
Onguma Bush Camp
Onguma Bush Camp is good for visitors who want to stay at a low-key camp close to the eastern side of Etosha National Park, where guests can take part in guided and self-drive trips in both areas. The camp’s 18 varied rooms include family lofts, traditional African rondavels and options overlooking the pool and waterhole. The camp is located on the private Onguma Reserve, a reserve that boasts savannah, bushveld and dry pan. While small, the reserve has 30 different animal species. Plains game roam freely and predators, although not easy to spot, are resident in the area. Three of the Big Five can be spotted with lion, leopard and rhino.
who's been there
Rooms
The Bush Camp has 18 basic but comfortable air-conditioned rooms decorated in a classic safari style, set on well-tended grounds. Three of these are family units with two twin bedrooms and a shared bathroom, and there are three family loft rooms ideal for older children. Guests can request rooms with waterhole or pool views, and the camp also boasts three traditional African rondavel rooms. The camp is mostly fenced in, though there are three adults-only deluxe rooms outside of the fences.
Location
Onguma Bush Camp is located just 9 km (5.5 miles) away from the Von Lindequist Gate on the eastern side of the park. The spot is convenient for guests to explore the Onguma Game Reserve and Etosha National Park, both within easy driving distance.
Food and Drink
Though not the main lure of the camp, the food is varied and tasty, and guests can opt for three meals a day. Breakfast consists of a cold buffet, with hot cooked options while a lighter lunch of salads and sandwiches will be offered during downtime in the afternoons. On return from the later game drives, dinner is usually a set menu of three courses, changing each evening. The camp’s lounge and dining areas afford views of the waterhole, where guests can enjoy sundowners at the same time as the animals.
Families
Onguma Bush Camp has a well-stocked games area, and much of the camp is fenced for added safety of younger guests. It’s worth noting that children under 10 years are not permitted on game drives, and older children may require private vehicles, but children are welcome to stay at the camp.
Facilities and Activities
The thatched communal area provides a relaxing atmosphere in the evenings and the raised bar and dining area has great views of the waterhole. During the day, you can unwind at the pool or take a siesta in the shade. Activities on offer include morning or afternoon game drives into Etosha as well night drives on the reserve. Guests can also self-drive into the Etosha National Park.
In addition to plains game, and the predators that come with them, you can see more than 300 bird species at Onguma — the reserve boasts the biggest breeding colony of white-backed vultures in Namibia. During the summer months, Onguma becomes a bird-watchers paradise with thousands of species migrating to wetlands created by the seasonal rains.
Environmental and Social Responsibility
Onguma became part of an innovative custodianship project relating to the black rhino. Six black rhinos were darted in Etosha National park and brought to the reserve where they are protected and monitored. The first rhino calf was born at Onguma in October 2002.
Our opinion
A great location for either guided or self-drive trips into the Etosha National Park or the Onguma Reserve. We like Onguma for its relaxed, communal vibe, and the fact that guests are just as likely spot wildlife from their window as they are on a drive.
Etosha National Park itinerary suggestions
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Luxury Namibia flying safari
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Namibia's wildlife highlights self-drive safari
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Namibia's highlights by private escorted tour (non self-drive)
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Skeleton Coast flying safari
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Namibia self-drive family safari
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Remote Namibia honeymoon safari
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Classic Namibia self-drive safari
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Northern Namibia self-drive safari to Victoria Falls
Nearby accommodation
Nearby places
Places & hotels on the map
Alternative places to stay nearby
Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favourite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can’t be bettered.

Anderssons Camp
This model of eco-sensitive lodging provides an authentic, safe and down-to-earth experience for small groups, families and independent travellers to Etosha National Pak.

Dolomite Camp
This is the only property on this side of Etosha, and staying here will allow you to visit a really untouched part of the park. The camp itself is built on a dolomite hill, making the most of the sweeping views of the vast Etosha pan.

Etosha Safari Camp
Etosha Safari Camp is a basic no frills camp. It is clean and comfortable and a great option for families. Due to its size, this is not suitable if you want somewhere peaceful.

Etosha Safari Lodge
Etosha Safari Lodge is situated on a hillock about ten kilometres from Etosha's Anderson Gate. This is a fairly large lodge but the rooms are comfortable and its a good base from which to visit Etosha National Park under your own steam.

Halali Rest Camp
Halali feels quiet and low key and the location is excellent as you are right in the heart of the park. Its ideal for the real wildlife enthusiast.

Little Ongava
Little Ongava is Namibia's most luxurious camp. The rooms are huge, very stylish and very private. Its an ideal place for a few really special days on your holiday.

Mondjila Safari Camp
Located in Etosha National Park, Mondjila Safari Camp comprises just 11 tented rooms set amongst indigenous vegetation, each raised on a platform with a veranda and chairs where you can relax and enjoy the views.

Mushara Bush Camp
A comfortable, stylish camp located just to the east of the gate to Etosha National Park. Very family friendly, it has plenty of amenities and facilities to keep the little ones entertained.

Mushara Lodge
Ideally positioned for exploring the eastern side of Etosha National Park and its diverse wildlife, Mushara Lodge has a unique character, blending traditional African and modern styles. Its comfortable accommodation, tranquil surroundings and excellent service make for a pleasant stay.

Mushara Outpost
This small, homely camp offers a peaceful location nestled in the bush, just a short drive from Etosha National Park. Balancing modern comfort with an authentic bush camp feel, it’s an excellent base for exploring the area’s diverse wildlife.

Okaukuejo Rest Camp
Everyone travelling to and through Etosha will stop here at Okaukuejo to refuel vehicles, buy provisions and rest. However, it’s the floodlit waterhole that draws guests here as night falls for excellent wildlife viewing.

Ongava Lodge
Enjoying an excellent location in the heart of the private Ongava Game Reserve and just minutes from Etosha National Park, this characterful lodge has a traditional African style and ambience, providing comfortable accommodation and a good range of activities for exploring the area’s wildlife.

Ongava Tented Camp
We particularly like Ongava Tented Camp as it is small, personal and the waterhole in front of camp usually attracts a fair amount of game.

Onguma Plains Camp
The accommodation at Onguma Plains is unusual - the Moroccan theme and Fort-style architecture is not your traditional safari camp. That said, it has been beautifully decorated in a contemporary style.

Onguma Tented Camp
Onguma is a lovely option for Eastern Etosha. It has a good location for either guided or self-drive trips into the park. The camp offers incredible luxury and true wilderness for game viewing.

Onguma Treetop Camp
The main focus of the camp is to experience wildlife in its truest form, it is a small and intimate camp, especially designed for those travellers who would like to truly experience the bush in all its raw splendour.

Toshari Lodge
Toshari Lodge is situated 25 kilometers from the Etosha National Park between the town of Outjo and Okaukuejo in Etosha. This is a good value option making it a good base from which to explore under your own steam.