Etosha Oberland Lodge

19°22’18.5"S 15°58’59.9"E

100% (6 reviews)

Full review Our view Geographics Food & drink Children Wildlife sightings Communications Health & safety Activities Extras

Etosha Oberland Lodge: Our full report

Etosha Oberland Lodge vies to be one of the most luxurious and comfortable accommodation options south of Etosha.

Just 12km from the park’s Andersson Gate, the lodge was opened in early 2020 on a small 50km2 reserve. From here, activities focus firmly on trips into the national park, Namibia's premier wildlife destination.

Owned by the same team that runs Namib Outpost, Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge and Ti Melen, among others, Oberland was the first in an ambitious project to open a selection of new luxurious lodges across Namibia. Prior to our first visit in May 2022, we were unsure what to expect but were pleasantly surprised when we arrived.

Nestled amongst mopane woodland, Etosha Oberland consists of 20 tented chalets, including three family chalets, spread across the bush for privacy. Each is enormous, made up of three main areas: the entrance/lounge with comfortable sofas and chairs and a minibar is flanked by the bedroom to one side and the bathroom to the other. The bedroom is dominated by a king-size bed, with bedside tables and reading lights all curtained by a mosquito net. Guests will also find an efficient air-conditioning unit, ample luggage storage, and a small digital safe. It is worth noting that while the bed can be made up in a twin configuration, the frame does not split so the two beds are essentially touching.

Perhaps our favourite feature is floor-to-ceiling glass windows and sliding doors that beckon the bush into the room, although on a sunny day this can mean the a/c has its work cut out. The sliding doors open onto a private deck with comfortable chairs and views through the trees into the bush.

In the bathroom are a separate toilet, large basin, and large rain-effect shower. The space is impressive, though in a slightly quirky design flaw, the controls for the shower are almost too far from the water meaning you have to step back and forth to get the temperature right. Sliding doors open to reveal an outdoor shower which is well-screened from other chalets, but less so from your own chalet’s deck.

In the family chalets, a second bedroom with twin beds draped in separate mosquito nets and more luggage storage is separated from the master bedroom by a short corridor. Large windows allow plenty of natural light into the room but there are no doors to the outside, making it perfect for children. The two bedrooms share the same bathroom.

Well-marked sandy paths link the chalets to the capacious main area. It is worth noting that while the tracks are generally flat and well-maintained, it is a walk of several hundred meters from the furthest chalets to the main area. However, there is parking beside each chalet, so it is possible to drive between the two if the walk is too much.

The main building is a modern take on a traditional safari lodge, with an intricate wooden frame supporting a high thatched roof giving a light, airy feel to the whole structure. The open-fronted reception area merges with a well-stocked bar, and numerous sofas and chairs look out over the swimming pool and onto the bush and waterhole beyond.

To one side are a well-stocked curio shop and snug cum lounge centred on a large indoor fireplace. While the lounge looked comfortable enough when we stayed, the weather was warm and fine so it seemed seldom used, but we can imagine this would be an appealing spot to cosy up with a book or enjoy an aperitif before dinner in the cooler winter months.

The dining area, to the other side, is vast; even when the lodge is full we cannot imagine the dining room would feel busy. This is where a buffet breakfast is served, and in poor weather other meals as well. Large windows, chandeliers and artistic Namibian portraits help lighten and soften the space that might otherwise feel a touch cavernous.

At the far end, bi-fold doors open onto a covered patio where lunch and dinner are served, weather permitting. On our stay, we were lucky enough to have our delicious evening meal interrupted by the appearance of the reserve’s white rhino drinking at the waterhole.

In front of the restaurant, a walkway leads to four sundowner spots, each with a couple of comfy chairs, a small table and a parasol. These are the closest points to the waterhole and make the perfect place to relax, watch the sunset and enjoy a drink before dinner.

Activities at Oberland were a little limited when we visited. The only guided option at the time was a 7–8 hour guided safari into Etosha which departed in the early morning; a lunch pack is included. However, being so close to the park the lodge is well-placed for self-drive guests to explore in their hire vehicle. There was talk of introducing walks around the reserve, but these were still being worked out.

Our view

We were pleasantly surprised by Etosha Oberland on our first visit. For those looking to spoil themselves with a comfortable stay, great food and excellent service in a relaxed environment this is a serious contender. However, it is worth noting that the activities on offer here are a little more limited than some other options in the area.

Tom Morris

Country manager: Namibia

Geographics

Location: Etosha National Park, Namibia
Ideal length of stay: Two or three nights
Directions: Etosha Oberland Lodge is located about 6km south-east of Etosha's Andersson Gate.
Accessible by: Self-drive

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Half Board
Food quality: The quality of the food at Etosha Oberland was superb on our last visit in May 2022. We understand that with advanced notice most dietary requirements can be accommodated.

An extensive buffet breakfast includes cereal, fruit, yoghurt, freshly baked bread and muffins, juices, tea and coffee. Hot dishes, including bacon, tomatoes, sausages and eggs, are available to order.

We didn’t have the chance to enjoy lunch during our stay but we believe that options including burgers, wraps and salads can be ordered from an à la carte menu. Lunch packs are available on request.

Dinner was one of the surprise highlights of our stay: the five-course set menu was excellent from start to finish. An amuse-bouche of deep-fried crab claws with mint-infused capers set the tone, followed by a superb fresh tomato, mozzarella and aubergine tower. A mixed fruit granita cleared the pallet before a perfectly cooked steak served with peppercorn sauce, parsley-infused garlic rice and a roasted butternut squash stir-fry. We then, somehow, managed to make space for the delicious homemade tiramisu before heading off to bed feeling contented and very full.
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service: Private dining can be arranged on request; please speak to us if you would like to know more.
Drinks included: Drinks are not included, and the chalet minibars run on an honesty system.
Water is pumped from a borehole so while it may be safe to drink, it could taste a little salty; bottled water is available for an additional cost.

Children

Attitude towards children: Children of all ages are welcome at Etosha Oberland Lodge.
Property’s age restrictions: There is no age restriction at the lodge itself. However, the minimum age for guided drives into Etosha National Park is 12 years.
Special activities & services: None
Equipment: Three family rooms, each with an additional bedroom. There are currently no cots or highchairs.
Generally recommended for children: There is not a huge amount to keep children entertained, apart from the swimming pool.
Notes: Children must be supervised at all times, especially at the unfenced pool on the terrace.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Etosha Oberland Lodge

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Etosha Oberland Lodge have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

Giraffe

100% success

Oryx

100% success

Spotted Hyena

100% success

Wildebeest

100% success

Zebra

100% success

Black Rhino

80% success

Elephant

75% success

Lion

75% success

Roan antelope

75% success

Eland

60% success

Cheetah

33% success

Leopard

33% success

Sable antelope

33% success

White Rhino

33% success

Aardvark

0% success

Brown Hyena

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

Communications

Power supply notes: There is a backup generator.
Communications: Complimentary WiFi is available in the main building and rooms although it can be intermittent. There is a cellphone signal at the lodge.
TV & radio: None
Water supply: Borehole
Water supply notes: There are flushing toilets and plumbed in showers.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: The nearest doctor is in Outjo, just over an hour’s drive away. In an emergency patients would be flown to Windhoek for treatment.
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: There is a guard on duty at the reserve’s entrance 24/7.
Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers in the chalets and in the main area.

Activities

4WD Safari
Birdwatching

Extras

Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: A full laundry service is available for an extra charge.
Money: There is a small digital safe in every chalet.
Accepted payment on location: Payments may be made with Visa and Mastercard, and in cash with Namibian dollars or South African rand.