Reviews of Okaukuejo Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
724 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

66% success

6% success

18% success

99% success

97% success

96% success

96% success

93% success

89% success

56% success

45% success

39% success

22% success

20% success

13% success

0% success

0% success
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
The waterhole is amazing! Unusually for us we didn't do all day or afternoon drives most days at Okaukuejo as the sightings at the waterhole were just so good (10 black rhinos together one evening at sunset including three mums and calves - all at the same time!). It's a big camp but we were in our own bubble and were perfectly happy.
Breakfast was served from 5.30am so that meant we could still have our included breakfast and be at the gate ahead of sunrise opening. Perfect! Breakfast was basic (and a bit disorganised first thing) but more than sufficient for our needs (coffee was not good though).
Gate opening was unpredictable (as it was also at Halali one day) - the clock at the gate which the security staff work off does not match to what Reception tells you (or, more critically, the sun) but you just have to be patient ...
We didn't eat at the restaurant in the evening or check out the bar as we were too occupied at the waterhole. We didn't use the swimming pool.
Check-out was no hassle at all and very efficient.
The location of Oaukuejo is excellent as there are so many routes to choose from in both directions.
The staff we encountered were all pleasant (the cleaning ladies were lovely!) except for the petrol pump attendant. Be prepared for a very long and disorganised wait if there is anyone in front of you. The shop is a bit hit and miss too but they sell ice which is great for cold drinks!" See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Fantastic waterhole!"
The camp is government owned and managed and, unlike at Sossus Dune Lodge, it suffers from this. Basic maintenance was lacking ( when we asked for five of our seven light globes to be replaced, the receptionist said no, they were waiting for the man to come from South Africa! When my husband had a closer look at the problem, he realised that the whole 12V lighting system was clearly waiting to be replaced).
Meals were buffet and average. Service was friendly and willing but inefficient." See all these reviews: 24n in Namibia
"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
"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
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.