About Onkoshi Camp
Onkoshi Camp opened in September 2008, part of the Namibia Wildlife Resorts portfolio.
Situated on a secluded peninsula overlooking the silvery Etosha Pan, Onkoshi is one of five lodges inside the boundaries of Etosha National Park iteslf.
Accommodation
15 chalets
Children
Best for +12
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Night drive
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Onkoshi Camp
1 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 16 Sep 2024, 1 nights
"Onkoshi Camp review"
Overall rating: Good








Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 13 pictures of Onkoshi Camp to get the candid view.
View galleryOnkoshi Camp: Our full report
Onkoshi Camp opened in September 2008, part of the Namibia Wildlife Resorts portfolio.
Situated on a secluded peninsula overlooking the silvery Etosha Pan, Onkoshi is one of five lodges inside the boundaries of Etosha National Park iteslf.
Fifteen rooms built on elevated wooden decks offer spectacular views over the Etosha Pan. Each has a thatched roof, canvas walls, plenty of windows and wood and gauze doors, allowing expansive views of the surrounding scenery from the room. The spacious interior is made up with twin beds, hanging space and an additional sleeper couch. One honeymoon suite has a king-size bed. All the rooms are en suite with a stone bath with a view and both indoor and outdoor showers – though do be aware that from some of the rooms closer to the main area, the privacy of these outdoor showers is perhaps not as thorough as one may hope. Onkoshi Camp aims to be as environmentally friendly as possible, using solar energy when feasible to light the rooms and heat water.
A small and somewhat dark reception area doesn’t give the warmest of welcomes, but walking out to wooden walkways you’re greeted with expansive views of the Pan, making up for the underwhelming entrance.
Directly in front of the reception is the camp’s main area, also on elevated wooden decks, incorporating a dining area, bar and lounge area, which though large is looking a little tired and dated.
Doors lead out to a small swimming pool, again overlooking the Pan. We only had time for a short visit on our last trip in May 2018, but from the looks of the fresh footprints there had been plenty of wildlife visitors in front of the camp.
Previously, guests would leave their vehicles at Namutoni Camp , where they would be met by safari vehicles and transferred to Onkoshi. The road to Onkoshi was graded in late 2017, and guests can now drive straight to the lodge, which has ample parking available.
Activities offered from Onkoshi Camp include 4WD day safari drives and, as the camp is located within the park, they’re also able to offer spot-lit night drives. Drives from the camp allow guests the chance to explore exclusive areas of the park, not open to self-drive visitors. On our last visit in June 2018, we were told that guided day and moonlit walks on the Etosha Pan may be an option in the future.
Geographics
- Location
- Etosha National Park, Namibia
- Ideal length of stay
- We’d suggest one or two nights here, as part of your self-drive through the area.
- Directions
- Onkoshi is accessed by either the newer King Nehale Iya Mpingana Gate, a 30km drive from the gate, or from the von Lindequist Gate, 52km to the south east.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- We didn’t have the chance to stay for a meal during our last visit, but lunch was being prepared and it was a fairly simple fare of toasted sandwiches and a small salad. The lodge is mainly booked on a B&B basis, though half board options are available.
Breakfast is served between 6.00am and 10.00am, and is usually a buffet, with cold and hot options.
Lunch is available on request, between 12.00 and 2.00pm.
Dinner, either buffet or a la carte options, is available between 6.00pm and 9pm (and from 7.00pm in the winter months). - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Drinks included
- Drinks are extra, expect to pay N$15 for a bottle of water, and N$25 for a beer or a glass of wine.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Property’s age restrictions
- Children under the age of 6 years are not able to stay at Onkoshi Camp.
- Special activities & services
- None are available.
- Equipment
- A sleeper couch is available in each room allowing a child to share with parents.
- Generally recommended for children
- This is a remote lodge, with no facilities for children – we would recommend it for older children.
- Notes
- Dangerous animals are present and may walk through camp. The swimming pool is not fenced. Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Onkoshi Camp
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Onkoshi Camp 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.

