Reviews of Ongava Tented Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
162 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Ongava Tented Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Ongava Tented Camp review"
We were made to feel very welcome, and the policy there of mixing all the guests together at the table for the evening meal meant that we had some lively conversations that we would have missed otherwise.
Viewing in the conservancy was good, better than in Etosha itself now that the rains have dispersed the animals." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Ongava Tented Camp review"
Although sitauted at the Anderson Gate entrance into Etosha the drive into Etosha proper takes well over an hour so is quite tiring to do for a morning drive. We were not offered a night drive at Ongava despite our information stating that they did undertake night drives. Whilst the food at camp was fine, I'm not sure they provided enough of it - when we came back from our Etosha game drive everybody else was already eating and there was only a few scraps left for us!
We mentioned it to the staff but were merely informed that lunch was finished. They did however offer quite nice vegatarian alternatives to the ubiquitous meat main course and the porridge in the morning was very good.
Hein (I think he was the manager) was very good but some of the other staff appeared a little surly. All in all, very enjoyable though." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"Ongava Tented Camp review"
Water hole FANTASTIC. Food amazing. What a welcome to the safari experience. So lovely to lay in the pool watching the animals at the waterhole. Guides found us all the game we wanted, even baby rhino!!" See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Ongava Tented Camp review"
"Ongava Tented Camp review"
A memorable experience - shame about the result of the match!!" See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia
"Surrounded at Ongava Tented Camp"
We had a game drive on the property with Binius, and saw lots, including Giraffe, White Rhino and a pride of Lions under a tree. The night drive was also good, and although we did not see specifically nocturnal animals, we did see plenty of game including herds of different antelope resting, their eyes reflecting our spotlight. It was lovely to be out in the soft night air with stars shining so brightly in the clear African sky.
The highlight was our day in Etosha, and we had an excellent guide in Elaine. Stopping at the different waterholes provided breathtaking sights of huge herds of mixed animals, and many more spread out over the surrounding plains. We found, as always, being close to wild animals is a moving and highly emotional experience. Game viewing in Etosha was quite different from our previous safaris: we had seen plenty of large herds of individual animals, particularly in Botswana, but not these huge mixed herds with different animals interacting and taking their place in the scheme of things. it did come to mind that this, perhaps, is how the world once was.
No matter how many safaris you have done, Etosha should not be missed.
I do have 2 comments, both concerning this day. Firstly, it is far too long a time from 6 a.m. (very light) breakfast until 2 p.m. or later (fairly light) lunch. A snack to have with the cold drinks would have been welcome. Or better still, a packed lunch, like we had on the dune drive from Wilderness Camp, thus allowing us to stay out as long as possible. After all, most of us will pass this way but once.
My second point is that, only after we were underway, did we learn that we would stop at a complex which (as well as toilets) had gift shops selling postcards, information on the Park, and a Post Office. None of our group had brought any money and thus the one couple who had their credit card were the only ones able to buy anything, including a very useful small book illustrating the animals and birds we were about to see. We did have with us the Wildlife Guide from Chris McIntyre's excellent Brandt Guide to Namibia whcih was of some help - though not with the birds - and owing to luggage restrictions, we did not bring along our other reference books. I do feel information about this stop en-route should be made available ahead of time." See all these reviews: 5n in Namibia
"A great centre-piece to a fab vacation"
First, it is a very well-appointed camp. Cameron and Wendy have created a great family atmosphere - helped by two of their daughters being around for some of our time there - and are to be highly commended for the warmth of their welcome and general hospitality: they are great hosts. The waterhole is a real draw to the animals at least in October and the regular visiting porcupine, Charlie, is a bonus.
Second, the camp has excellent guides. We saw a very wide range of animals including frequent white rhino sightings and lions, as well as many species of herbivores. Our guide for most of the time we were there was Rio and he was outstanding both as a guide and as a man: we really enjoyed our outings with him.
Within that context we were able to persuade Cam and Wendy to let Rio take us out on a couple of night drives - without any difficulty though it seems not to be a normal service notwithstanding what the brochures say. These were certainly the highlight of our holiday: even though we had to work hard to find animals we were very well rewarded, especially by the rare sighting of an aardvark - but also by an excellent leopard spot, frequent African wildcats, a cape fox and a genet.
We'd recommend that Ongava offers night drives as a matter of course especially now that Rio has identified some key spots for the nocturnal animals - at least for guests who are staying for a few days and have time and patience to indulge in activities which might not bring instant gratification.
While we saw half-a-dozen or so not previously seen species when we moved into Etosha - notably black rhinos and elephants - the vast majority of the 32 mammal species we saw during our vacation were in Ongava, which says much for both the range of animals and the quality of the guides.
I guess if we have one other suggestion for improvement, as noted below it would be the food which was a little inconsistent in quality. The best was very good indeed; but there was the odd dip or two in quality, especially (but not exclusively) when we were having early dinner before our two night drives. A slightly better white house wine would also be welcome (but the red was very good).
That said, we'd have no hesitation in recommending Ongava to all-comers and suggesting a four night stay there to take in the full range of its offering, including a trip or two into Etosha itself (we did one half-day trip)." See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia
"Ongava tented camp"
The gap between morning visits to Etosha and the start of the afternoon drive was very short. I think it could be extended." See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia
"A porcupine joined us for tea!"
Our hosts, Wendy and Cameron were superb, meeting us promptly on arrival with welcome cold flannels, followed by a soft drink. The tents were beautifully furnished and the outdoor shower, whilst enclosed to preserve modesty, allowed us a stunning view of the clear night sky. We were met and escorted promptly to and from our tents after dark and our luggage was delivered to the tents. Hot water bottles again.
We went on an afternoon game drive and viewed a number of different types of antelope and our guide, Binius, went to great lengths to ensure we saw white rhino up close and personal. We, along with others from the main camp, were able to track on foot for a short distance.
Cameron's knowledge of the stars and his after dinner anecdotes made you feel more like a member of the family than a short term visitor. We were also able to view a porcupine at close quarters since there is a semi tame one which visits in the evenings.
One night was not enough here.
The next morning we had a game drive into Etosha for several hours. Again Binius, through radio contact with colleagues, enabled us to get a good view of two lionesses at a watering hole.
To ensure we used our time to the best possible advantage, Wendy and Cameron arranged for us to take a packed lunch with us that day. There was plenty to eat and a good choice of food." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia
"ongava Tented Camp"
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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 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.
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.
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.
Toshari Lodge
Smart and professionally run, the hotel-style Toshari Lodge is well-placed for self-driving in Etosha National Park.
Onkoshi Camp
Onkoshi Camp is owned and run by Namibia Wildlife Resorts. Built on elevated wooden platforms it overlooks Etosha Pan.
