This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines open now

User menu
Onguma Camp Kala
Onguma Camp Kala
Onguma Camp Kala
Onguma Camp Kala
Onguma Camp Kala
Onguma Camp Kala
Onguma Camp Kala
Onguma Camp Kala

Onguma Camp Kala: Our full report

Situated on the private Onguma Reserve bordering Etosha National Park, Onguma Camp Kala, formerly known as ...

... Tree Top Camp, is in an ideal location for visiting Namibia's flagship wildlife park. The camp is small and intimate, with only four tents, each raised on stilts within the tree line overlooking a large waterhole, giving the property a real bushcamp feel.

Onguma Tree Top burnt down and has been reimagined as Onguma Camp Kala which is due to open in late 2022. The new camp will not only be the most remote camp on the 340km2 Onguma Reserve, which it shares with its four sister camps: Onguma Bush Camp , Onguma Tented Camp , Onguma The Fort and Onguma Etosha Aoba .

We have not visited Camp Kala yet so the informaiton below is for the old Tree Top Camp.

Tree Top has just four tented rooms, each overlooking the floodlit waterhole in front of camp for their high vantage points. Raised on stilts and constructed from canvas under a thatched roof, these rooms can be left open at the front for a real wilderness feel. To keep inclement weather at bay but enabling you to still enjoy the view, a transparent plastic screen can be rolled down and for complete privacy the full canvas front can be lowered and secured. The cosy rooms, being raised high above the ground, mean keeping the front open at night, as we did on our last visit in September 2018, is a great way to hear the sounds of the bush and really experience the wilderness safely.

The décor is inspired by nature, with browns and greens balanced by fresh white linen. The bed is surrounded by a mosquito net, and a set of shelves houses a safe, hairdryer, mosquito repellent and a dressing gown and slippers.

The en-suite bathroom forms part of the bedroom, with a basin to the side of the bed, and the toilet behind a door in one corner. Just outside on the deck, a well-screened open-air shower offers complete privacy from the other tents, although less so from the bedroom.

Each room has a private balcony where a couple of leather chairs look out towards the waterhole. This is visited by a host of animals including giraffe, zebra, lion and many different types of antelope, with jackals and hyena often spotted here in the evening. And as the waterhole is visible from the shower, you can even keep watch while having a wash.

Connected to the rooms by raised wooden walkways is Tree Top's main area, which also has views over the waterhole. The dining area, where meals are enjoyed around a communal table in the evening, but with individual tables for breakfast and lunch, adjoins an open-plan interactive kitchen where guests are encouraged to chat to the chefs while they cook your meal. The small but comfortable lounge has a central wood-burning stove and a cabinet housing the bar. There is also a telescope for closer views of the animals or star-gazing at night.

On the deck outside, a small firepit surrounded by seating is a great place to watch visitors at the waterhole in the evening with a glass of wine. The staff are very attentive and helpful, and will often have a friendly chat with guests over drinks and at dinner.

Activities from Onguma Tree Top include guided morning and afternoon game drives in Etosha National Park (including drinks), as well as sundowner drives and guided walks on the Onguma Reserve. The camp is also well placed for visitors to drive themselves around the national park.

Keen photographers or those looking for a change of pace can arrange to visit the reserve's partially submerged Onkolo Hide, whose low-level view over a waterhole gives a unique perspective. Your guide will accompany you with snacks and drinks, so you benefit from an extra pair of eyes and their in-depth knowledge'. Guests at Tree Tops can also book wellness treatments for an additional cost at Onguma The Fort, with the short transfer being handled by their guide.


Our view

Although not as luxurious as some of the other options on the Onguma Reserve, Onguma Tree Top Camp is one of our favourite. The remote location, excellent service and wonderful bush feel should attract those with a sense of adventure who want to get a little closer to the wilderness. And the peace and privacy make it a great spot for a group of friends or a family, not least as the whole camp can be booked on a private basis.

Karen Sharpe

Karen Sharpe

Namibia expert

Geographics

Location
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Ideal length of stay
2-3 nights
Directions
Onguma Tree Top Camp is located on the Onguma Reserve, just outside Etosha National Park's western gate. The reserve has its own airstrip.
Accessible by
Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
On our most recent visit in September 2018 we enjoyed the “interactive” kitchen and the friendly atmosphere of the main area.

