Reviews of Mountain Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
17 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Mountain Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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92% success
54% success
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"Mountain Lodge review"
The standard of housekeeping, the level of service and the food at Etosha Mountain Lodge were all inconsistent and not to the standard of any of the other lodges we stayed at during our trip.
The lodge is in a stunning setting with fabulous views from the rooms." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
Black Rhino
Multiple sightings
Eland
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Oryx
Multiple sightings
Sable antelope
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
White Rhino
1 sighting
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Mountain Lodge review"
Rooms were gorgeous, very private, and the view from the deck of the animals at the distant waterhole in the valley below was fantastic. There were so many animals there (ostrich, wildebeest, elephants, springbok, oryx, jackals, etc.) - we could watch them for hours as they would come and go (binoculars a must)!
The tour guide, Leon, was excellent - always willing to answer questions, stop and explain things, pick up things to show us, and point out the many animals and birds that were visible. Food options were fewer than at the other places we stayed, but that did not detract from the top quality and deliciousness! The lodge/dining/bar area were so well-decorated, as were the very spacious, comfortable, and beautiful rooms.
The staff were super friendly, especially Lona and Leon, and we enjoyed talking with them and learning about the area, culture, Damara language, etc. This made our stay even more enjoyable, and added to our long-lasting wonderful memories of the Lodge." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia
Black Rhino
1 sighting
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
3 sightings
Giraffe
7 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Oryx
7 sightings
Roan antelope
3 sightings
Sable antelope
2 sightings
Wildebeest
9 sightings
Zebra
8 sightings
"Mountain Lodge review"
Having been the victim of "Ferrari safari" lodges in the past, here our superb guide Leon, took everything at a more gentle pace, letting us spend as much time as we wanted at the sightings that mattered most to us. Within the first ten minutes of our first game drive we were amazed to be presented with a denning Aardwolf family. Whilst not in themselves rare, opportunities to see them in daylight don't come along often. Leon managed to get us 3 sightings of them. We had some amazing sightings of Elephants and Black Rhino as well of plentiful sightings of good sized herds of plains game. Lions made a couple of appearances too.
During game drives Mountian Lodge has access to the excellent hide at the Safari Lodge which is an impressive facility offering seated viewing options overlooking a pumped waterhole both from above and at water level. This provided some of our best Elephant sightings. The Etosha Heights reserve shares a long boundary fence with Etosha National park, large sections of this have been knocked down by the elephants, allowing animals to move freely between the two areas. Having subsequently visited the national park we feel that the reserve gives very much the feel and look of Etosha but with a more picturesque backdrop and a more personal and enjoyable safari experience, although understandably at a cost.
Whilst the accommodation and main building at Mountain Lodge might look to some a little dated we would suggest this shouldn't put you off staying there. We felt that the slightly less pretentious decor led to a more relaxed and family feel to the whole property. The staff were hugely welcoming and willing to help, lunches were reduced in scale at our request and options for main courses at dinner were a choice of two. Snacks on the afternoon game drive were the best we have come across.
We stayed in the family suite which is two interconnected large bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. The rooms share a huge deck area with private plunge pool and loungers. Perfect for family to share.
We would definitely stay here again and would highly recommend it to others." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia
Black Rhino
5 sightings
Eland
5 sightings
Elephant
8 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Lion
3 sightings
Oryx
10 sightings
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Mountain Lodge review"
The food was wonderful and the outer deck dining area was amazing. Our lodge was very good and even included a plunge pool. For the first night we were the only guests which provided an "exclusive" experience.
Game here is significantly less prolific than in Etosha NP. However, on the included game drives we have several amazing and very memorable close encounters with lions, elephants, rhinos and giraffes. We just had to be patient! Giraffe feeding on tree right beside bedroom window was a highlight.
Sundowner spots were both great.
Absolutely superb place to stay." See all these reviews: 23n in Namibia
Black Rhino
Multiple sightings
Brown Hyena
1 sighting
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Oryx
Multiple sightings
Sable antelope
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Mountain Lodge review"
Following, though, were two amazing game drives around the Etosha Heights reserve, during which we saw, close-up, Rhino, Lion and Elephant, as well as numerous birds, zebra, giraffe and antelope. The absolute highlight, though, was a break at the watering-hole hide whilst an elderly bull elephant visited for his morning bath, following which he came to within 2 feet of the viewing opening to literally look us in the eye!
Afterwards, our excellent guide noted the reaction of antelope watering at the hole and located a resting pride of 2 male and 3 female lions. The bull elephant followed and seeing the interaction of the pride with him was an unforgettable experience.
Overall, we could not praise this location highly enough. The managers and staff and guide were all excellent and worked as hard as they could to make our visit as enjoyable as possible." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana; 1n in Zimbabwe
"Mountain Lodge review"
The lodge itself was once a hunting lodge and the dark wood and vaulted ceilings certain evoke the image of a hunting lodge but happily this has now been converted for photography tourists and those who want to see the special animals in their natural habitat. Luckily we had the whole place to ourselves as we were the only guests! Our tour was a sundowner tour, we spotted many animals and birds during our drive through the bushveld. We spotted a Black Rhino but he/she was quick to flight and all we say was a huge animal moving at incredible pace through the bush.
We had a drink close to a watering hole as the sun set and were treated to an amazing experience as a Black Rhino edged towards the waterside, no more than 30 metres away as we stood at its eye level. I am pretty sure I breathed during that 10 minute episode but I can't be sure! The night drive back through the bush was a special experience with the bush zipping past in the headlights like ghosts.
