Reviews of Ongava Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
162 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
91% success
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96% success
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91% success
91% success
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"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
"Ongava Lodge review"
Rooms were all quite far apart and very private. Our guide was excellent and we really felt we went to great lengths to make sure we all had a good time," See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"rhinotastic"
we went on a drive with them and saw rhinos (which I think is fairly guarenteed) but actually then really enjoyed more the rhino tracking on foot one morning.
I think the guides know an immense amount about the animals but do not give enough infomation spontaneously although could answer any question.
We spent days driving ourselves into Etosha as well and if you have your own car would recommend this as very easy
the food here was adequate but the worst we had in Namibia (which is partly a reflection on how good it was elsewhere!)" See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Ongava Lodge review"
However, thats were it ends. I counldn't wait to leave the place in the end.The food was poor a sort of bland buffet which lacked any variety, but food does make a holiday for us. The service was almost aggressive in its lack of attention. The staff appeared to be feedup, hanging around with long faces. The management were only visable slinking around in the corner of the bar, making no effort what so ever. They had no interest in their guests.
Our biggest complaint however, was the complete rip off that the trips ended up being. After many long drives we thought we would have a day off and go with the guide into Etosha and later around the reserve. We assumed that the price would be the standard 400 odd rand that we had been charged in the other camps and were horrified when we saw the bill . They charge us more than double each for the trip in to Etosha and 400 rand for a short wild goose chase around the reserve with a plesant but clueless guide. It was a complete and utter rip off and I would strongly recommend that other visitors are not duped by this shameless profiteering. (I have written to the Managing Direct of Wilderness Safaris about this)
The rip off was emphasised even more when we stayed the next day at Mushara Lodge who charged just 400 rand for a trip into Etosha with a guide who was brought up there and very knowledgeable. Needless to say we didn't take the second trip, but he did tell us lost about Etosha for free as he chatted with us casually in the hotel." See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia
"Southern Africa Manager"
"Ongava Lodge review"
Watch out for being charged for additional activities (depending on accommodation option booked) without being told about the charges until afterwards!
Great rooms, lovely view with airconditioning as a bonus. A good place to stay." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"Ongava Lodge review"
"Ongava Lodge 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.
Okaukuejo Camp
Set within Etosha National Park, Okaukuejo Resort is a large camp with a productive, floodlit waterhole.
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 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.
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 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.
