Reviews of Ongava Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
158 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Ongava Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Ongava Lodge review"
Wonderful game drive watching at close quarters several lions and cubs." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia
"Ongava Lodge review"
Game viewing seemed rather artificial after Zambia and Tanzania, with Etosha full of coaches and private cars all heading for the manmade watering holes. However, we did not go to Namibia for the game, so no problem." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"Ongava Lodge review"
Rooms were fantastic - the aircon was particularly welcome. Lunches were particularly good (great soup and salad selction) - dinner was actually a little disappointing by comparison but still good.
The game drives were quite spectacular - the guides were patient and thoughtful." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia
"A taste of luxury and big game"
The small waterhole was our first experience of "waterhole animal watching" and this was enhanced by the ability to watch while eating. We were impressed that newcomers were given the best view on their first night.
The staff were always very attentive and solicitous and we especially appreciated having the same guide for our two evening drives and the morning spent in Etosha - we felt we really got to know him!.
We felt that, we benefitted greatly from what we learnt from the guide when we continued our journey into Etosha to stay at Halali.
It was worth the money!" See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia
"Ongava Lodge review"
Our only reservation was the way that the game viewing, especially in the Etosha (but not exclusively) intruded upon the animals (eg vehicles pushing for the best position and in doing so forcing lions off roads they were trying to cross or pushing them to make mock charges at the vehicles)." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Ongava Lodge review"
Although the breakfasts, lunches and starters and desserts for dinner were good, we felt that the buffet main course did not match the high standards of the other food we ate.
In contrast to the other places we visited, we also felt that the Lodge lacked a visible host/hostess, so whilst our guide was fantastic, we didn't really feel that the atmosphere was as welcoming during the evenings, for example." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia; 6n in Mozambique
"Only one night at Ongava"
The Lodge, however, was fantastic. Great viewing from the restaurant over the floodlit waterhole. The room was great - although a bit odd that the front door, which is between bedroom and bathroom has clear glass so you can be observed by anyone passing by! The mixture of indoor / outdoor places to sit and relax are lovely and we were sorry we only had one night at this location. It could do with a larger safe to store valuables." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Amazing view of waterhole from our room"
The activities were from early morning to evening - partly due to distance of camp from Etosha. There was a lot of driving, and, even so, it was not possible to cover much of Etosha. Saw good viewings of game, including an amazing sighting of leopard.
We asked if it was possible to go on a nature walk, which we enjoyed. However, we had to ask for this as it was not offered.
The dining room was a bit chaotic and it was unclear where everyone was to sit at dinner, and nobody seemed to be taking orders for drinks." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia
"Ongava Lodge review"
If there is one criticism it is that we felt the atmosphere was a bit corporate but who are we to complain when each lodge has his and hers wash basins and showers + the outside bush shower - in one night it was difficult to try it all out.
Breakfast and we saw Kudu, Giraffe, Zebra and springbik as they wandered by the waterhole - beats the M25 everytime." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Real Africa at Ongava"
The morning after our arrival we entered the Park itself to see lots more animals - Zebra, Giraffe, Ostrich, Vultures feeding on a carcass, Jackal, Warthog, plus lots of other antelope and the salt pan itself. We then did an evening game drive where we saw White Rhino and then met a pride of thirteen Lions; we passed on the morning drive on our last day, so we could relax (the early mornings do catch up with you eventually...).
The staff were good (they notified us that we had left our headlights on, and actually took our car keys and turned the lights off for us too!) but reticent in approaching us at times, though an attendant to walk us back to our room (to ward off the porcupines) was always available.
A bit more variety in the food offered would have been preferable perhaps but the stay was generally all good." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
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