Reviews of Onguma Tented Camp
(93%) From 33 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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Onguma Tented Camp review
Very nice camp but spoilt somewhat by thousands of bugs everywhere - very unpleasant at dinner and in the room, not helped by the staff leaving an outside light on directly by the door. The second night we requested this to be left off and it reduced the number considerably.
The room itself was extremely hot and airless and the fan was useless! The pool area was relaxing and very welcome in the heat.
Onguma Tented Camp review
We arrived here after a very interesting drive through Etosha where we saw some fascinating elephant behavior.
It is comfortable & well appointed but didn't have the "intimate" feel of many of the other camps. Our evening drive was very low on sightings although our guide was interesting & informative.
Relaxation & no ash.
This is a lovely camp with great facilities and lovely staff. The only downside is that there were no animals inside the reserve - they are definitely there but in two days we saw a couple of lion and a brief rhino sighting - the later is part of a rehabilitation project and as the central fence is removed the sightings could be more difficult until the rhino become used to the vehicles.
Great location and food.
Onguma Tented Camp review
We were surprised at how close to the gate the entrance to Onguma was. You then have an interesting 30 minute drive to the camp from the entrance and a variety of game can be seen on the way.
Onguma has a nice sitting area, restaurant area and a small but welcome pool all with a great view of the waterhole. The small waterhole had a variety of game that visited during the day and the night. Keep an eye out for the honey badgers!
The staff were lovely especially Alphaeus who was kind, gentle and efficient.
The tents are large, nicely appointed and very comfortable indeed. The outdoor showers are a lovely touch although the indoor shower and bath are great too. There is a coffee/tea station in each tent and electricity sockets available. There are no mosquito nets here which might be useful and reassuring.
We went on one game drive into Etosha with the guide. The drive was good as the guides share information so you see things you may have missed by yourself. We found the drive too short for our enthusiastic selves. You left at 7:30 and returned by 10:30/11:00. By the time you had done the 2 X 1/2 hr drives to the gate and completed the formalities at Naumutoni on returning you only had 2 hours in the park so we drove ourselves in after that. Having said that you do see game on the way into and out of the park and we did see 5 lions on Onguma property.
Onguma Tented Camp review
A beautiful situation but the water hole at the camp was very disappointing. This camp is very remote. However the guide on the excursion into Etosha was very knowledgeable and friendly.
After dark the staff escort guests from their room to the restaurant and lounge at an agreed time but it would be helpful if there were some way of calling reception when you are ready to make it more flexible.
Onguma Tented Camp review
The location was superb with every balcony overlooking the waterhole which was frequently visited by animals.
It was a bit awkward having to wait for a member of staff to escort us the 70 metres to the dining room after dark (health & safety).
The food was poor and the chef needs to take some training in preparing meals for vegetarians.
Another interesting type of safari
Excellent camp with first class food and environment
Pleasantly relaxing by their water hole.
Some people we got to know stayed at one of the other Onguma camps and were very dissatisfied to the point of leaving a day early.
Great place to relax but....
This was a very good place to relax after some hectic days in Etosha. The standard of accommodation was very high and the food excellent. Although the brochure stated communal eating this was not the case - we had indivdual tables.
The waiting staff were very good indeed ... however we understand the camp managers have only been at the camp for six months and we're not sure exactly how at ease they feel in the job.
The private game reserve was truly poor - perhaps we'd been spoilt by Ongava/Etosha. We had a good guide who normally worked at a first rate private reserve in South Africa, and although he put on a brave face it was obvious that he was a bit embarrassed.
Overall we felt this was a people oriented rather than a wildlife oriented place.
Big 4 seen in less than an hour/gourmet meals
All-in this is a tie with Wolwedens as best of class....
Excellent wine cellar complimented an eclectic and very romantic dining area (totally open air and full view of a 24-hour lighted waterhole). Food was stellar for all meals.
Rooms had both indoor, outdoor showers and tub.... with an endless supply of hot water. Front decks opened to a full view of the waterhole. The pool/lounging area was very elegant.
Guide (Previous) was super friendly and put us on stellar wildlife in the morning and a great "nature" oriented drive with sundowner in the evening. Having Etosha relatively close by was a big plus. Attention to detail was impressive, including lit candles in the room after dinner, a hot water bottle in the jeep along with blankets for the early morning drive to Etosha and an excellent curio collection
We have always believed that acting responsibly is the only way to approach tourism and we're one of
the few companies to hold AITO's original coveted 5-star status for responsible tourism. It's a lead
that others are now following.