100% success

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0% success

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0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Onkoshi charges batteries through the solar power, and uses the generator as a back-up between 6.00 and 10.00am, and 4.00 to 9.00pm.
- Communications
- Onkoshi has limited cell phone signal. Complimentary (though slow) WiFi is available in the main area and restaurant.
- TV & radio
- There are no TVs at Onkoshi Camp.
- Water supply
- Transported in
- Water supply notes
- Water is transported to the lodge via water truck. Bathrooms are plumbed, with flush toilets and hot showers.
Sustainability

Low-impact, high-value tourism
Onkoshi is a small resort on the edge of the Etosha Salt Pan. It has 15 rooms – each named after one of the lions that roamed the area during the construction of the camp.
Energy-efficient solar power is used throughout the camp and in 2016, Onkoshi Camp was awarded 3 out of 5 energy ‘flowers’ by the Eco Awards Namibia for its efforts towards environmental conservation.
In collaboration with other resorts managed by NWR and Sense of Africa, Onkoshi contributes to ‘Enviro Kidz’, a programme aimed at raising awareness of the benefits of wildlife conservation amongst children from disadvantaged backgrounds, through field trips and workshops hosted by participating camps.
See more great sustainability projects in Namibia
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There is a first aid kit in reception. The nearest doctor is in Tsumeb.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- We have been advised that there is limited security at Onkoshi – some of the staff are on duty later in the evenings, but there are no night watchmen, or any specific security duty.
- Fire safety
- Fire extinguishers are located in each chalet and in the main area.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Night drive
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- The lodge has no laundry facilities, but staff will hand wash small items for a small, discretionary fee.
- Money
- Each chalet has a safe. Currency exchange is not possible at Onkoshi.
- Accepted payment on location
- Card payment is possible with Mastercard or Visa. Cash payments are accepted only in Namibian dollars or South Africa rand.
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Onkoshi Camp's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Onkoshi Camp.
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.

