Reviews of Ondudu

"This lodge is located nicely amongst spectacular granite boulders. I requested a room with best views and was given one. However it seems to be poorly managed. They never bothered to obtain a couple of items put through to them more than once before my arrival. They only started ringing the store at Omaruru after I arrived and spoke to them. That store being in a small town had virtually nothing I needed except low fat milk. The owner who happened to be around for a few days had to go to pick it for me, with some of the other food being brought back by the manager from Windhoek (where his wife had to go for an appointment) after half of my stay was over.

I was told by Expert Africa that all the Namibian lodges confirmed they will supply what I requested, but it hasn't turned out to be the case.

Upon arrival I booked the sundowner tour, and was told to go to reception at 6.30pm. I went to reception at 6pm, confirmed it again, saw the guide walk past, and found out at 6.30pm they had left without me as the time had been changed to 6pm without the receptionist knowing, and the receptionist had never told the guide of my booking. So at 6.30pm, the owner had to take me up to join the group himself. I was very put out.

This lodge appeared to have little organization. Reception has no fixed open hours. Light bulbs leading up the steps to the restaurant were blown. If one didn't have a torch one had to go up stairs in the dark. I suspected they only got replaced as the owner was here and noticed it.

This lodge had a reputation for bird watching. But due to the severe drought 2 years ago, most species have left, and I only saw several rather common species around.

My recommendation is to spend about a day here, just to do some of the walking trails. Otherwise there's not much else to do." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia; 4n in Zimbabwe; 1n in South Africa

"Only there for one night.

Wonderful scenery and great accommodation, but no wildlife at least on our walk." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia

"I don't think there is any way to prepare you for just how special Erongo Wilderness Lodge is. The scenery is simply stunning and unlike anything else I've seen. You will find yourself perched on a hill of enormous boulders and mountains formed by long-ago volcanic activity. The luxury tents are not just tents but have extensive outdoor space for you to enjoy. Ours had an outdoor shower, outdoor lounge-bed, small dining table, and another set of comfortable lounge chairs on a deck. I could happily live in that tent! The views are unbeatable.

The manager was incredibly welcoming and funny and made us feel right at home. We loved his unexpected bush-dog, Alaska the Pomeranian, and really enjoyed having a pet around the property! The pool area is small but cute and the pool was very refreshing. The food was wonderful–probably the best we had in Namibia. My husband raved about the game meat and how it was cooked and they catered well to my vegetarian needs.

We went on a guided sundowner hike in the evening to enjoy a stunning sunset view and also a morning hike to the top of one of the mountains. Both guides were very kind and knowledgable. We also did the nature drive to see the beautiful rock art in a cave and enjoyed all of these activities very much. We did not see much wildlife apart from rock dassies and baboons but did enjoy the lovebirds that visit the feeder by the restaurant in the morning, and the abundance of stunning scenery on the property will make any photographer very happy!

I was very sad to leave this lodge as it was such a special place to stay. I don't think there is anywhere like it in the world and I very much hope to return again." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia

"Another good lodge, with friendly staff. Excellent guide on a couple of walks and to see the rock paintings. Loved the location set into the rocks. The girls in our party didn't like the crocodile in the pool. The movement of the water gave the impression of it moving. Otherwise loved it." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia

"We were given room 10 which had spectacular views from a lovely terrace.

The pool area sadly did not have a view and where the sunbeds were it was rather dark.

Great views from the main dining area outside." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia

"We stayed for only one night at Erongo making it our last stop en route back to Windhoek.

The lodge seems to be under new management and is, if anything, even better now than we remember it from our previous visit in 2010 .

The lodge is in a spectacular location amongst massive granite boulders and really deserves a longer stay.

The rooms are spacious and comfortable, everyone is very friendly and the food is excellent." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 8n in Zimbabwe; 1n in Botswana

"We last visited the lodge in 2002 and we're happy to return. The location is stunning, the tents renewed and the private sitting areas expanded.

Staff were generally friendly and some were exceptionally helpful (special thanks to Simeon and the manager/owner).

We did three activities: the sundowner walk, the nature drive to the cave and the guided dassie trail. Culis was an excellent guide - well informed and thoughtful.

The lodge offered the best breakfasts on our holiday. Evening meals were also good - eaten on a raised platform under the stars. Every morning at 7.00 seed was put out for the birds.

On our first morning I just sat and watched for a couple of hours as over 15 different species descended to feed. There was also good birding in the scrub immediately around the lodge drive and waterhole." See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia

"Very interesting location with a wide range of walks.

Staff very helpful." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia

"After a week in Etosha, this was a real pleasure.

We have been before, a few years ago, and there is inevitably a bit of comparison to do. It seemed marginally less fresh and kempt (especially in the approaches), but I'm not complaining; it was still a delight. The tented rooms are still lovely, and the restaurant terrace is still well placed to catch the evening breeze. The setting is fantastic. The manager did his rounds and chatted enthusiastically, much appreciated.

The 6 o'clock morning walk was a great pleasure and informative, well pitched in terms of exercise . You won't see too much four legged animal life, but there are birds, insects, plants and flowers to learn about." See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia; 4n in South Africa

"A lovely lodge - lovely to eat dinner outside. We enjoyed the walks - did one on our own and one guided.

With hindsight we should have stayed here two nights (rather than Immanuel Wilderness Lodge) and driven straight to Windhoek airport.
Good food." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia