Reviews of Hobatere Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
77 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Hobatere Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
Wildlife sightings by our travellers
Starting in Jul-2018, 22 of our travellers have recorded their wildlife sightings at Hobatere Lodge.
Lion
68% success
Leopard
0% success
Cheetah
0% success
Oryx
100% success
Zebra
95% success
S & S
Alaska
"Hobatere Lodge review"
2 nights Arrived 5 Oct 2024
"The best thing about Hobatere was its closeness to the west side of Etosha National Park. We spent a day driving around Etosha and then drove through Etosha to our next accommodation, and it was AMAZING! We did also participate in a night drive at Hobatere.
The guide and his spotter were able to point out animals and birds that we otherwise certainly would have missed, and we saw things then that we saw no where else, including two chameleons, a spring hare, and a brown jackal. The guide did not seem as interested in teaching us things as other guides we had seen, primarily pointing out animals but not elaborating much. Still, it was a good experience. We also really liked the pool and the wildlife viewing area at Hobatere.
We were surprised that we had to buy drinking water at Hobatere and that it was not included in our stay. We were told not to drink the water in the rooms, but that we could purchase water and other drinks at the bar, which we did. At most other places where we stayed we were either able to drink the tap water or water was provided, or both.
Mammals and reptiles we saw at Hobatere included:
black faced impalas, chipmunks, scrub hares, bring hare, brown hyena, black baked jackal, lion, spotted genet, chameleon, kudius, springboks, baboons, giraffes, and steenboks." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
The guide and his spotter were able to point out animals and birds that we otherwise certainly would have missed, and we saw things then that we saw no where else, including two chameleons, a spring hare, and a brown jackal. The guide did not seem as interested in teaching us things as other guides we had seen, primarily pointing out animals but not elaborating much. Still, it was a good experience. We also really liked the pool and the wildlife viewing area at Hobatere.
We were surprised that we had to buy drinking water at Hobatere and that it was not included in our stay. We were told not to drink the water in the rooms, but that we could purchase water and other drinks at the bar, which we did. At most other places where we stayed we were either able to drink the tap water or water was provided, or both.
Mammals and reptiles we saw at Hobatere included:
black faced impalas, chipmunks, scrub hares, bring hare, brown hyena, black baked jackal, lion, spotted genet, chameleon, kudius, springboks, baboons, giraffes, and steenboks." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report
Brown Hyena
1 sighting
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Lion
4 sightings
Oryx
10 sightings
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
Mr & Mrs S
E Sussex
"Hobatere Lodge review"
3 nights Arrived 29 Sep 2024
"Friendly and helpful staff"
See all these reviews: 22n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Sightings Report
Giraffe
1 sighting
Oryx
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
Mr & Mrs M
Hagley
"Floodlit waterhole"
2 nights Arrived 2 Jun 2024
"The fourth lodge in the Fish River/Stiltz/Grootberg/Hobatere Group.
Has the advantage of having a waterhole close at hand (lit up at night) and the game drives are wonderful.
Lions, elephants, giraffe and some less familiar animals too. We were lucky to see aardvark, aardwolf and jackal on a spectacular night drive.
A lovely location but, of the four, the one which could most do with a little TLC. Some of the furnishings are a little tired. Nevertheless, the quality of the staff and guiding was excellent." See all these reviews: 26n in Namibia
Has the advantage of having a waterhole close at hand (lit up at night) and the game drives are wonderful.
Lions, elephants, giraffe and some less familiar animals too. We were lucky to see aardvark, aardwolf and jackal on a spectacular night drive.
A lovely location but, of the four, the one which could most do with a little TLC. Some of the furnishings are a little tired. Nevertheless, the quality of the staff and guiding was excellent." See all these reviews: 26n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Rooms:
Average
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Sightings Report
Aardvark
1 sighting
Elephant
4 sightings
Giraffe
6 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Oryx
2 sightings
Zebra
3 sightings
Mrs W
Bath
"Hobatere Lodge review"
2 nights Arrived 16 Sep 2023
"We had a very enjoyable 2 night stay here. We decided to use it as a relaxing stop after a number of days self-driving in Etosha. We were in rooms 7 & 8 in the row of thatched chalets. Simple rooms with small bathrooms but clean. No kettle or fridge but they will bring you hot water to make drinks. No aircon only a fan but the rooms are well designed with thick walls and thatch which keeps them lovely and cool. They also had attractive and well shaded terraces out the back.
We spent a lot of the day relaxing on the waterhole viewing deck and watching the parade of wildlife coming to drink. We were very lucky that lions were around the lodge the whole 2 days we stayed, spotting them both in the mornings and evenings. We also did a night drive where again we saw the lions up close as well as jackal, spring hares & scrub hare.
