Reviews of Onguma Bush Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
92 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Onguma Bush Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
44% success
8% success
22% success
69% success
68% success
68% success
64% success
52% success
36% success
29% success
22% success
18% success
17% success
14% success
14% success
0% success
0% success
"Good time at Onguma"
The food was very good. Our son also really like the 'play room'.
Being outside the park is slightly inconvenient with small children as you have to cut your gamedrives at bit short to be at the lodge at a sensible time (for the kids)." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia; 4n in South Africa
Black Rhino
1 sighting
Eland
2 sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Lion
4 sightings
Oryx
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Onguma Bush Camp"
Excellent dinner and breakfast and good service and facilities" See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Mixed Feelings about Onguma "
The negatives– compared to every other lodge we stayed at in Namibia, the service was just not very friendly or welcoming. I was first to say hello or good morning to most of the staff, unlike other lodges which overwhelm you with their friendliness and smiles. They did their jobs well and were attentive and efficient (for example, one waiter noticed that our table was wobbling and quickly came over and fixed it) but the "feel" was just not the best. The lodge/dinner area is beautiful but there is the sense that you are not really welcome to hang out there. At 9pm, it seemed the staff was eager to put out the candles and get everyone to bed. Guests should be encouraged to enjoy the bar and beautiful lodge!
The highlight of the lodge, which is the one reason Onguma gets 4 stars instead of 3, is their hide. As a photographer, the hide by the waterhole is an incredible experience. It is amazing to spend time there waiting to see which animals will approach the waterhole–we had a couple of incredible surprises! Getting those low-angle shots is a very special experience and a real asset." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia
"More formal style camp"
Service is more formal here and I am less comfortable with that but plus points were the enormous chalet and really good food and wine.
Dining area by a waterhole and a swimming pool here so quite relaxing after lots of driving in Etosha" See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Onguma Bush Camp review"
"Wonderful and relaxing setting"
The rondavels were a little on the small side but there was no reason to be in them other than to sleep so it wasn't uncomfortable. One evening there was no hot water as the gas heating system broke but this was repaired after a few hours.
The staff in the restaurant were fantastic and the chef the best. This food and its presentation was of five star standard.
The game drive and the safari walk we did in their own reserve was average. We wouldn't do the safari walk again as it was too 'tame' and not far enough to feel we had even stretched our legs. Compared to the vast Etosha the private reserve did feel quite small but since the camp is just outside the Etosha gates you really have the best of both.
We would stay here again without hesitation." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia; 2n in Zambia
"Stunning luxury"
Maintenance, decoration, service and food and drink are all of the highest calibre. Some may even find the luxury a bit overwhelming.
Our sundowner guided drive through Onguma park was rather unproductive but our self-drive safari through Etosha the next day was highly enjoyable and revealed plenty of wildlife." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana
"Good place to stay"
A few giraffes came to the watering hole at sunset, but not much else (it wasn't the season). Also note that the camp is about a 15 minute drive on a fairly bumpy road from the park gate. It doesn't seem like much but when you spend all day driving in the park on bumpy roads were you're not even supposed to get out of the car to stretch your legs it really adds up." See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia
"Living the dream..."
The restaurant and food also overlooking the waterhole was perfect with amazing service and fantastic food. The pool. Our room was so comfy with little extras like a bottle of water at night. But most of all the staff - so friendly and attentive - I felt so relaxed and happy here.
We also did an evening drive and saw plenty of animals which made it a fantastic all rounder - I'd happily go back here and spend a week or longer!" See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
"Beautiful but smoking allowed in best spot"
The dining room/ lounge area is beautiful and the rooms are comfortable.
The only negative is that smoking is allowed in the best spot (the lounge area just above the waterhole)." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 4n in South Africa
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 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.
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.
