Reviews of Okaukuejo Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
725 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
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"Okaukuejo Camp review"
We had booked a waterhole chalet and it was only a few steps from the waterhole but with no view of it. The room was large, very clean, with comfortable single beds pushed together, duvets and extra blankets. There were tea and coffee making facilities, drinking glasses and a large very modern bathroom with toiletries including a tube of insect repellent. The only drawback to the room was that there was no safe, even though the receptionist had told us there was one. Perhaps some of the rooms have them and others don’t. We had to carry our passports and money as best we could and leave other valuables in the room but nothing happened while we were out.
The site itself was extensive and there were a lot of people about. Services included a grocery shop, petrol station, gift shop and swimming pools plus the normal facilities for the campers.
Dinner and breakfast were taken in the restaurant. Dinner was 3 courses with a couple of choices of dishes for each course (eg dessert was cake, ice-cream or fruit salad). Not fancy but nicely cooked and service was friendly and quick. Breakfast was a buffet with an egg station for omelettes etc.
Expert Africa were right about the waterhole. It was special. It was fenced off (fairly unobtrusively) to stop visitors getting too close to the animals but the other side of the fence was open to Etosha National Park. Benches were provided around the perimeter of the fence and a small shaded stand with 3 ranks of stone seating.
We went straight there and sat till dinnertime and saw plenty of game including one black rhino in the daylight, numerous elephant, kudu, wildebeest, springbok, oryx, giraffe, dozens of zebra squabbling for space and lots of birds. We went back after dark. The animals kept coming. At one point there were 4 black rhino around the water.
We also spent a couple of hours there the following morning before setting off for our next lodge which was very close. Overall, we heartily recommend this camp but have a think about the safe." See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Black Rhino
6 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Oryx
10 sightings
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Oryx
Multiple sightings
Roan antelope
Multiple sightings
White Rhino
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
The accommodation is basic and surprisingly expensive. However the bed was comfortable with mosquito nets provided. The aircon worked. The bathroom is very basic and we didnt ever manage to get hot water for the 2 nights we were there. Tea and coffee facilities are offered and a fridge is provided.
The restaurant is okay and the outside seating area quite attractive. Service is a bit slow and the staff a bit hit and miss. Dinner which is included was fine. Breakfast which is self service is pretty basic. Hot food offered or basic cereals, feeble fruit salad and basic yoghurt.
There are two smallish pools onsite with a few outside sunbeds. The onsite shop is very well stocked but the staff there a quite indifferent.
Bottom line is we would go there again because access to the waterhole is so unique." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
Black Rhino
Multiple sightings
Eland
5 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
5 sightings
Oryx
3 sightings
Wildebeest
5 sightings
Zebra
6 sightings
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
Restaurant was adequate and village store with basic supplies.
The location within the park helped us maximise our enjoyment of Etosha." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
Eland
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Oryx
10 sightings
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
Definitely felt like the camp itself relies on the waterhole and knows people will come for that regardless of facilities! Room was clean-ish with rusty, broken fly-screens, but large and nice to have the fridge and seating area.
Pool was quite murky/ milky - heard several people commenting on this. Food was average. Definitely nice to be there when it was low-season as it would have seemed very busy with more people.
Amazing to see how different the area is coming across from the east, and how it varies within a few kms." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
Brown Hyena
1 sighting
Giraffe
5 sightings
Oryx
Multiple sightings
White Rhino
9 sightings
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
We were able to see a good range of wildlife at the watering hole." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
Black Rhino
Multiple sightings
Brown Hyena
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Lion
1 sighting
White Rhino
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
However the accommodation (waterhole chalet) was fine (only a few seconds from the waterhole) and the food was actually okay.
What hadn't changed was that some, but not all, of the staff appear disinterested in providing any sort of normal guest interaction. Particularly noticeable at check-in.
However the reason for coming back here didn't disappoint. The waterhole, particularly at night is amazing with sightings of 8 giraffes at once, multiple black rhinos including babies and loads of elephants, springboks etc. A stay of at least one night here is a MUST if visiting Etosha" See all these reviews: 23n in Namibia
Black Rhino
Multiple sightings
Brown Hyena
Multiple sightings
Cheetah
1 sighting
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Oryx
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
The staff were a bit more friendly than previous visits but still room for improvement. We stayed in a Bush Chalet but the chairs and sofa are really dirty and need new covers. The overall look of the chalet is tired and in need of refurbishment which can be said of the whole camp.
The only reason for staying here is the waterhole which is world renowned and it didn't disappoint.
The restaurant is now waiter service rather than buffet and there is not enough staff for the volume of visitors. They are only offering a very limited menu (3 main courses) and for the quality it is very over-priced.
There was a power cut on our first night so no electricity and water but we were left 2 large bottles of water outside the room in the evening. This also affected the credit card machine (but there is always a problem with this) so a lot of people were very unhappy. Next day breakfast was quite chaotic due to the power cut. The staff tried their best but everyone was very frustrated. NWR need to get their act together and start investing in their properties otherwise people will not return even for the waterhole." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
Black Rhino
6 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
8 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Oryx
10 sightings
Spotted Hyena
3 sightings
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
There are numerous waterholes that you are able to drive too from here, and the abundance was amazing (mid November), we even saw an African wild cat - that was a first for us.
Had a very close encounter with an Eland that ran out in front of the car - they are huge!!!
Really loved every moment and as previously said some staff are excellent and others need more training, but all in all we can't complain on any aspect of this camp and the sightings we had.
If it's wildlife viewing you want - this is a camp I would highly recommend - if its luxury you want then maybe this camp isn't for you." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
Black Rhino
7 sightings
Eland
8 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Lion
3 sightings
Oryx
10 sightings
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
Check in is chaotic and rooms are basic, but can’t beat the location" See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia
Black Rhino
Multiple sightings
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Oryx
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
1 sighting
Zebra
Multiple 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.
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.
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
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.
