Onguma Bush Camp

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.