Reviews of Okaukuejo Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
702 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 idea of driving ourselves on safari was novel but enjoyable. Tough to make a call which waterholes to go to though.
Our expectations of the accommodation and food weren't high, however, we were pleasantly surprised." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
It was a very different safari experience to the private game reserves but we really enjoyed having freedom to do our own thing and managed to see a lot of wildlife. The floodlit watering hole beside the camp was excellent for night time viewing. Before we went we worried that it might seem a bit like a stage show but the lighting was well done and it felt like you really were watching the animals in their natural environment.
There were organised game drives on offer but we did not take part in any of these - it is so easy to drive around yourself. The park is also very well set up and we could drive for long periods of time without seeing any other cars even though the camps were pretty full." See all these reviews: 6n in Namibia; 6n in Zambia
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
"Great water hole"
"Fabulous Waterhole"
Although the double room was more than adequate we would recommend asking for a waterhole chalet, not only for comfort but for ease of access to the waterhole.The restaurant is perfectly adequate and the swimming pool amongst the best." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
The restaurant was fine: food was good and staff were helpful and efficient.
Our premier waterhole lodge was out of this world, with a balcony view straight down onto the waterhole. It was an extra expense but wow, it was wonderful.
Checking in was a bit tedious - fortunately Expert Africa's advice had prepared us for this, and the staff were generally cheerful and helpful." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia; 2n in South Africa
"Wonderful Waterhole!!"
In our observation, we found that most of the premier waterhole chalets have their view obscured by the trees in front of them. Ours had 12 trees in front of it with no leaves and still very little view of the waterhole. If you stay in one of these chalets in the green season you will see nothing at all. The chalet W33 has the best view but to get that you might need a close contact with someone from NWR!
Checking in was easy, if a bit busy and slightly disorganized but the staff were pleasant and courteous and the N500 deposit was returned on our departure with no issue. The shop and the post office are very convenient places to by your postcards & stamps. The next contentious issue here is the food. Okaukuejo is a busy place and getting what you want, the way you want it may not be easy and expecting that you are on a gourmet tour in France or Italy is the just the wrong idea.
On our two nights we ate various meals of game, pork and chicken. All were cooked on a grill in front of you and two vegetables were served with it on both nights, which were well prepared. We had worse food at so called better lodges. You must reserve your table for dinner, which is easy to do. It is open from 1830 for dinner and best to get there between 19-1930, to eat, then go to the waterhole, and enjoy your time there rather than expecting a night out at the restaurant.
Animals: on our 2 half days and 2 evenings we saw so many animals. On our second night we saw a herd of 36 elephants, 6 rhinos and a baby rhino, 2 lions and a hyena and the most spectacular bush fire burning through the night in the distance." See all these reviews: 8n in Namibia; 8n in Botswana; 1n in South Africa
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
Note that accommodation cost does NOT include park fees (contrary to Bradt Guide)." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Mostlygreat experiences at Okaukuejo RestCamp"
We drove just about everywhere you could go in the western part of the park and saw prides of lions, had a lioness with her cubs cross the road in front of us, saw black rhino at the waterhole at night, spotted hyena, and many many elephants, zebra, giraffes, and of course all sorts of lovely smaller animals and birds. It is a great place to just explore.
The restcamp itself was a variable experience. Our first night we stayed at a waterhole chalet. The room was tiny and you didn't get a view of the waterhole (you were just close to it) so I wouldn't recommend paying extra - the four-bed bush chalets looked bigger and better. The second night we stayed at a two-storey premier waterhole chalet which was amazing!! Our large balcony had a daybed with a great view over the waterhole and the chalet was well equipped and very spacious.
The food is either average or poor. There's nothing wrong with it being a buffet, but apart from nice soup and many cakes for dessert, what is on offer is very limited - two types of meat and/or soggy vegetables. A few small exceptions - the omlette chef was great, as was the snack bar. It's a bit of a zoo with the number of people that stay, so the earlier you can get to dinner (7pm is best) the better. You must reserve to get a table - they are very disorganised and struggle to take your drinks order or clear the tables, so it's not just first in first served, more like first in, only-ones served!
We'd go back though, because you just can't beat being inside the park here. After all, dinner only lasts half an hour and you have a whole day to enjoy the animals!" See all these reviews: 15n 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.
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.
