Reviews of Onguma Bush Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
84 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Onguma Bush Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
50% success
12% success
19% success
79% success
67% success
67% success
67% success
50% success
44% success
35% success
33% success
20% success
19% success
19% success
14% success
0% success
0% success
"Close base for Etosha visits"
"Nice accommodation and handy for etosha"
"Good time at Onguma"
The food was very good. Our son also really like the 'play room'.
Being outside the park is slightly inconvenient with small children as you have to cut your gamedrives at bit short to be at the lodge at a sensible time (for the kids)." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia; 4n in South Africa
"Onguma Bush Camp"
Excellent dinner and breakfast and good service and facilities" See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Mixed Feelings about Onguma "
The negatives– compared to every other lodge we stayed at in Namibia, the service was just not very friendly or welcoming. I was first to say hello or good morning to most of the staff, unlike other lodges which overwhelm you with their friendliness and smiles. They did their jobs well and were attentive and efficient (for example, one waiter noticed that our table was wobbling and quickly came over and fixed it) but the "feel" was just not the best. The lodge/dinner area is beautiful but there is the sense that you are not really welcome to hang out there. At 9pm, it seemed the staff was eager to put out the candles and get everyone to bed. Guests should be encouraged to enjoy the bar and beautiful lodge!
The highlight of the lodge, which is the one reason Onguma gets 4 stars instead of 3, is their hide. As a photographer, the hide by the waterhole is an incredible experience. It is amazing to spend time there waiting to see which animals will approach the waterhole–we had a couple of incredible surprises! Getting those low-angle shots is a very special experience and a real asset." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia
"More formal style camp"
Service is more formal here and I am less comfortable with that but plus points were the enormous chalet and really good food and wine.
Dining area by a waterhole and a swimming pool here so quite relaxing after lots of driving in Etosha" See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Onguma Bush Camp review"
"Wonderful and relaxing setting"
The rondavels were a little on the small side but there was no reason to be in them other than to sleep so it wasn't uncomfortable. One evening there was no hot water as the gas heating system broke but this was repaired after a few hours.
The staff in the restaurant were fantastic and the chef the best. This food and its presentation was of five star standard.
The game drive and the safari walk we did in their own reserve was average. We wouldn't do the safari walk again as it was too 'tame' and not far enough to feel we had even stretched our legs. Compared to the vast Etosha the private reserve did feel quite small but since the camp is just outside the Etosha gates you really have the best of both.
We would stay here again without hesitation." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia; 2n in Zambia
"Stunning luxury"
Maintenance, decoration, service and food and drink are all of the highest calibre. Some may even find the luxury a bit overwhelming.
Our sundowner guided drive through Onguma park was rather unproductive but our self-drive safari through Etosha the next day was highly enjoyable and revealed plenty of wildlife." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana
"Good place to stay"
A few giraffes came to the watering hole at sunset, but not much else (it wasn't the season). Also note that the camp is about a 15 minute drive on a fairly bumpy road from the park gate. It doesn't seem like much but when you spend all day driving in the park on bumpy roads were you're not even supposed to get out of the car to stretch your legs it really adds up." See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia
Holiday styles & special interests in Namibia
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Namibia.
Other lodges in Etosha National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.