Reviews of Hobatere Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
74 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Hobatere Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Exciting evening Safari."
We did the evening game drive, and although Martin our guide tried very hard to fine some large game to view, we only managed to see a selection of small mammals. But it was well worthwhile. The next morning their were plenty of game around the water hole, but we had to leave. The lodges we found rather small, and coming from Damaraland the atmosphere was not quite so warm and engaging.
Nevertheless, I very much liked this more relaxed approach, and would certainly visit the site again. The restaurant staff were superb." See all these reviews: 22n in Namibia
"Hobatere Lodge review"
Hobatere Lodge and the small round houses reminded us of a Mission Hospital/School that you would find in other parts of Africa and so we felt "at home" !
The feature that we enjoyed the most at Hobatere Lodge was the hide at the waterhole some distance away from the main Lodge.We were driven there and remained for several hours amazed at the number of game visiting.
A couple of days before our arrival lions had come close to the Lodge and spent some time lying on top of the generator at the waterhole - huge excitement !
Unfortunately there were no guided walks on offer - maybe that will be rectified in the future." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Hobatere Lodge review"
Bad design. PM game drive with guide Albert (good value), huge Mercedes Unimog. Saw hundreds of Zebra, recently killed Zebra with three lionesses. Great game drive. Poor dinner, peanut sauce over stuffed chicken breast. Bed hard.
Early morning game drive with Albert, very good guide. Bat eared Foxes, Jackal, Giraffe, Kudu, Eland & Ostrich. A good dinner.
In the morning great excitement as two lionesses come through the camp. leave for Etosha National Park." See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia
"Nice place though a little tired looking"
The dinner was nicely set up for us in a private part of the garden, and we were recognised that it was our honeymoon, and so the service from everyone was really lovely.
The rooms are a bit tired but we understand that the Hobatere Lodge was only recently re-opened, so we hope that it has a successful future." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"Hobatere Lodge review"
We have rated this lodge as good, because it had many very good aspects, but it had significant issues of a kind we did not encounter anywhere else in Namibia. We were told that Hobatere had re-opened this year after being closed for several years. A fire had destroyed the original main building hence the closure, and the lodge had now been taken over by the community, and a superb new main building built looking out towards the water-hole. We suspect this was part of the problem - the building had been built to a very high specification, and it looked as if everything had been spent on this, and nothing was left for the rooms (separate thatched cottages).
When we were shown our room we were proudly told that when Hobatere was reopened, the rooms "had not needed anything more than dusting down the cobwebs". Sadly I'm afraid they did. It was clear that maintenance had been skipped for some time - trying to turn on a stiff shower valve unscrewed it from the wall instead, and I had to temporarily fix it with my Leatherman before I could shower. The mosquito grills over the bathroom windows (no glass) were in tatters, and most seriously, there were no mosquito nets in the rooms. Despite soaking ourselves in deet we were badly bitten in the night.
A second issue concerned staff training. Staff were very friendly and helpful, but there was almost a feeling that the regular staff were away, and it was being run by the work-experience kids i.e. enthusiastic but a bit chaotic and ill-trained. I have to say that this did not bother us in the slightest, but it will definitely bother some of the type of clientele that they will hope to attract.
A third issue concerns what might be called a casual attitude to Health and Safety. The lodge has an observation tower directly overlooking the water hole. It can be accessed by driving out to it, and then climbing up an external ladder into the tower. The lodge offers to drive guests out there, get them safely into the tower, and leave them there until they radio to be picked up. This is a fantastic opportunity to watch and photograph a huge variety of animals at close range, including elephants and lions. When we asked if we could be taken out they said they only had one vehicle, which was in use, but we could drive ourselves out there and climb the tower. As we approached the tower we saw that it was surrounded by about a dozen elephants including a mother with a baby. We know enough about wildlife to stop at a distance and wait until the herd had moved away from the tower, and it was safe to exit the car, walk to the tower and climb the ladder. However we had been given no instructions on this, and if someone had assumed that "we've been allowed to do this so it must be safe", then there could have been a tragic incident. Organised properly the tower could be a real asset to the lodge - as it is it is an accident waiting to happen." See all these reviews: 24n in Namibia
"Great to return after the Fire"
The new reception/dining building is modern and functional but not as attractive as the old ones, but very well positioned overlooking the plain and waterhole to the mountains. where you can sit and watch all the animals pass by . It was good to see some of the original staff , and very good guides.
