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
67% success
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96% success
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"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 & Senior Africa Specialist"
"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 review"
"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: 8n in Namibia
"Okaukuejo Restcamp review"
"Fine facilities, first clas waterhole"
The accommodation was very pleasant indeed and the dining facilities were good - we commended the chef for the quality of his roast game. We were fortunate enough to have a room just a few yards from the waterhole, which is a great facility. Again, we were spoiled for elephants and black rhinos.
We used Okaukeujo to explore the west of Etosha, going as far west as Ozonjuitji m'Bari, ie as far as we were permitted, which we thought was very impressive in terms of the sheer number of animals there (although we were less impressed with the Ghost Tree Forest). This was the (unintended in our original itinerary) last stop of our trip and allowed us to leave on a high note." See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia
"lovely pool at okaukuejo restcamp"
"Okaukuejo Restcamp review"
Service in the restaurant is as bad as ever and the shops are a disgrace with a poor selection and frequently running out of things.
Maintenance has not improved so leaky pipes and lights not working go un-repaired for a long time.
Having to leave a N$500 key deposit is insulting - no private lodge does this and the deposit is only returned once the staff have checked the room and counted the spoons and cups !
The night drives are over-priced and are frankly terrible. The guides are not properly trained and give inaccurate or downright wrong information. The drives are run on the cheap with the driver trying to operate the spotlight as well as drive which doesnt work well" See all these reviews: 17n 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. The MD of NWR commented to Expert Africa that the feedback sent to him by our travellers was incredibly useful and aided him in knowing what aspects of the refurbishment and general upgrade of all the NWR properties still needed work.
"Africa Specialist | Namibia"
"Okaukuejo excitement"
There seemed to be game drinking there all the time day and night and we hardly needed to get the car out for good sightings. Later on however when we returned to the bungalow we initially thought that the drains were blocked. However we rapidly realised that the problem was the smell from a huge herd of elephants at the watehole!" See all these reviews: 10n 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.
Taleni Etosha Village
Only 4km from Etosha's southern entrance, Taleni Etosha Village is an affordable 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 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.
Toshari Lodge
Smart and professionally run, the hotel-style Toshari Lodge is well-placed for self-driving in Etosha National Park.
