Reviews of Omaanda
Wildlife sightings and reviews
9 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Omaanda and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
67% success
0% success
40% success
33% success
100% success
100% success
83% success
75% success
67% success
67% success
50% success
50% success
50% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
"Omaanda review"
The private reserve has lots of white rhino, that we approached on foot, and some elephant and lion. The food was also excellent. I would however recommend that this is more of a 1 night stop before flying than 2 night, unless you just want to laze by the pool for a couple of days in, at must be said, great luxury.
I would not recommend the carnivore feeding activity that they offer at the nearby reserve. This was literally just watching someone chucking chicken carcasses over an electric fence." See all these reviews: 21n in Namibia
Brown Hyena
1 sighting
Elephant
3 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Meerkat
6 sightings
Oryx
10 sightings
White Rhino
10 sightings
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Omaanda review"
The individual lodges are incredibly well designed and luxurious, but felt very cold on the night that we had a rain and thunderstorm, despite having a fire made up in the bedroom. The staff are very good and our guide Jonas was great company out in the reserve.
The food was pretty good but without much variety. The dining area itself was desperately underlit in the evenings so that people were reading wine menus with their torches. How many times the management must have watched that, but not thought to invest in a few candles for the tables, defies my imagination given how well thought out the rest of the place is.
It's a great place near the airport to start or end your trip, but I wouldn't stay more than a night or two at the most." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Omaanda review"
As our first stop on a month-long trip, interesting to learn many of the animals at this lodge/preserve were rescued from other locations. With large electric fences keeping the animals in and poachers out. And that this is the case at many reserves throughout the country." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia; 5n in South Africa
Giraffe
1 sighting
Lion
1 sighting
Meerkat
2 sightings
White Rhino
2 sightings
"Omaanda review"
The "hut" we had (No 5) was superbly designed and perfectly laid out with a good, unobstructed view over the bush and a waterhole. We only ever saw two kudos there, though.
The main building was also beautiful, the staff all friendly and likeable - and the food absolutely top notch. My wife's special dietary requirements were well taken care off. We didn't do any activities with the Lodge itself, but joined the carnivore feeding tour at the associated Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary nearby. That was perhaps a bit too touristy - with a large group of Italians, but nevertheless very worthwhile. Seeing caracals was a highlight of the trip.
Back to Omaanda Lodge: My wife used the spa facilities and had a massage, which she reported was excellent too. What impressed us most about this Lodge, beyond the lavish luxury, the food and the nice staff, was the incredible attention to detail, not only in the designs but in the timings. They must take note of when guests go to breakfasts (and there's a wide time window), then the room is made up during that time, so it's done when you return. Same with turn-down and setting up a log fire while we were at dinner.
The fires were indeed needed as it was bitterly cold at night (minus 5 degrees Celsius during our second night - there was frost on the wooden walkways in the morning!); so we were glad we had brought our thermals to sleep in after the fire had gone out. Also: they provided a two litre jug of purified water every day - unlike at all other lodges where it was still a wasteful use of plastic bottles. Extra green credits to Omaanda on that front!" See all these reviews: 21n in Namibia
"Luxury in the Making"
However, certain elements did not live up to the luxurious experience we initially anticipated. Aside from the close proximity to the airport, we selected this property given its lovely design and views. The huts are spacious and well appointed, but are exposed to the elements (vented gap between the walls and roof) and only have one small unit to combat cold / hot air flow from outside. While we experienced a cold snap during our stay, each night the staff kindly made a fire, which did help.
Also, we experienced roughly a 4 hour period without running water throughout the property and did not receive an ETA on resolution (particularly frustrating as we'd just returned from the spa and were eager to shower).
During our stay, we took advantage of the spa. While we had pre-booked couples' treatments for both days of our stay, we learned that they had no record of our booking and only had one massage therapist available each day, requiring us to go back to back. Additionally, the massage experience was not as relaxing as I had hoped; my massages were rather hurried and a bit uncomfortable at times. Spa billing also proved to be confusing. On arrival, we were told a 60 min treatment was an included activity, though our bill reflected a charge. After inquiring, the staff removed the charge, but indicated certain spa services were not included activities. (However, while the services in name may have been different, the experience was exactly the same.)
Aside from the spa, we found the food to be varied and tasty; however, the service was hit or miss. While some were very accommodating, others missed the mark (repeat requests, unfilled water glasses, etc.). Lastly, while our arrival transfer was in a comfortable SUV where we were offered refreshments, our departure transfer was in relatively cramped local taxi vehicle, with no water provided." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
Cheetah
1 sighting
White Rhino
1 sighting
"Omaanda review"
Was disappointed by the horseback riding activity. Horses were not well cared for and it seemed not many guests did this. I won't spoil the surprise but would recommend the cheetah walk!