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.
When to go to Etosha National Park
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Onkoshi Camp in Etosha National Park
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Etosha National Park in January
January marks the start of Etosha's main rainy season. The Etosha Pan, usually a vast expanse of white clay, may partially fill with water in good rainy season, attracting flamingos and other migratory birds. The landscape transforms into a lush green oasis, providing ample food for wildlife. Many animals give birth during this time, offering chances to see newborns.
While game viewing can be challenging due to dispersed wildlife and thick vegetation, birdwatching is excellent. Migratory species arrive and birds display breeding plumage. The Okaukuejo and Halali waterholes remain active, though less crowded than in dry months. Visitors should be prepared for occasional thunderstorms and potentially muddy roads, especially around Fischer's Pan.
The vibrant greenery and the presence of young animals make this a fantastic time for photography.
- Variable weather: hot, dry or humid with rain
- Occasional localised thunderstorms in Etosha
- Many animals with young; spectacular birdlife
- Wildlife dispersed, harder to see in Etosha
- Fewer tourists; low rates at most lodges
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in January
Etosha National Park in February
February is typically Etosha's wettest month. The Etosha Pan may be partially filled, creating a spectacular sight and attracting numerous waterbirds, including flamingos. The landscape is vibrantly green, with many animals raising their young.
While game viewing can be more challenging due to the abundance of water and vegetation, patient observers can spot a variety of wildlife, and share their sightings with fewer other visitors. Birdwatching is excellent, with many species in breeding plumage. The Fairy Tale Forest near Okaukuejo is particularly lush during this time.
Visitors should be prepared for occasional thunderstorms and potentially challenging road conditions, especially in the eastern part of the park. The lush environment and the presence of young animals provide a unique opportunity to witness the park's life cycle.
- Variable weather with occasional thunderstorms
- Bush feels alive; birdlife at its peak in Etosha
- Wildlife in Etosha dispersed, harder to spot
- A variety of newborn and young wildlife to see
- Few tourists; lowest rates for accommodations
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in February
Etosha National Park in March
As Etosha's main rains taper off, March offers a mix of wet and dry days. The landscape remains green and alive, with insects and smaller animals more easily seen, and many birds and animals are finishing raising their young.
The Etosha Pan may still hold some water, attracting flamingos and other waterbirds. Game viewing improves as the month progresses and animals start to herd together at permanent water sources. The Okaukuejo, Halali, and Namutoni waterholes become increasingly active.
Birdwatching remains excellent, with many migrant species still around. The Dolomite Camp area in the west offers good chances to spot rarer antelope species like black-faced impala.
The transition from wet to dry conditions provides a fascinating glimpse into the park's seasonal changes.
- Weather variable; thunderstorms less frequent
- Animals well-fed after months of abundance
- Wildlife in Etosha still dispersed, harder to see
- Migrant birds prepare to leave the park
- Few visitors; rates often low at Etosha lodges
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Etosha National Park in April
April typically sees dry weather dominating in Etosha, with decreasing chances of rain. The landscape remains relatively green, and animals are in excellent condition with shiny coats. Increasing numbers of elephants seen as the herds begin to use the permanent water sources. The Okaukuejo waterhole becomes particularly active, especially in the evenings.
Photographers benefit from clear air and lush, green backdrop. Night drives from camps like Halali offer chances to see nocturnal animals. Birdwatching remains good, though some migratory species begin to depart, and the Fischer's Pan area can still be productive for waterbirds if there's residual water from the rainy season.
The shift towards drier conditions improves the chances of wildlife sightings.
- Becoming drier and cooler, especially at night
- Few visitors except around Easter; low rates
- Wildlife in Etosha still relatively spread out
- Migrant birds have largely left the park
- Fresh air and often green landscapes in Etosha
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in April
Etosha National Park in May
May marks the transition to Etosha's dry season. The landscape starts to dry out, but may still retain some greenery. Wildlife increasingly gathers around permanent water sources, making game viewing more predictable. The Okaukuejo, Halali, and Namutoni waterholes become excellent spots for animal observation – especially when floodlit after dark. Night drives offer opportunities to see nocturnal species like leopards and owls.
The Etosha Pan is usually dry, creating a stark, shimmering backdrop for photography. Birdwatching remains good, with 340 different species recorded in the park. The western part of the park, accessible from Dolomite Camp, offers chances to see rarer species like black rhino in a less frequently explored environment. The dry season's onset brings a new rhythm to the park's wildlife dynamics.
- Lovely weather: dry, warm days & cool nights
- Etosha drying out; landscapes still partly green
- Fantastic air clarity; ideal for photography
- Visitor numbers low; lodge rates still low
- Wildlife starting to gather at Etosha waterholes
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in May
Etosha National Park in June
June brings cooler temperatures with clear skies to Etosha. The landscape is drying out, encouraging animals like elephants, rhino and giraffe to waterholes. This makes for excellent game viewing, especially at popular spots like Okaukuejo and Halali. Night drives on private Etosha reserves, like Ongava, are particularly productive.
The dry Etosha Pan creates mirages and a unique backdrop for photography, perhaps a lone ostrich crossing the stark salt crust. Birdwatching remains rewarding, with bright colours standing out in drier vegetation. The Namutoni area, with its fort, provides a mix of wildlife viewing and historical interest.
Cooler temperatures making walking safaris enjoyable in Etosha’s adjacent wildlife reserves, like Etosha Heights.
- Clear days, cold nights in Etosha National Park
- Great air quality; perfect for photographers
- Moderate lodge rates; shoulder season begins
- Wildlife gravitates to Etosha's waterholes
- Some greenery remains in parts of the park
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in June