When we returned to the lodge a table was set for us next to the open fire with lots of twinkling lights for our private dining. These touches really separate the quality of service here in Africa from what we have grown used to - they really want you to have a memorable time." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
Black Rhino
Multiple sightings
Eland
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Oryx
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Mountain Lodge review"
The lodge was quite empty , with only another couple who did their own things , so during the activities it was just us. We did all the drives possible alone with Leon and we had a fantastic experience. The game encounters were superb . On one day we had three different rhino sightings!
We felt we were on our very own private reserve." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
Black Rhino
3 sightings
Brown Hyena
1 sighting
Eland
2 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
5 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Oryx
10 sightings
Wildebeest
6 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Mountain Lodge review"
Black Rhino
2 sightings
Eland
4 sightings
Elephant
4 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Oryx
10 sightings
Sable antelope
1 sighting
White Rhino
1 sighting
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Mountain Lodge review"
It´s in the middle of nowhere with few signposts. Therefore, we are very happy to see, that there is actually a lodge after the long drive. We are also very grateful for our never failing Tracks4Africa app. If we are lost – at least we know where ;-)
We are meet by the staff and a very kind manager who upgraded us to a “villa with own plunge pool” on the mountainside (!) What a treat and wonderful surprise after the very long difficult drive.
The lodge itself is typical safari style. An old fashioned (or traditional) safari lodge with dark wooden panels, heavy wooden furniture’s, brass, and large mirrors. Surrounded by an enormous balcony overlooking the area. It´s nicely situated on the mountainside (surprise given the name ;-) overlooking a small nearby, and distant bigger, waterhole.
The food is what I would call “solid and plentiful”.
However, the biggest asset is the staff. They are absolutely amazing and genuine friendly. It’s not a “posh lodge” like e.g. Ongava Lodge, we stayed in last time (link), but more relaxed/friendly style. We would be happy to return again." See all these reviews: 35n in Namibia
Black Rhino
1 sighting
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
1 sighting
Giraffe
1 sighting
Lion
1 sighting
Oryx
1 sighting
White Rhino
1 sighting
Zebra
1 sighting
"Mountain Lodge review"
A sung welcome from the staff did not make up for uninspiring food and lack lustre service. We were but 2 couples sat at opposite ends of a large dining room. A tad bleak." See all these reviews: 21n in Namibia
Black Rhino
2 sightings
Elephant
1 sighting
Giraffe
5 sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Oryx
1 sighting
Sable antelope
1 sighting
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
6 sightings
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.
Okaukuejo Camp
Set within Etosha National Park, Okaukuejo Resort is a large camp with a productive, floodlit waterhole.
Halali Camp
The smallest of Etosha's erstwhile restcamps, overlooking its own floodlit waterhole, Halali has a superb location near the centre of Etosha Pan.
Mushara Bush Camp
The family-friendly Mushara Bush Camp offers great value and is an excellent base from which to explore Etosha National Park.
Ongava Lodge
With fantastic views over a private reserve bordering Etosha, the smart Ongava Lodge offers driving and walking safaris on the reserve, and guided drives in Etosha.
Ongava Tented Camp
Set around a waterhole on a private reserve, the small Ongava Tented Camp combines understated comfort with activities that include walks and night drives.
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.
Mushara Lodge
Close to the eastern entrance to Etosha, the comfortable Mushara Lodge is well-placed for exploring the park in your own vehicle or on a guided drive.
Dolomite Camp
Opened in 2011, Dolomite Camp allows visitors access to the far west side of Etosha National Park, which was previously off limits to most visitors.
Onguma Bush Camp
For great wildlife viewing without breaking the bank, the affordable and understated luxury of Onguma Bush Camp could be perfect.
Namutoni Camp
Centred on an old fort, the government run Namutoni Camp is located just inside Etosha National Park, close to Fisher's Pan.
Hobatere Lodge
To the west of Etosha National Park, on the edge of Damaraland, Hobatere Lodge offers good game-viewing on its own reserve.
Mushara Outpost
Intimate and luxurious, Mushara Outpost is well-placed on a private reserve to explore nearby Etosha National Park on your own or on a guided drive.
Safarihoek Lodge
At the heart of the private Etosha Heights Reserve, Safarihoek Lodge offers comfortable accommodation and excellent game-viewing.
Onguma The Fort
The Fort is the jewel in the crown of the Onguma lodges, and arguably the whole of eastern Etosha.
Onguma Camp Kala
For a bird’s eye view across African bush, the stilted rooms at Onguma Camp Kala are truly special.
Onguma Forest Camp
From its woodland setting on the Onguma Reserve, Forest Camp is within easy striking distance of Namibia’s flagship national 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
The beautifully located and luxurious Little Ongava is a stunning place to stay in order to explore Etosha National Park and the private Ongava Reserve.
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 Camp
Funky, low-key and very original, Etosha Safari Camp is well placed for visiting Etosha National Park on a self-drive or guided safari.
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.
Mokuti Etosha Lodge
With 106 rooms, child-friendly Mokuti Etosha Lodge is more like a hotel than a lodge. Facilities to include a gym, spa, tennis courts and even a snake park.
Etosha Oberland Lodge
A short drive from Etosha National Park's southern entrance, Etosha Oberland Lodge is a very comfortable base from which to explore the park, with excellent food.
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 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.
Toshari Lodge
Smart and professionally run, the hotel-style Toshari Lodge is well-placed for self-driving in Etosha National Park.
Onkoshi Camp
Onkoshi Camp is owned and run by Namibia Wildlife Resorts. Built on elevated wooden platforms it overlooks Etosha Pan.
