okaukuejo rest camp is an excellent spot to relax and watch the sun go down behind distant mountains.

Okaukuejo Camp boasts a total of 104 chalets, They are all equipped with fridges and tea-stations, and come in six different types, depending on their location and size:

There are five Premier Waterhole Chalets set in close proximity to the waterhole. These are numbered chalet 31w - 35w, with chalet 34 affording travelers the best view of the waterhole, the other four chalets' views are obscured by tree branches. The double-storey buildings has an en-suite bedroom (with two single beds), a small lounge area and the tea/coffee station and fridge downstairs. Stairs lead to the main bedroom, with a (queen-size bed) in the middle of the room facing wide glass doors which open out onto a private patio. The upstairs bedroom has his and hers wash basins, a flush loo, a wardrobe and shower situated behind the bedroom area. From the bed you have partial views of the waterhole or you can lie out on twin sun loungers and enjoy the views from your private patio overlooking the waterhole and its wildlife activity. Note that these rooms are usually booked on a full board basis.

Of the 30 Waterhole Chalets at Okaukuejo, bungalows 1w - 30w only chalets 1w + 2w and 9w + 10w have views of the waterhole, but these are considerably smaller and do not have a private living area. The tea/coffee stations and fridges are situated inside the wardrobes due to limited space. Although the rest of the waterhole chalets do not have views of the waterhole, they are situated close by and are considerably more spacious, each with their own private living area.

The two self-catering Family Chalets bungalows 96 and 97 are very spacious with a large living area with plenty of seating space, two en-suite bedrooms each with twin beds and a well-equipped kitchenette. (equipped with a stove with four hot plates and an oven, a large fridge, tea station, counter with four stools, twin wash up sinks, draining rack, a dustbin, cutlery, crockery, teapots, pots, saucepan, kitchen knives, water jug and braai utensils. Each has a braai area adjacent to a shaded veranda with outdoor tables and chairs.

There are also 20 Bush Chalets at Okaukuejo Camp, chalets 72 - 91. Each has one double bedroom, a bathroom, a lounge area and barbeque facilities.

In addition, Okaukuejo Camp has 45 en-suite Double Rooms chalets 32 - 71 with two Disabled Access Chalets. The latter are set close to the waterhole, and have double bedrooms and are spacious, with wide doorways for wheelchair access. The loo and shower have handrails; the shower also has a pull down seat. The tea/coffee station area is built level with someone in a wheelchair for easy access.

As befits one of the country's original restcamps, there are 37 camping sites at Okaukuejo. Whilst staying here, guest have access to three ablution blocks with showers and toilets, and can use the three communal field kitchens, complete with cooking areas. Power points, hot & cold water, and braai facilities are available at all camping sites.

The main facilities at Okaukuejo are typical of a rest camp and include a restaurant, where all the meals are served as a buffet, a bar, a kiosk where light meals and drinks are available during the day, a curio shop, a post office, as well as a fuel station and three swimming pools. Two large pools are for adults and there's a smaller, shallower pool for children. There's also a tourist shop, selling basic food items, and a tourist centre, displaying the ongoing park research. The camp also has a launderette on site, for which tokens can be purchased at reception at N$50 per token for a single load and another N$50 token to dry. In cases of emergency, there's a state clinic on site.

Whilst staying at Okaukuejo, activities mainly consist of wildlife viewing – and the vast majority of visitors come in their own cars, and drive themselves around the park. Etosha was set up as a reserve for visitors to drive themselves, with a network of very well-marked and signposted roads.

In addition to your own game drives, the flood-lit waterhole often delivers an outstanding game viewing experience in the evening. In recent years, the park authorities have started running their own guided game drives, which leave in the morning (06:30), in the afternoon (15:30) and in the evening (20:00). There's also a nature walk possible within the camp, and sometimes it's possible to visit to the Etosha Ecological Institute.

Geographics

Location: Etosha National Park, Namibia

Ideal length of stay: 2-3 nights

Directions: From Windhoek, take the B1 and turn onto the C38 from Otjiwarongo through Outjo to Anderson Gate (about 400 km; 114 lm from Outjo). Okaukuejo is situated another 17 km from the southern entrance of Etosha National Park.

Key personnel

Owner: Okaukuejo Camp is run by Namibia Wildlife Resorts.

Food & drink

Usual board basis: B&B

Food quality: Okaukuejo Camp has a restaurant, providing buffets for breakfast (05:30 to 10:00 during winter, 06:00 to 10:00 in summer), lunch (12:00 to14:00), and dinner (18:00 to 21:30 in winter, 19:00 to 22:00 in summer).

Okaukuejo's two Family Chalets are self-catering and have well-equipped kitchenettes and braai areas. The 25 Bush Chalets have barbeque facilities as well, and guests staying on one of the 26 camping sites have access to three field kitchens and communal braai areas.

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Drinks included: No drinks are included.

Special interests

Wildlife safaris: Okaukuejo Camp's large permanent waterhole is flood-lit at night, and attracts vast numbers of wild animals, coming to quench their thirst. Black rhinos, zebra, lion, and herds of elephant are frequent visitors in the evenings, and whilst staying here, guests have most stunning opportunities to observe them at close range.

See more ideas for Wildlife safaris in Namibia

Children

Attitude towards children: Children are welcome at Okaukuejo Camp.

Generally recommended for children: Yes, but children must be supervised at all times. It is especially important that they are quiet at the waterhole.

Notes: 6 to 12 year old children are charged at half price for game drives, children under the age of 6 are not permitted on game drives.

Central communications

Power supply: Mains Electricity

Communications: There's a phone in the main area. Mobile reception is available throughout the camp.

TV & radio: There are no radios or TVs in any of the chalets and rooms.

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: There's a basic clinic on-site with two nurses. A first aid box is available at reception.

Dangerous animals: High Risk

Security measures: There's a low fence and a wall in-between the flood-lit waterhole and the chalets, to reduce the chances of dangerous animals from entering the camp.

Fire safety: There is a fire extinguisher in each room.

Extras

Disabled access: In Place

Laundry facilities: Full Laundry Service – Extra Charge

Money: Pounds and US dollars are accepted.