Reviews of Okaukuejo Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
702 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Okaukuejo Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
71% success
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"Okaukuejo Camp review"
The Bush Chalet we stayed at was a good choice for our family, clean, and very functional even if it lacked much character. We were glad we had not paid the premium for a premium or water hole chalet because it is only a one minute walk from the bush chalets to the watering hole and the premium ones aren't actually close enough to the hole to get the best view. Plus you get the constant traffic from folks visiting the watering hole. Also, the Camp seems to have addressed the concerns EA had warned about previously.
The reception staff was helpful, check-out was a breeze and did not involve an inventory check, and the staff was consistently scrupulous about letting patrons handle credit cards. Also, the watering holes near Okaukuejo were better and more productive than the ones we visited in the middle and on the eastern side of the camp. The main downside was medicore and overpriced food. The buffet was tired and the lines were long -- it didn't help that one night they ran out of clean plates. For lunch you're forced to eat an expensive and even worse buffet. The pool was empty and being painted for our entire visit and the fumes made us move our table to the edge of the restaurant at lunch - leading to the "poor" facilities rating below.
So there are some clear tradeoffs, but it was absolutely the right recommendation of EA to stay here for two nights for the many wildlife experiences." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"the worst place re service and staff attitude"
Dire service, shabby rooms - premium waterhole chalet - with broken loo seat, bare wires sticking out of plugs, remote control for AC not working etc etc.......as you warned us. staff not bothered eg brought drinks - but forget glasses, no plates / bowls at buffet, toaster stopped working. We went to breakfast on day 1 at 9am...very little left and what was left - was curling and dried up.
But made up for by location and number of animals! Fantastic location of chalet - could sit in bed and watch animals come to waterhole. best place for zillions of animals.....saw loads and this made it good." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
"Great waterhole"
"Okaukuejo Camp"
Very limited supplies of basics in the shop - a missed opportunity to provide income for the Camp. Buffet style meals were good." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
Facilities nicer, with pleasant restaurant, terrace and bar.
Water hole impressive.
Altogether a nice set-up but still comparatively expensive for what you get." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
Superb waterhole viewing." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Fantastic waterhole, rubbish food"
The rooms were basic but clean and comfortable. There was a bit of a wait to check in and pay park fees (and to check out at the end) so allow time for that.
We went on the dawn and night game drives which were both fantastic - guides were knowledgeable and we saw lots of wildlife. We went in June and it was freezing on the drives when the sun wasn't out so wrap up warm!
During our visit in June 2017 both the restaurant and swimming pool were undergoing renovations so were building sites. They weren't roped off - you could walk right amongst their ladders and building equipment both at night and during the day which could be a bit dangerous for families. It also meant all meals had to be eaten outside which was cold and dark early morning and later evening. We weren't aware of this before our trip and there was just a sign from management apologising for the 'minor' renovations.
The main downside of this Camp was the food. It was really poor quality and not worth the money at all. There was barbequeued meat each night which was ok but the potatoes/veg/polenta/other accompaniments were awful. They frequently ran out of food at breakfast and dinner and didn't replenish it at all. If you can take food with you to eat in your room, I would.
That said, I would still stay here again because it's a great base for your safari." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"Great waterhole - terrible camp"
Great waterhole where you can sit at your leisure and watch all the animals come down to drink and observe the dynamics of their interaction- especially when the rhino and elephant make their appearance. It is floodlit at night which makes for great viewing. You do need to be patient though as there are times when there is little to see and then an hour later it can be all action. The Bush Chalet was well located as it was a quick stroll to the waterhole and if you saw something interesting approaching the waterhole (e.g. elephant, rhino, etc.) you could quickly pop back to the chalet to call the rest of the family.
The negative-
The staff in reception taking registration/payment were the worst we experienced in Namibia. They were rude and disinterested.
The food supplies in the shop was very limited. Fortunately we had been forewarned and taken our own supplies so we could braai/BBQ.
In the chalet there was only a fridge, kettle, two mugs and two teaspoons, an outdoor braai but nothing else. It was a real hassle just trying to get plates, knives and forks (although we were on a B&B basis it was self catering accommodation) and they wouldn't supply us with bowls.
The breakfast was so bad most of us skipped it.
The swimming pools were 'under refurbishment' - this construction work along with the green mucky pools located right next to the restaurant made it an unpleasant area.
Chalets were not well maintained with doors not closing, toilets not flushing properly...
The waterhole was very busy with people which detracted from the overall ambiance - this made it feel quite artificial.
We had been forewarned to moderate expectations and this was certainly needed.
Despite the amazing waterhole we would never stay here again. There are so many other fantastic places to choose from." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia; 2n in Zambia
"Etosha's central hub"
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