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
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"Okaukuejo - good game viewing - poor camp"
Our views were NOT just ours, a glance at the visitor book in reception showed countless complaints of rude, incompetent, untrained and just couldn't care less staff.
The restaurant was total chaos, food mediocre and poorly cooked, of a standard that you would expect in a works canteen or school dining room. Tables are relaid as diners finish their meal, but the tablecloths are not changed and the next diners therefore have food stains to look at as they eat.
At an evening meal, a jackal came to within about 10 yards of people eating, begging for food, and although a small wall separated us from the animal, the staff took no action despite being asked to shoo the animal away. We had been warned to be very wary of wild animals that appeared to have lost their wariness of humans in view of the risk of rabies. This was not a pleasant experience.
We had to pay a N$500 deposit for our room key and check an inventory of the room contents and advise any discrepancies, there were none. On checking out, we had to wait in reception whilst the staff radioed through to the cleaning staff to check whether we had taken anything or whether the inventory was correct, before we were refunded our deposit. Highly demeaning!
Now to the good part, our self drives in Etosh were wonderful, we saw so many animals and have some great photographs to prove it. There had been quite a bit of rain, so there were no animals apart from jackals at the floodlit waterhole, they were drinking elsewhere.
Etosh IS GREAT, but steer clear of NWR. Trouble is that the camp IS right in the wildlife reserve and no other lodges are so well placed." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 3n in South Africa
"Busy camp - good waterhole - good facilities"
In retrospect we think that the night drive @ 600$ per person, although good, was on the expensive side compared to other night drives offered on this trip." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Okaukuejo Camp"
"Elephants galore at Okaukuejo"
Reserving a table for dinner on arrival is a must and the food itself, buffet style has choice for all tastes.
The water hole is the main attraction here and we made a bee line for it on arrival and were able to witness a herd of about 40 elephants wallowing at will. Advice is too eat early and then go to the floodlit waterhole and on our two nights there we saw eight black rhinos each night. The ones on the second night were not the same as on the first for they were younger and we watched as they played amongst themselves just like children.
Whatever your reservations may be about the camp if you go to Etosha then you must spend one night at least at Okaukuejo." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
"Best waterhole"
The food was fine and staff worked really hard to keep up with the buffet. Some guests behaved pretty badly, grabbing food and plates." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
The food is reasonably good and the service is as good as could be expected.
Cabins are comfortable and fairly well appointed many with fridge, kitchenette, braai, separate bedroom and mosquito nets.
The local water hole is well visited by animals especially at night but gets noisy with tourists.
The largeness of the camp does tend to detract from the overall experience especially after visiting many small 'wilderniess' camps as we had but there are good facilities if you need them. Petrol, swimming pool, food and gift shops. The rangers here can take cards for park fees." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia; 6n in South Africa
"The waterhole at Okaukuejo is a real treat"
The camp itself is functional rather than luxurious, but our room was clean and comfortable, and the staff were perfectly competent.
We stayed 2 nights which was definitely worth it for getting a sense of the surrounding landscape, and the amazing amount of activity at the waterhole." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia
"This is a large but efficient camp"
The floodlit water-hole provides really good opportunities to see rhino, one evening we saw nine there at the same time. The resident pride of lions at Okondeka are not to be missed either.
Obviously the size of this camp makes it a little more impersonal but all the staff that we met were friendly and helpful." See all these reviews: 22n in Namibia
"Okaukuejo Camp: fascinating"
Of course, the main reason to stay there is to be close to the waterhole. One night we saw a great night show starring six black rhinos, several lions and elephants, giraffes & lots of smaller animals interacting by the waterhole. You won't see that kind of action during the day.
It was fascinating." See all these reviews: 12n 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.
