Onkoshi 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.

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

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.