Reviews of Okaukuejo Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
726 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
67% success
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"Watering hole is the only reason to stay here"
We knew that the government run camp would be fairly basic and without a lot of character. So those expectations were met. The room was very tidy, clean and roomy. The other facilities - i.e. the swimming pool - were not as clean.
The food was below our expectations - very poor. Dinner consisted of overcooked grilled game and mayonnaise laden salads. Vegetables were so overcooked that there was no taste.
Service/friendliness was the worst we experienced on our entire trip. It wasn't that it was so bad, but everywhere else was much better.
However, that being all said, the watering hole was indeed amazing, and for that alone, we are happy we stayed here. The amount and variety of wildlife was incredible. We had never expected to see rhinos, never mind baby rhinos. And at one point, during the sunset, it felt like a scene out of "The Lion King" but without the cheesy music.
So, if you are looking for a reliable place to view wildlife within the comfort of your room, and can put up with bad food and mediocre accommodation/service, then we can highly recommend it." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia
"The best waterhole in Etosha to see wildlife."
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
Well organised and we could sense a bit more service minded staff compared to our visit two years ago, so keep at like that.
A lot of animals showing up at the waterhole and we had some stunning encounters with lions at two other waterholes as well.
The chalets were very nice and all in all good service." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Better than expected at Okaukuejo"
Though it is a self-service restaurant, service was very poor, with almost no attention given to us once we'd been seated. However the food was better than we'd expected. Wine was half the price we found elsewhere - only N$70 for a bottle of Rosé.
Rooms were good and comfortable and included a fridge, which many other private lodges did not have.
The pool filtering system was either switched off or wasn't working, so the water surface wasn't pleasant. Also there were insufficient loungers for those that wanted to sunbathe, which after a long drive we certainly wanted to do." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia; 6n in Mozambique; 1n in South Africa
"Okaukuejo Camp"
We were glad that we had gone to Halail first- we saw lots of animals in the eastern part of the park and then returned west to Okaukuejo. We went out to the west of the camp but saw very little wildlife. If we had gone here first , I think we would have been disappointed." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
It was a great base to explore the park and the sheer numbers and variety of animals around is mind boggling. The room was OK,a bit dark, but we spent very little time in it as there was so much to see. The swimming pools were pleasant and much appreciated in the hot afternoons.
The restaurant was a self service buffet and was OK but not all elements turned up at the right time and service, seating and amount of cutlery were very hit and miss. Had a local school singing one night and that was excellent.
The only organised activity we took part in was the night drive and we saw a huge amount of night, the occasional rhinos rear end retreating into the distance, but little else. The driver was not to be deterred and he drove us endlessly for hours only stopping after a near collision with an extremely large, very cross elephant. An interesting experience but not one I would recommend.
When we left we drove to the other end of Etosha which was very different and I would have liked to have spent a bit more time in maybe one of the other lodges in the park." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
Although we were warned by Chris McIntyre's book that the camp had variable reports, we did want to stay near the waterhole.
First, the staff was unfriendly, not knowledgable about Etosha and not helpful. We couldn't an answer to even simple questions like "is there a restaurant at Halali?" I suppose it's a reflection of the staff dealing with masses of people but we didn't have any such experiences elsewhere.
The food was really awful. The first night there was sufficient food but it was all cooked badly. The second night they seemed to have run out food. The trays that were full of food (rice, vegetables, etc) were almost all empty. Since we don't eat meat (which was not a problem at any other lodge), we were reduced to a dinner of rice and ice cream. At breakfast the next morning most of the food that had been there the previous morning wasn't there. When we got to Halali for lunch, we found that they had run out of a lot food.
Unfortunately, we didn't see much at the water hole while we were there and, as the book warned, there was a lot of noise from people talking loudly on their cell phones.
We did have some great sightings at the water holes in the park during the day so would have been much happier at a lodge outside the park." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
"Busy and impersonal"
Our cabin was nice, but the overall welcome and restaurant service were no better than average. The camp was very large, busy and not very attractive looking. But then that is reflected in the price, which is considerably less than the luxury lodges outside the park." See all these reviews: 8n in Namibia; 7n in Zambia; 2n in Zimbabwe; 2n in Botswana
"Worth tolerating for the incredible waterhole"
What's frustrating is that it wouldn't take much effort for this all to be considerably improved.
But the waterhole - oh my goodness. It was breathtaking. We sat for hours and hours here - 2 hours before dinner, and 2 after dinner each night (the second night slightly aborted due to a horrible dust storm). Then 2 hours the next morning between 9 and 11 having visited other waterholes earlier. We couldn't tear ourselves away - families of elephants trumpeting as they charged in to drink, 13 giraffes nervously approaching before drinking, a pride of lions on both nights, 8 black rhino, including a tiny baby, hundreds and hundreds of kudu, sprinkbok, wildebeest, oryx & zebra. It was mesmerising.
As grim as some aspects were of this camp, we'd happily do it all again." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
Close up look at Lions, Rhinos, Giraffes, Zebras and lots of other animals from balcony. Also, parking is easy, so you can just drive out early to see animals troughout Etosha" See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia
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.
