Reviews of Okaukuejo Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
701 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"
Really good pool area for cooling off, surrounded by attractive outdoor dining area and bar.
The main feature for us was the waterhole which in the dry season is a magnet for a large variety of game - lion, rhino, large herds of elephant and zebra, plus small animals and birds. We were impressed that people sat quietly to enjoy the spectacle.
Well situated within the park for viewing huge collections of animals out on the pans." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 9n in Zambia; 2n in Botswana
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
It doesn't have the same atmosphere as a small camp but the game viewing was good at the camp waterhole and the surrounding area. Park roads are very good and an amazing amount of wildlife visible from the road - even driving ourselves." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
Checking-in takes a while, there can be queues and nothing is rushed. Patience is a virtue in this situation! Remember to have your key cash ($500) available. You get this back when you check out. While you are in the office you can pay your park fees at a separate desk. This takes time too! You pay for each 24 hour period in the park and the clerk will write the time and day that you must leave on your ticket. We saw someone being sent back from the main gate because they overstayed so be careful!
It is a big place with lots of rooms of varying sorts and a campground. The pool was large and lovely but definitely needs more sunbeds. There is a tourist shop and a food shop (surprisingly badly stocked given the number of campers and people needing supplies for packed lunches).
The waterhole is large and has a row of seats available so you can sit and watch the comings and goings. While we were there everyone was respectful of the wildlife and quietly spoken. A variety of wildlife came throughout the day and night with rhinos appearing during the evening. Everyone needs to be aware of the fact that there are rabid animals in the area so just keep your distance and do not feed any of the animals. Jackals do pass through the camp during the evening especially.
Meals are an interesting experience. You book in for your dinner time when you register and then at breakfast each day after that. Look out for the list by the cashier. When you turn up you go to the cashier who has a list with your assigned table on it. Your waiter/waitress will take you to it although the numbers are not really organised so finding the table can take a while. If you are lucky your server will take a drinks order and if you are even more lucky they will bring it to you.
The service varies very much from waiter to waiter. Food is self-service although, for the main course there is freshly grilled meat available. The queues can get quite long especially if a tour group (or two) arrives at the same time. We found the food tasty and interesting. They have introduced a system where you pay for your drinks after every meal. This can take a little while if the cashier is busy but it does mean that any mistakes can be rectified then and there. Due to some credit card problems in the past the staff do not touch your cards at all - you run them through the machine yourself. This system works and provides card security.
Breakfast is a little more painful with only 1 chef preparing the eggs for everyone. Bacon and sausage is cooked but only in limited amounts and you often have to wait for it. The buffet breakfast often runs out of cups or teaspoons or coffee etc. It will turn up eventually if you ask politely.
The staff were not rude but just not really enthusiastic or organised. The exception was the jovial chef who often appeared and spoke to everyone." See all these reviews: 22n in Namibia
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
The room was comfortable. The staff nicely accommodated my food preferences by preparing fish for dinner when only game and red meat were being served." See all these reviews: 20n in Namibia
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
Our room was very comfortable and cool and very close to the waterhole. The food was ok - we weren't expecting anything more.
The real reason to stay here is its location in the centre of Etosha and the waterhole. We had the most amazing sightings during our stay. It was like an open air theatre.
In fact one day we didn't venture out into the park because there was so much going on at the waterhole. Highly recommended." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia; 4n in Zambia; 1n in Botswana
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
The location was superb and we were able to see a superb range of wildlife at the local water hole by day and night, it was also a superb location for seeing many other water holes in western Etosha, when travelling independently it is difficult to see how this location could be bettered." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 5n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
"Comfortable camp and superb waterhole."
The main attraction of Okaukuejo remains its waterhole. During the day there is a constant procession of giraffe, antelope, zebra and wildebeest (plus the occasional elephant) to the waterhole, although the numbers seemed lower than our last vist - possibly a result of the unusually heavy rain earlier this year whcih has resulted in more water still being available elsewhere. At night, black rhino are seemingly guaranteed and we also saw lion and elepehant, plus a numbr of balck-backed jackals.
At the time of writing, postcards that we posted at the Okaukuejo Post Office two weeks ago have not yet arrived.
Incidentally, whilst at Okaukuejo we met Dee, our guide on our earlier 2008 Wild About Afica trip - it was good to catch up with him." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia
"Waterhole chalet best option"
Chalet was comfortable, well equipped, very well placed for waterhole viewing.
Food was a bit mass catering, but ok.
The administration is bureaucratic, out of date, prone to error." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
What made it special was the fact that this is a large site (104 rooms?) but almost everybody at the water-hole respected the request for silence. That total silence from a human audience of several dozen people was magical. Of course, I have to say "almost everybody" - there are morons everywhere, but they soon got bored and wandered off to the bar.
The Guide Book says the Okaukuejo has a reasonably priced restaurant (important with a family B&B booking). However, the restaurant was very expensive, so we used the self-catering facilities in the room. Having said that, the rooms are rated Excellent because of the facilities - self-catering (cooker, microwave, fridge, utensils, etc) was well provided for, with a reasonable on-site shop." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia
"Great waterhole for game viewing."
Food was really not very good at all and we had to ask for the wine list several times before they arrived and then another wait for the wine and water.
Breakfast also very poor.
Staff did not seem to care as in the other camps." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia; 6n in Zimbabwe
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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.
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.
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.
Namutoni Camp
Centred on an old fort, the government run Namutoni Camp is located just inside Etosha National Park, close to Fisher's Pan.
Onguma Bush Camp
For great wildlife viewing without breaking the bank, the affordable and understated luxury of Onguma Bush Camp could be perfect.
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.
Onguma Camp Kala
For a bird’s eye view across African bush, the stilted rooms at Onguma Camp Kala are truly special.
Onguma The Fort
The Fort is the jewel in the crown of the Onguma lodges, and arguably the whole of eastern Etosha.
Safarihoek Lodge
At the heart of the private Etosha Heights Reserve, Safarihoek Lodge offers comfortable accommodation and excellent game-viewing.
Onguma Forest Camp
From its woodland setting on the Onguma Reserve, Forest Camp is within easy striking distance of Namibia’s flagship national park.
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 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.
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 Garden Hotel
Safari in Etosha National Park Namibia, whilst based at the nearby Etosha Garden Lodge.
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.
Onkoshi Camp
Onkoshi Camp is owned and run by Namibia Wildlife Resorts. Built on elevated wooden platforms it overlooks Etosha Pan.