Breakfast follows the typical form for a safari lodge with a buffet of cereals, fresh fruit, fruit juice, tea, coffee, fresh bread and muffins. You can also opt for a hot meal, which will be cooked to order in front of you.

For lunch guests are usually offered a light meal such as salad, fresh bread and quiche followed by something sweet. We opted instead to take a packed lunch with us for the road: an impressive selection of sandwiches, crisps, fruit, fruit juice, biltong and peanuts – so plenty to keep us going through the day.

Dinner is typically a three-course set meal. However, on our last stay our vegetable soup was followed by a more traditional braai (BBQ). The selection of boerewors (beef sausage), game steak and chicken was extensive and well cooked. Sides included maize meal, corn on the cob, rice and salad. In fact, we were so full that we didn’t have space to finish the malva pudding dessert!
Dining style
Mixture of group dining and individual tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
No
Drinks included
Drinks are not included. The water is considered safe to drink.

Special interests

Photography holidays
For a unique perspectives of the Onguma reserve's wildlife and the opportunity to calmly sit and unobtrusively enjoy nature. Enjoy a few hours at this well equipped hide as an activity from Onguma Camp Kala.
See ideas for Photography holidays in Namibia
Walking safaris
Want a break from Namibia's bumpy roads? Why not stretch your legs on a walking safari, accompanied by a guide from Onguma Camp Kala? It's a great way to see another side of the bush.
See ideas for Walking safaris in Namibia
Wildlife safaris
Within easy access of Etosha National Park, the small, intimate Onguma Camp Kala is a lovely place to stay for a good safari experience.
See ideas for Wildlife safaris in Namibia
Private villas & houses
Onguma Camp Kala’s four tents can be booked privately for small groups or families travelling together. Having the camp to yourselves, with your own private guide, gives the ultimate flexibility to enjoy the Onguma Reserve and Etosha.
See ideas for Private villas & houses in Namibia

Children

Attitude towards children
Onguma Camp Kala does not accept children.
Property’s age restrictions
No children under 12.
Special activities & services
None
Equipment
None
Generally recommended for children
The combination of high walkways with few barriers and plenty of nearby game mean that we do not recommend Onguma Tree Top Camp for children under 16.
Notes
Due to the high walkways and decks, children must be supervised by their parents at all times.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Onguma Camp Kala

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Onguma Camp Kala have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

Oryx

100% success

Zebra

100% success

Wildebeest

93% success

Giraffe

86% success

Cheetah

50% success

Eland

50% success

Elephant

50% success

Lion

38% success

Roan antelope

36% success

Spotted Hyena

30% success

Black Rhino

27% success

Brown Hyena

18% success

Leopard

18% success

Aardvark

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

Sable antelope

0% success

White Rhino

0% success

Communications

Power supply notes
The camp has a back-up generator in case of a power failure.
Communications
There is free WiFi throughout the property.
TV & radio
None
Water supply
Borehole
Water supply notes
The bathrooms are plumbed, with hot and cold water and flushing toilets.

Sustainability

Oshivelo Farming and Onguma Anti-poaching Unit

As well as providing excellent safari lodges, in 2012 The Onguma group set up a large-scale sustainability project, Oshivelo Farming, which successfully provides jobs and income for many of the local people - at present there are over 180 permanent, plus another 100 seasonal employees. They have cultivated and developed a farm that has grown in size over the years, which now produces a vast array of vegetables, so much so that several hundred tonnes of vegetables are currently sold monthly. Currently it’s one of the top five vegetable producers in Namibia! Through the project, they are also able to help the local Oshivelo community with equipment etc. for the school and they also built the village soccer field.

Onguma are also involved in conservation and as such run the Onguma anti-poaching unit, on the reserve to help protect the endangered population of rhino. Since its introduction, the poaching of rhino on the reserve has dramatically decreased, which is great news!

