Ongava Lodge, Etosha National Park

Ongava Lodge

Ongava Lodge

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Perched on a ridge with seemingly endless views across the plains, Ongava Lodge offers characterful accommodation with a distinct African style. The spacious main lounge, bar and dining areas are housed under thatch and built using local materials, with stone floors and high wooden beams giving the property a traditional feel. A large deck extending out to the front provides excellent views over the floodlit waterhole, which attracts a variety of wildlife. The pool area also makes a relaxing place to unwind in the sun, or you can enjoy peace and privacy in your stone and thatch chalet, which subtly blend into the landscape.

Our rating: Deluxe

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Rooms

The air conditioned chalets are tastefully built out of rock and thatch and have been smartly decorated, featuring African-style fabrics, wooden furniture and high ceilings, as well as lots of natural light. Each has an en suite bathroom with flush toilet and both indoor and outdoor hot showers. They offer large twins beds, overhead fans, hairdryers and tea/coffee making facilities. A private viewing deck at the front of each chalet makes a relaxing place to spend an afternoon reading or admiring your surroundings.

Location

The lodge is situated on the private 600 square kilometer Ongava Game Reserve, in the foothills of the Ondundozonanandana Range, with wonderful views across the plains below. Ongava is an extension of Etosha National Park, lying directly on the southern boundary, but is exclusive to the guests of just four camps. It’s home to elephant, lion, black and white rhino, giraffe, several antelope species and the rare black-faced impala.

Food and drink

Tasty meals are served in the thatched dining area, and there’s a bar serving a variety of beverages. Sundowners can be enjoyed around the open fire out on the deck as the sun sets, where you can socialize with fellow guests and watch out for wildlife visiting the floodlit waterhole.

Families

Children aged six and over a welcome to stay at the camp. Each of the chalets has space for additional beds to accommodate children, and there’s a family chalet that sleeps up to four.

Facilities and activities

The camp has a pool with sun loungers, a curio shop and Wi-Fi access in the lounge area. Around the grounds you may spot tree squirrels and bush babies, which staff can help point out to you.

Activities include photographic hides, birdwatching by waterholes, rhino tracking on foot and guided nature walks and game drives around the reserve, including night drives. The guides have an excellent knowledge of the land and its wildlife, which they share enthusiastically with guests.

Our opinion

We’ve found that Ongava Lodge is a long-time favorite with return visitors to Namibia. It’s well located in the middle of the Ongava Reserve, but only a 30 minute game drive to Etosha's main gate.

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