Even though we were on full board, they tried to charge us for some included services they ended up taking off our bill." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Africa Specialist"
Brown Hyena
1 sighting
Cheetah
1 sighting
Eland
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Oryx
Multiple sightings
"Omaanda review"
It was the only lodge that had both a baths and showers. The view of the bush from the baths was a treat and the walk-in wardrobe a delight after 3 weeks living out of a bag.
Although we didn't see them, we heard striped hyena's cry throughout the first night whilst we were tucked up in warm in bed with fires lit in the fireplaces.
The staff tried very hard with the service though it fell a little short of the excellent service we experienced at certain other locations.
The breakfast was really nice with a large variety of choice on the menu.
We wish that we'd spent an extra day at Omaanda" See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
Giraffe
3 sightings
Oryx
1 sighting
"A Great Surprise"
The food was amazing, some of the best for our whole trip. The wildlife viewing was fabulous. Must have seen 10 white rhinos and spent time watching them in a mud hole. Had an amazing encounter with wild dogs, one of only two places in Namibia, from what we were told, that has them.
We were sadly disappointed to only have one night here. A great stop near the Winhoek airport, either on your way in or out of the country." See all these reviews: 8n in Namibia
Eland
3 sightings
Elephant
2 sightings
Giraffe
2 sightings
Meerkat
2 sightings
Oryx
4 sightings
White Rhino
10 sightings
Wild dog
10 sightings
Wildebeest
7 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Spoiling place"
Not far from Windhoek airport. They have their own safari area but a bit sparse on sightings.
Extra excursions available and walk with the cheetahs was great experience." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
Giraffe
6 sightings
Oryx
6 sightings
White Rhino
1 sighting
Holiday styles & special interests in Namibia
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Namibia.
Other lodges in Windhoek
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Olive Grove
In a quiet Windhoek suburb, Olive Grove is one of our favourite guesthouses: stylish, with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and excellent food.
Galton House
A cool stylish sanctuary in a quiet suburb of Windhoek, Galton House boasts a pool and a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Elegant Guesthouse
The Elegant Guesthouse is a friendly, comfortable establishment with a lovely, tranquil garden, and is a good choice for an overnight stay in Windhoek.
River Crossing
Secluded on a private game reserve between Windhoek and the international airport, River Crossing is a tranquil place to start or end a trip.
Villa Violet
Villa Violet is a friendly, owner-run guesthouse in a residential area of Windhoek, just a few minutes' drive from the city centre and numerous restaurants.
Haus Sonneneck
Haus Sonneneck was one of Windhoek's best pensions just a few minutes' drive away from the city centre, however it has now closed.
Hilltop Guesthouse
A long-standing favourite, the small, owner-run Hilltop Guesthouse is comfortable, smart and good value.
Heinitzburg Hotel
One of the oldest hotels in Windhoek, the Heinitzberg occupies a great hill-top location but can feel like a relic of a bygone era.
Olive Exclusive
The Olive Exclusive is perhaps Windhoek's most luxurious boutique hotel but remains a friendly and unpretentious place to stay.
GocheGanas
For somewhere to really pamper yourself, Gocheganas Lodge & Spa offers wildlife combined with extensive wellness treatments.
Weinberg Hotel
In a quiet upmarket suburb of Klein Windhoek, the stylish Weinberg has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and luxury facilities.
Etango Ranch G. Farm
Etango offers simple, clean, comfortable accommodation and it’s the closest accommodation to Windhoek International Airport.
Immanuel Wilderness
Within easy reach of Windhoek, Immanuel Wilderness Lodge is a good overnight option for those who don't wish to stay in the city.
Rivendell Guesthouse
Rivendell Guesthouse offers great value, relaxed accommodation in a homely atmosphere with helpful and extremely friendly staff.
Sun Karros Daan Viljoen
Situated within the Daan Viljoen Nature reserve Sun Karros is a simple lodge with gentle game viewing and bird watching opportunities.
Avani Windhoek Hotel
The Avani Windhoek Hotel and Casino lack the personal touch of Windhoeks smaller guesthouses but is well located in the heart of the city.
Hotel Thule
Windhoek’s Hotel Pension Thule offers stunning views across the city and a reputable in-house restaurant, within easy reach of the international airport.
Ti Melen
Overlooking Avis Dam, Ti Melen is on the outskirts of Windhoek, yet only 10-minutes from the city's amenities.
Desert Express
The Desert Express runs from Windhoek to Swakopmund on set departures. Recently this schedule has been somewhat erratic.