See more great sustainability projects in Namibia

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
There is a basic first-aid kit on site, and both guides and managers are first-aid trained. The nearest doctor is in Tsumeb, 110km away, but in an emergency guests would be airlifted to Windhoek.
Dangerous animals
High Risk
Security measures
There is a guard on the gate to the Onguma Reserve but not at the camp itself.
Fire safety
A fire extinguisher is located in each room and in the main area.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Guided walking safari

    Guided walking safari

Extras

Disabled access
Not Possible
Laundry facilities
Laundry is sent to Onguma Bush Camp so can take 24 hours to be returned to guests at Tree Top. For those staying on a half-board basis, laundry will cost extra.
Money
There are safes in each of the rooms.
Accepted payment on location
Visa and Mastercard are accepted as well as cash in US dollars, Namibian dollars or South African rand.

Other lodges in Etosha National Park

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


Okaukuejo Camp

Okaukuejo Camp

Set within Etosha National Park, Okaukuejo Resort is a large camp with a productive, floodlit waterhole.


83% (717 reviews)
Halali Camp

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.


79% (334 reviews)
Mushara Bush Camp

Mushara Bush Camp

The family-friendly Mushara Bush Camp offers great value and is an excellent base from which to explore Etosha National Park.


94% (268 reviews)
Ongava Lodge

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.


92% (164 reviews)
Ongava Tented Camp

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.


93% (157 reviews)
Onguma Tented Camp

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.


93% (104 reviews)
Mushara Lodge

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.


93% (102 reviews)
Dolomite Camp

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.


86% (97 reviews)
Onguma Bush Camp

Onguma Bush Camp

For great wildlife viewing without breaking the bank, the affordable and understated luxury of Onguma Bush Camp could be perfect.


94% (90 reviews)
Namutoni Camp

Namutoni Camp

Centred on an old fort, the government run Namutoni Camp is located just inside Etosha National Park, close to Fisher's Pan.


82% (89 reviews)
Hobatere Lodge

Hobatere Lodge

To the west of Etosha National Park, on the edge of Damaraland, Hobatere Lodge offers good game-viewing on its own reserve.


89% (75 reviews)
Mushara Outpost

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.


94% (73 reviews)
Safarihoek Lodge

Safarihoek Lodge

At the heart of the private Etosha Heights Reserve, Safarihoek Lodge offers comfortable accommodation and excellent game-viewing.


95% (42 reviews)
Onguma The Fort

Onguma The Fort

The Fort is the jewel in the crown of the Onguma lodges, and arguably the whole of eastern Etosha.


96% (41 reviews)
Onguma Forest Camp

Onguma Forest Camp

From its woodland setting on the Onguma Reserve, Forest Camp is within easy striking distance of Namibia’s flagship national park.


89% (37 reviews)
Taleni Etosha Village

Taleni Etosha Village

Only 4km from Etosha's southern entrance, Taleni Etosha Village is an affordable base from which to explore the park.


93% (26 reviews)
Etosha Safari Lodge

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.


85% (26 reviews)
Little Ongava

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.


97% (25 reviews)
Etosha Safari Camp

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.


86% (23 reviews)
Andersson's at Ongava

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.


96% (23 reviews)
Mountain Lodge

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.


95% (17 reviews)
Mokuti Etosha Lodge

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.


93% (11 reviews)
Etosha Oberland Lodge

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.


100% (8 reviews)
Vreugde Guest Farm

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.


90% (6 reviews)
Villa Mushara

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.


95% (4 reviews)
Etosha King Nehale

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.


100% (2 reviews)
Safari House

Safari House

The private Safari House on the Etosha Heights reserve is a great option families or friends travelling together.


100% (1 review)
Toshari Lodge

Toshari Lodge

Safari in Etosha National Park Namibia, whilst based at Etosha Gateway Lodge.


80% (1 review)
Onkoshi Camp

Onkoshi Camp

Onkoshi Camp is owned and run by Namibia Wildlife Resorts. Built on elevated wooden platforms it overlooks Etosha Pan.


80% (1 review)

Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team

Newsletter background

Stay in the know with Expert Africa

Join our newsletter. Get the latest on new camps and lodges, insights from our team, uplifting conservation stories and more...

A few more details and you're subscribed

Thanks!

Almost there! We've sent you an email to confirm your subscription. Just click on the link and you'll soon be receiving our newsletter in your inbox.

In the meantime, take a look at our previous Bush Telegraph newsletters.
Africa