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
71% success
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"Compact & bijou rooms at Okaukuejo"
This said - despite the extreme disappointment of finding out the wrong dates had been booked we were very pleases to be staying inside the NP" See all these reviews: 3n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana
As many of the previous reviews here note, during 2007 the rest camps in Etosha National Park were fully refurbished. The restcamps now retain the huge advantage of their locations and waterholes, although service, quality and some details of the rooms remain issues.
With this refurbishment there was a big price rise. All our travellers need to be fully aware of these issues before they ask us to book Etosha’s restcamps – and factor it into their decisions.
"Okaukuejo Restcamp review"
The staff was not especially friendly or helpful. The restaurant service was below average. The dinner buffet was average and overpriced. The staff did not inform us that we had the option of only eating from the salad bad for 1/2 the price (which we would have preffered to do anyway).
Despite the negatives, Okaukeujo was our favorite rest camp in the park because of the waterhole." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Great waterhole"
The service was unfriendly - we were told off for checking out ten minutes late even though we'd done so because there was no running water and had to wait for them to switch it on so we could have a shower! The communal dining area was pretty chaotic and the food wasn't great.
That said, the waterhole made up for it seeing several black rhinos but if we were to do it again we'd definitely opt for a basic room as the money spent on the 'waterhole chalet' wasn't worth it given the bad service." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Okaukuejo Restcamp review"
"great animal viewing in well organised Camp"
The camp restaurant was well managed and the numbers dealt with efficiently. The pool had been recently refurbished but had been left in very scruffy state e.g smears of cement everywhere allowed to dry on the surrounds. Very few pool loungers (about 5/6) and for most part broken or with torn cushions. No laundry yet and towels rationed!" See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Okaukuejo Restcamp review"
The waterhole was fascinating - the busiest of any we saw in Etosha.
The food was average, buffet food, better than the other 2 camps in Etosha. Would have liked to have been able to purchase small meals (sandwiches, soup etc) outside meal hours.
It would have been good to have had a Wildlife Guide/Resource Centre at each camp who could answer questions about the area, wildlife etc., even give short lectures on various wildlife topics in the evenings. This is done very successfully in the Canadian Rockies Parks in the main visitor months. A small increase in park fees could perhaps cover the cost as well as provide employment.
Wish we'd been able to spend more time here." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
"Not pleased to see you at Okaukujo"
Made to leave $500 cash (or driving licence or passport) in case we stole anything or trashed the room - such a nice welcome particulary as we were paying for a premier waterhole chalet. Having travelled the world I have never been affronted like this.
They need to look at their customer profile and general attitude to their customers. They actually sent a housekeeper to check the room before we left and she radioed back to reception so our deposit could be released ! Neither of us have ever been asked anywhere in the world to do this before - what are their clients like if they have to count the spoons ?
No bottled water provided in room and I would have expected some form of mini bar or dial up bar service for the price I was paying. Wasted opportunites - no mini bar in the room as clearly they don't trust you, it would have been so nice to sit out on our balcony and have a drink whilst watching the waterhole.
I have never been to a bar that doesn't have tonic to go with a gin and the bar man is seriously not bothered. Poor service in the restaurant, turn up with your voucher and feel like a criminal then wait ages for your drinks to appear. Staff look completely disinterested.
Waterhole was in a good location and we did see a good selection of animals.
Lack of information in the rooms regarding the park. Poor service will now be labelled "an etosha" experience.
Good choice of food, buffet style. Restaurant can't cope with numbers and needs to buy more china - they were taking plates as you finished to get them through the wash up. Bit like a canteen at times, not a relaxing experience. They need to separate out their clients and the service they provide. A canteen might be fine for the campers but if we are paying for a premium lodge then I would like a more relaxed and civilised service at dinner. Also if you do go for one of the lodges you need to understand that the crowd watching the waterhole will be right under your bedroom window." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia
The Namibia Wildlife Resorts organisation (NWR) is aware that their service and food standards are in need of quite a serious overhaul. Their priority was to finish their scheduled refurbishments by November. This has been completed and now the staff training has begun.
"Manager"
"Inside Etosha"
But this site can't rely on its setting alone; staffing and procedures are light years away from the splendid standard of accommodation provided and the convenience of staying inside the park will not guarantee a 'full house' unless the standard of service improves. Though cooking facilities are provided, a poorly furnished shop on site doesn't encourage their use; restaurant provision is adequate and meals similarly so but staffing is poor and, again, badly managed.
The notion of service in this nationally run organisation has some way to go. The local buzz is that the increased price, post-refurbishment, is unreasonably high; without considerable effort to improve service all round, this site, despite its unique setting in the park, will lose out to private competion outside the area. Consideration for the material welfare of visitors beyond rooms and showers has a long way to go." See all these reviews: 25n in Namibia
"okaukuejo restcamp"
if travelling from lodge to lodge as we did, having one night in a much more touristy environment is quite a good contrast. would recommend this stop in any itinerary." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia
"Okaukuejo Restcamp review"
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.
Onguma Forest Camp
From its woodland setting on the Onguma Reserve, Forest Camp is within easy striking distance of Namibia’s flagship national park.
Safarihoek Lodge
At the heart of the private Etosha Heights Reserve, Safarihoek Lodge offers comfortable accommodation and excellent game-viewing.
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.
Etosha Garden Hotel
Safari in Etosha National Park Namibia, whilst based at the nearby Etosha Garden Lodge.
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.
Onkoshi Camp
Onkoshi Camp is owned and run by Namibia Wildlife Resorts. Built on elevated wooden platforms it overlooks Etosha Pan.
