Reviews of Onguma Tented Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
98 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Onguma Tented Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
60% success
22% success
33% success
96% success
96% success
90% success
86% success
73% success
39% success
37% success
29% success
29% success
24% success
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6% success
0% success
0% success
"Onguma Tented Camp review"
We booked on the sundowner 2.5 hour trip but this turned out to be quite disappointing as it was mainly about birds and there was no attempt to look for other animals....we knew we were in trouble when the guide stopped the vehicle for the other 4 people on board twice in the first 10 minutes to show them a bird, and then waited for about 15 minutes to watch another bird fly off from a branch! In hindsight we should have been clearer with the guide that we weren't that interested in birds but we felt too embarrassed to as the majority of those on the trip clearly were twitchers and we didn't want to offend them.
We did give this feedback to the management on departure though. The tents have excellent mosquito nets around the bed plus an air con unit that works just inside that net - very effective, neat and clever. The open sides of the tent - made of strong mesh - were a surprise to us as we thought canvas covers would be pulled over them when we went to bed.....but that's just us being nervous nellies!
Lions came to the waterhole in front of us during the night and their roars, which sounded like they were right next to our tent (they weren't!!) will stay with us for a long long time!" See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia
Giraffe
1 sighting
Lion
1 sighting
"Onguma Tented Camp review"
The food was great, good service from all the waiting staff.
The only comment we felt both of the managers/reception staff to be distant and uncommunicative." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
Giraffe
5 sightings
Oryx
2 sightings
Wildebeest
5 sightings
Zebra
9 sightings
"Onguma Tented Camp review"
Nicely appointed glamping tent/huts. Close enough to Etosha to allow day trips into the park.
The guide offered a walking safari one morning, which is not offered in most lodges.
A worthwhile experience to observe different aspects of the landscape and wildlife." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia; 5n in South Africa
Cheetah
1 sighting
Elephant
3 sightings
Giraffe
3 sightings
Oryx
1 sighting
Wildebeest
3 sightings
Zebra
3 sightings
"Onguma Tented Camp review"
Guide ( Francis)was excellent. Only thing let it down was manager very functional/ lacked warmth.
Actual reserve was disappointing although national park was close and great" See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Onguma Tented Camp review"
The bush dinner was amazing too. I wish we had more time to spend at the lodge to relax and enjoy the settings.
I was actually sad to have to leave, the waterhole was wonderful with lots of activities from the wildlife.
I also loved the way our room was decorated, definitely one of the best camps that we stayed on this trip." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
2 sightings
Giraffe
3 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Oryx
2 sightings
Roan antelope
1 sighting
Sable antelope
1 sighting
Wildebeest
2 sightings
Zebra
3 sightings
"Onguma Tented Camp review"
Very comfortable tent. Excellent food. Lovely view over the waterhole when you are having supper. We saw a leopard come down for a drink not 70 yards away.
Very good game drive into Etosha. We saw honey badger, two leopards (one eating a freshly killed springbok), two cheetahs, white rhino and lots of elephants. In Onguma itself we saw a nice pride of lions and the next evening saw them hunting impala.
Highly recommended. Nice little pool." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 1n in South Africa
Cheetah
1 sighting
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Leopard
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Oryx
Multiple sightings
White Rhino
1 sighting
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Onguma Tented Camp review"
It is conveniently located just outside the east entrance to Etosha." See all these reviews: 21n in Namibia
Black Rhino
Multiple sightings
Eland
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Oryx
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
White Rhino
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Onguma Tented Camp review"
The camp is well located for Etosha and we enjoyed our stay.
Fantastic view from the tent, and the main building, over a water hole. Saw a family wart hogs bathing and playing" See all these reviews: 21n in Namibia
Elephant
3 sightings
Giraffe
2 sightings
Oryx
4 sightings
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"A welcome back to Onguma Tented Camp"
We were not disappointed - met at the covered parking area with cold damp refreshment towels and cold teas and a familiar face or two - the same manager and assistant as on our previous visit. A welcome pot of tea over our re-introduction chat.
It must have been a co-incidence that we were given our previous chalet!
Our first supper was taken overlooking the waterhole - three courses of stunning food.
Early the next day was one of the best experiences of our trip - nearly three hours watching wildlife from elephant toenail height - yes, we did see those toe nails almost within touching distance!
Keeping to the right-hand side of the sunken hide meant we could see a lot of birdlife in the trees and bushes - something another guest advised the night before. The elephant antics as they tried to 'mudify' their rear ends were a sight to behold.
The next day was an early morning drive to Etosha. We did see a rare black rhino (well its rear), a honeymooning pair of lions before a clan hyenas and vultures were scavenging an elephant who had died overnight (not a kill per se). The smell was somewhat obnoxious.
Our only criticism was the guide was chasing sightings whilst we were in the park - at speed meant no chance of seeing other (two legged) creatures. He should have asked us what we wanted to see if at all possible. It needed a chill out session at the lounge to wind down and watch the waterhole - a trio of Oryx !
That evening we saw black-backed jackal and a troop of banded mongoose and other larger four legged animals at the waterhole. The meal again was superb.
We drove ourselves around the east of Etosha on the morning we left as we had the time. Our pace was more sedate than the game drive and we could try and see what we came to see. The waterhole just south of the park entrance provided interaction between giraffe, elephants and oryx.
Food and accompanying service at Onguma is excellent and the staff very friendly - well worth our coming up there again." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana
"Onguma Tented Camp"
The 2nd night we were booked on the Dream Cruiser sleep out which was a great experience. We were driven about half an hour from the camp by Samuel to the Cruiser which overlooks a waterhole. He showed us around and explained everything including the walkie talkie should we need assistance! Champange, drinks and canapés all provided for us. He left and about 40 mins later the chef arrived with our picnic dinner in a hamper which he set up for us. We were then left to enjoy dinner and sleep under the stars.
Next morning Samuel arrived with coffee and biscuits which we enjoyed watching some Zebra at the waterhole. He then came back for us at 7.40am to take us back to the lodge for breakfast. It was a one-off experience which we are so pleased we booked.
The only thing we would have liked better is to have the chance to arrive at the Cruiser earlier. We left the lodge at 5pm so arriving at 5.30pm by the time Samuel had gone through everything the sun was already going down rapidly and before we knew it it was dark. An hour earlier would have allowed us to take our time over a sundowner or 2 before the chef arriving without being so rushed!" See all these reviews: 21n in Namibia
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Oryx
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
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.
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.
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.
Namutoni Camp
Centred on an old fort, the government run Namutoni Camp is located just inside Etosha National Park, close to Fisher's Pan.
Onguma Bush Camp
For great wildlife viewing without breaking the bank, the affordable and understated luxury of Onguma Bush Camp could be perfect.
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.
Onguma Forest Camp
From its woodland setting on the Onguma Reserve, Forest Camp is within easy striking distance of Namibia’s flagship national park.
Safarihoek Lodge
At the heart of the private Etosha Heights Reserve, Safarihoek Lodge offers comfortable accommodation and excellent game-viewing.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Etosha Garden Hotel
Safari in Etosha National Park Namibia, whilst based at the nearby Etosha Garden Lodge.
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.
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.
