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 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The administration is bureaucratic, out of date, prone to error."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
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
The waterhole is fantastic and we saw lots of rhino's there at night. We also went on a night drive which proved very productive, but not quite up to the standard of guiding we're used to on night drives in Zambia (the spotlight is operated by the driver so he might miss a few things)." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia; 13n in Zambia
"Great place to see hundreds of animals"
The waterhole at night is an amazing experience, and the main reason we had for wanting to be inside the park, however, during the day, the waterhole is just as good, with animals of every variety arriving, in their hundreds to drink. Every time we thought that it was all going to stop, another army of animals would arrive, we could have spent much longer there!
We found other people very willing to tell us which water holes to go to, where we would be likely to see other animals, which we did in the early morning and late afternoon, but during the day the camp waterhole couldn't be bettered." See all these reviews: 20n in Namibia; 2n in Zambia
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
Food was self service & pretty good although things could run out - i.e "mass catering" but drinks service was very slow - on first night we only got drinks when meal was almost finished. When I tried to order direct from the bar on the second night they (almost) wouldn't oblige. Some guests got personal service from the chef but we struggled to get service.
We would not let this detract fram a superb opportunity for game viewing from dawn to dusk & beyond!" See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Kasane to Cape Town Day 9"
BUT
Reception staff were surly and unhelpful, preferring to take phone calls about booking game drives days in advance instead of serving the increasingly frustrated queue of customers in front of them. Check in took 45 minutes but could easily have been longer if we had not insisted on being served rather than join the end of another queue whilst she handled calls. Doreen was actually very efficient when giving you her attention; management need to sort out priorities for front-line staff.
The system of asking for a N$500 deposit against breakages is pointless, given that nobody checks the accommodation before the deposit is returned. It becomes even more farcical when the inventory in your room is for the wrong type of accommodation!
The problems are epitomised by the camp's own feedback questionnaire which is all about how your reservation was taken and what you think of management ie: all about NWR head office and nothing about the people guests actually interact with." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana; 3n in South Africa
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
Because of its size and the number of people there at the time Okaukuejo has much more of a 'school camp' feel to it. Not the place to go if you want to feel pampered (but who needs pampering anyway??) Again this is merely an observation and not a criticism in any way. The rooms were big and comfy and the food OK but we didn't think the evening meal options were very good value at R170 - not compared with most meals we had elsewhere.
As for the waterhole - WOW! - it was just like the pictures we'd seen with giraffe, zebra, oryx, springbok and warthog taking turns while the elephant and rhino claimed their own personal space and the jackals just ran in between everyone else. Your spine really did tingle as two pairs of luminiscent eyes appeared later in full darkness and two lionesses slinked down to the water. They got quite a lot of personal space!
The animal sightings book in the Reception area was really useful and pointed us in the right direction for several amazing encounters with lions and elephants in particular.
Would definitely return to Okaukuejo - given the opportunity!" See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia
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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.
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.