Etosha National Park in July
July is prime time for wildlife viewing in Etosha as animals, in particular predators, are more active later in cool mornings and earlier in the afternoons. The dry landscape concentrates animals around waterholes, making for predictable and spectacular sightings. The Okaukuejo waterhole is particularly active, especially at night when black rhinos often visit and jostle for position with elephants.
The stark white Etosha Pan creates a unique backdrop for photography, with heat mirages shimmering on the horizon.
The dry season's peak offers unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities. Game drives along the southern edge of the pan offer excellent opportunities to see large herds of zebra, wildebeest, and antelope. Birdwatching is rewarding around waterholes, with species like eagles and vultures frequently sighted.
- Dry days, crisp nights; excellent for stargazing
- European holidays begin; more families visit
- Peak season; high rates, lodges often full
- Fantastic wildlife watching
- Animals concentrate around Etosha waterholes
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in July
Etosha National Park in August
August is the height of the dry season in Etosha, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Animals concentrate around waterholes, with a variety of predators and prey often seen at any one time. Night viewing at the more secluded yet floodlit waterhole at Halali is often rewarded with sightings of shyer leopard and porcupine.
The dry season's intensity brings wildlife into sharp focus. The open plains along the edge of the Etosha Pan are good for seeing large herds of zebra and wildebeest, and often cheetah too. Predators often lie in wait for their prey near waterholes offering sightings of hunts to patient game viewers.
Birdwatching remains rewarding, with raptors like bateleur and martial eagles frequently sighted.
- Dry days, cold nights; clear skies in Etosha
- Busy by Namibian standards; family rooms full
- Peak season; high rates, advanced booking needed
- Excellent wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park
- Large herds gather at Etosha's waterholes
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Etosha National Park in September
September offers peak wildlife viewing in Etosha. The extreme dry conditions concentrate animals around waterholes, making for spectacular sightings of multiple species. The Okaukuejo waterhole is particularly active, with elephants, rhinos, and lions frequently visiting.
The last months of the dry season showcases the park's wildlife at its most concentrated. The stark landscape of the dry Etosha Pan creates dramatic backdrops for photography. Game drives along the pan's edge offer chances to see large herds of zebra, springbok, and oryx as well as lion prides and cheetah. The western part of the park, accessible from Dolomite Camp, often provides a more exclusive safari experience with good rhino sightings. Night drives on adjacent private reserves like Hobatere offer opportunities to see nocturnal animals such as genets and aardwolves.
Birdwatching is excellent, with species standing out clearly in the sparse vegetation.
- One of the best months for Etosha wildlife viewing
- Warm days, cold nights; temperatures rising
- Colourful birds stand out against a starker backdrop
- Etosha's waterholes teem with diverse wildlife
- High season; book Etosha accommodations early
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Etosha National Park in October
October is typically Etosha's hottest and driest month, offering excellent wildlife viewing. The intense heat and dry conditions heighten the drama of wildlife interactions.
Animals concentrate heavily around waterholes, with spectacular sightings common at Okaukuejo, Halali, and other permanent water sources. Patient photographers spending time at waterholes are richly rewarded. Large herds of zebra, wildebeest, and various antelope species can be seen along the pan's southern edge. Predator sightings, including lions and cheetahs, are frequent as they target gathered and weakened prey. Thinning vegetation at Namutoni makes it easier to spot the dimunitive Damara dik dik – Namibia’s smallest antelope.
Birdwatching remains rewarding, with raptors and colourful rollers often spotted.
- Peak wildlife-viewing month in Etosha National Park
- Hot and dry; Etosha feels like a desert
- Air can be hazy with dust in some areas
- Peak time; expect high season rates in Etosha
- Etosha lodges often full, especially early October
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Etosha National Park in November
November marks the transition to Etosha's rainy season, bringing change to the landscape and wildlife behaviour. Early rains may green the vegetation, dispersing some wildlife from waterholes. However, game viewing remains good, especially around permanent water sources like Okaukuejo and Halali’s floodlit waterholes.
The first rains can create dramatic scenes as animals celebrate the water's arrival, with plains game often giving birth. Predators often give birth at this time too, to coincide with the time of plenty. Migratory birds begin to return, and birds take to the skies in spectacular aerial shows as they catch more active insects.
Seasonal wildflowers and dramatic, thundery skies add interest to photographic compositions. Summer rains bring reptiles such as tortoises and chameleons out into the open. The onset of rains brings a refreshing change to the park's ecosystem.
- Variable month in Etosha, depending on rains
- If rain comes, explosion of vegetation and life
- Baby animals often born around mid-month
- Shoulder season; mid-range rates offer value
- Showers more likely later in the month in Etosha
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Etosha National Park in December
December is often a drier month before January sees the main rainy season begin. The landscape begins to show green from November's rain and the odd rainshower in December. Many animals have young, so there’s the chance to watch frolicking calfs and lambs.
The combination of rainfall and sunshine rejuvenates the park's landscapes and wildlife. While wildlife disperses away from the waterholes with increased water availability, game viewing remains good, especially on the open plains along the southern edge of Etosha Pan. Birdwatching is excellent, with many species in breeding plumage and displaying for mates as well as migrant species arriving.
Visitors should be prepared for occasional thunderstorms and potentially muddy roads, especially in the eastern part of the park.
- Hot, sometimes humid with cooling showers
- Landscapes green where rain has fallen in Etosha
- New life and energy in the park's ecosystem
- Excellent for birdwatchers in Etosha
- Larger animals may be harder to spot
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in December

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