This Lodge has just about everything, and it is run by the local community who are all very friendly and extremely enthusiastic.
We will return." See all these reviews: 27n in Namibia
"Hobatere Lodge review"
They weren't expecting us when we arrived as our booking hadn't been copied onto their room allocation schedule but a room was still made ready within 15 minutes.
The food was exceptional - definitely the best chef that we came across in Namibia. The guiding is really good as well.
We also spent two fascinating hours in the hide at their waterhole although we understanding they are working on moving it closer to the lodge." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
"Hobatere Lodge review"
No game walks
Game drive very mediocre we knew as much as him but he will get better
No sun beds around pool" See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia; 5n in South Africa
"excelllent in all areas"
Extremely knowledeable wildlife guides, excellent safaris.
Only one complaint, we were booked by EA to stay here full board. This was unneccessay as we did not want lunch anyway even though we had paid for it. Most guests were staying half board so EA were wrong here to book us full board when we specifically said we didn't want to have full board but EA erroneoulsy told us that it was compulsory at Hobatere." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"great for both animal and bird watching"
Hobatere is quite an oasis in the bush - well-landscaped and well-laid out, with interesting features - a photographer's paradise.
Excellent game viewing at the waterhole although most guests missed it as it was about 3pm. We are extremely glad we arrived there early enough.
Very quick dinner - would have preferred a bit more leisurely! - seemed to be geared to German guests who were less likely to mix and chat.
Pretty setting which was great for watching the birds" See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
To get to Hobatere from Doro Nawas, I directed them along the C43 & C40 via the Grootberg Pass. We’ve directed our travellers this way for years and, by coincidence, I drove it using a normal 2WD during October this year. I had no problems and the views are really stunning! It’s much more interesting than the main tar road (via Khorixas and Kamanjab) and takes about the same time.
We’re very sad that the local person’s advice, which these travellers listened to, was misinformed – and that they missed one of Namibia’s great scenic drives.
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Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Okaukuejo Camp
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Mushara Bush Camp
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Ongava Lodge
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Ongava Tented Camp
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Onguma Tented Camp
Onguma Tented Camp is a lovely, little tented camp which centres around an attractive waterhole a short drive from the Von Lindequist Gate to eastern Etosha.
Dolomite Camp
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Mushara Lodge
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Namutoni Camp
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Onguma Bush Camp
For great wildlife viewing without breaking the bank, the affordable and understated luxury of Onguma Bush Camp could be perfect.
Mushara Outpost
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Onguma Camp Kala
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Onguma The Fort
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Safarihoek Lodge
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Onguma Forest Camp
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Taleni Etosha Village
Only 4km from Etosha's southern entrance, Taleni Etosha Village is an affordable base from which to explore the park.
Etosha Safari Lodge
A short drive from Etosha National Park's southern entrance, Etosha Safari Lodge is a convenient base from which to explore the park.
Little Ongava
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Etosha Safari Camp
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Andersson's at Ongava
With game drives on both its private reserve and in Etosha, Andersson's at Ongava also offers access to the Ongava Research Centre.
Mountain Lodge
In the heart of the private Etosha Heights Reserve, the family-friendly Mountain Lodge offers game drives and bush walks within an exclusive environment.
Mokuti Etosha Lodge
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Etosha Oberland Lodge
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Vreugde Guest Farm
Vreugde Guest Farm is a delightful owner-run and working sheep farm where you can expect a warm welcome and charming hospitality.
Villa Mushara
Offering luxury on a peaceful private reserve close to Etosha, Villa Mushara is a great choice for honeymooners & those wishing to indulge themselves.
Etosha Garden Hotel
Safari in Etosha National Park Namibia, whilst based at the nearby Etosha Garden Lodge.
Etosha King Nehale
A short drive from the national park's northern entrance, Etosha King Nehale Lodge is an interesting and comfortable base from which to explore the park.
Safari House
The private Safari House on the Etosha Heights reserve is a great option families or friends travelling together.
Onkoshi Camp
Onkoshi Camp is owned and run by Namibia Wildlife Resorts. Built on elevated wooden platforms it overlooks Etosha Pan.
