Reviews of Ongava Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
173 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
87% success
12% success
12% success
96% success
95% success
91% success
91% success
87% success
84% success
83% success
42% success
27% success
16% success
16% success
14% success
3% success
0% success
"Great Waterhole..."
Our room was large, again like many of the lodges we stayed in sympathetically designed and decorated in a decor to our taste with a huge deck area. Very well equipped and a welcome and efficient laundry service included. As this was a special 25th wedding anniversary trip we appreciated the nice touch of a card and complimentary sparkling wine.
Due to the wildlife it was necessary to be escorted to and from your room during certain hours. There was a phone in the room to call for a guide and horns for emergencies.
We took an afternoon game drive and sundowner which was excellent and our guide was very engaging and we saw lions and rhinoceros plus calf among many other species of wildlife. We enjoyed our guides company and conversation. He was not rushed and endeavored to be informative and answer all of our questions, queries and accommodate our requests.
Dinner and breakfast were taken on the terrace overlooking a lit waterhole at night which for us was a highlight of our stay as we felt it to be rather special just glancing over to see what animal was visiting.
Personally we felt the food and complimentary wine options to be excellent. I do not eat red meat and one evening I was served fish and the other chicken which had been the norm in other lodges also, however Ongava made an effort to make it slightly more appetizing and creative which was appreciated. The service and staff were good during our visit and for us it was nice to see that they also showed enthusiasm about the birdlife and wildlife visiting the hide.
There was a large pool to one side and a lower sitting and fire pit area the other. These communal areas have clearly been designed to maximize enjoyment of the view and waterhole. Wi-fi was very sporadic in our room but useable in the communal areas.
There is a secure walkway to the hide and the hide itself is comfortable. I do not recall how many seats there were but it was not busy during our stay so it was not an issue. It was very special to simply sit and watch wildlife wander by and we were fascinated in the evening my a visit from a rhinoceros and her calf and three inquisitive porcupines.
We were interested to learn about their conservation and Ongave Research Centre. The lodge was a great introduction to the Etosha region so thank you for a wonderful stay." See all these reviews: 22n in Namibia
"Rhino paradise"
Do not miss the hide, on both nights we were rewarded with black rhino visits. No words can describe the experience of being so close.
Game drives on the reserve were brilliant, we tracked rhino on foot and succeeded in finding a crash of 10 white rhinos on two consecutive days !! A big thanks to our guide.
Request for rooms 1 to 3 for direct views to the waterhole." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
"Ongava Lodge review"
"Amazing view of wildlife from the dining room"
Great luxurious room with a view of zebras from the bathroom. Really good for wildlife overall.
The welcome was a bit lacklustre - there was an attempt to sell us activities without explaining how much they were or what happened on them. More information would have been helpful.
The food was poor overall - I had an omelette at breakfast which I couldn't eat as the eggs were still raw!" See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Uber luxury, exceptional"
Attractions include exceptionally comfortable rooms, set in individual rondavels, a lit waterhole with hide (from which we saw white and black rhino each night), a wonderful dining terrace offering views both of the waterhole and the plains. Food is excellent, service exceptional.
We enjoyed game drives, both to Etosha itself and within the Ongava reserve (complete with sundowner and passing elephant). There is, understandably, far more game in Etosha itself but then where would you regularly see rhino less than 20 metres way from one's semi-private hide?
I can't think of any way in which it could be improved." See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia
"Ongava Lodge review"
Rhino, lion, giraffe, etc. in the park but a bit short of antelope varieties. Drive into Etosha is a bit long but worth it.
A couple of issues: the place has been taken back by owners from Wilderness. The owners were in evidence when we stayed but seemed to be throwing their weight around. The directors turned up to a lion sighting and were happy to break their own rules about number of vehicles at a sighting (they were the 5th vehicle). They were also very noisy at the evening meal. The directors need to think about putting their guests first." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Manager & Senior Africa Specialist"
"Ongava Lodge review"
"Fantastic In Every Way"
"Incredible stay at Ongava Lodge"
Our guide during our time there, Binius, was simply brilliant. Knowing that it was our first time visiting a game reserve in Africa, he immediately took us to the big game on our first game drive. Within a couple of hours, we saw giraffe, savanna elephants, a variety of antelope, and two prides of lions. It was the best game viewing we had all trip, including Etosha. Then, when we came back for another drive on our second day, he showed us completely different aspects of the reserve by introducing us to many of the different birds that inhabit the area. The contrast was excellent and his expertise during both drives was greatly appreciated.
Aside from these two wonderful individuals, our room was a comfortable, welcome respite from our activities. With a great view, indoor and outdoor shower options, air conditioning, and very comfortable beds, it was all you could want from lodging here.
The food did not disappoint either, as we enjoyed breakfast, lunch and dinner during our stay. It was all very tasty.
If you are looking for a safari experience at a first rate property, look no further than Ongava Lodge!" See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"Ongava Lodge review"
At this time of year with the rains just starting, there are fewer animals to be seen at the waterholes but we still had excellent sightings of all the animals that we wanted to see. Once again the guide like all the others that we had met, was exceptional and kept us very informed and helped our "education".
The lodge accommodation and facilities were excellent. The staff didn't have quite the "character" as those in Doro Nawas but it was lovely experience." See all these reviews: 8n 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Toshari Lodge
Smart and professionally run, the hotel-style Toshari Lodge is well-placed for self-driving in Etosha National Park.
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.