The food was good and the staff very friendly. Overall the stay here exceeded our expectations." See all these reviews: 23n in Namibia
We spent a lot of the day relaxing on the waterhole viewing deck and watching the parade of wildlife coming to drink. We were very lucky that lions were around the lodge the whole 2 days we stayed, spotting them both in the mornings and evenings. We also did a night drive where again we saw the lions up close as well as jackal, spring hares & scrub hare.
The food was good and the staff very friendly. Overall the stay here exceeded our expectations." See all these reviews: 23n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Good
Service:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Sightings Report
Eland
2 sightings
Elephant
3 sightings
Giraffe
6 sightings
Lion
10 sightings
Oryx
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
Mr & Mrs A
Kent
"Hobatere Lodge review"
2 nights Arrived 6 Sep 2023
"Hobatere is well located on the Western side of Etosha and was a good place for us to stop and relax for a day. The waterhole behind the lodge is very good and we saw plenty of game coming down for a drink during our stay. We heard the roar of a lion early on our last morning and learnt that he had visited the waterhole - sadly we missed seeing him.
The trips out in the jeep were fun. We saw many birds, including owls and eagles, but little else on our trips.
The food was reasonable, and we enjoyed sitting out on the terrace at the back of the lodge watching all the game, including numerous zebras." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
The trips out in the jeep were fun. We saw many birds, including owls and eagles, but little else on our trips.
The food was reasonable, and we enjoyed sitting out on the terrace at the back of the lodge watching all the game, including numerous zebras." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Average
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Average
Food:
Average
Facilities:
Good
Sightings Report
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Oryx
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
Wallington
UK
"Hobatere Lodge review"
2 nights Arrived 30 Apr 2023
"A good place from which to visit the West of Etosha, which is quieter than the centre or East.
Accommodation was in a row of rooms, a bit soul-less but perfectly comfortable.
The food was fine, good view of water-hole from the restaurant.
It was a bit disappointing that it is not possible to walk or drive around the property except on organised activities.
We were recording a birthday message to a relative when the staff decided to sing their version of "Happy Birthday" for our video - very well sung and a lovely spontaneous touch.." See all these reviews: 30n in Namibia
Accommodation was in a row of rooms, a bit soul-less but perfectly comfortable.
The food was fine, good view of water-hole from the restaurant.
It was a bit disappointing that it is not possible to walk or drive around the property except on organised activities.
We were recording a birthday message to a relative when the staff decided to sing their version of "Happy Birthday" for our video - very well sung and a lovely spontaneous touch.." See all these reviews: 30n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Rooms:
Average
Food:
Good
Mr & Mrs H
Herne Bay
"Hobatere Lodge review"
2 nights Arrived 2 Aug 2022
"Hobatere had a great setting near to the waterhole where we say elephant, kudu and impala.
The rooms were spacious but there were no views from the rooms.
The staff were friendly and helpful and we thoroughly enjoyed our guided afternoon drive. The night drive was very disappointing as we saw very little and although it was only meant to be an hour and a half we spent three hours looking for animals and only saw an owl and a spotted genet cat." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
The rooms were spacious but there were no views from the rooms.
The staff were friendly and helpful and we thoroughly enjoyed our guided afternoon drive. The night drive was very disappointing as we saw very little and although it was only meant to be an hour and a half we spent three hours looking for animals and only saw an owl and a spotted genet cat." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Activities:
Average
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Sightings Report
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Oryx
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
Drs M & R
UK
"Hobatere Lodge review"
2 nights Arrived 1 Jun 2022
"Perfectly nice lodge and food - helpful staff (re tyre).
However, this lodge is accessed by a rough road where you can't get out of your car. This would be OK except you cannot drive around on your own for game - you have to take a tour.
We were not particularly lucky with sightings and spent some of our time in the newly opened western Etosha." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
However, this lodge is accessed by a rough road where you can't get out of your car. This would be OK except you cannot drive around on your own for game - you have to take a tour.
We were not particularly lucky with sightings and spent some of our time in the newly opened western Etosha." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Ms M
Switzerland
"Hobatere Lodge review"
2 nights Arrived 9 Apr 2022
"a not very interested staff. they just did the job.
Room and bath were not really that clean. Windows with spiderwebs, a door could not close well and one pane of glass was broken.
First wanted to give us a room with two seperate bed, when we complained the room with a double bed was possible. Was not fully booked.
Food was average and staff was not really forthcoming." See all these reviews: 21n in Namibia
Room and bath were not really that clean. Windows with spiderwebs, a door could not close well and one pane of glass was broken.
First wanted to give us a room with two seperate bed, when we complained the room with a double bed was possible. Was not fully booked.
Food was average and staff was not really forthcoming." See all these reviews: 21n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location:
Good
Service:
Average
Activities:
Average
Rooms:
Average
Food:
Average
Facilities:
Average
Sightings Report
Brown Hyena
Multiple sightings
Eland
Multiple sightings
Oryx
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
Mrs C.
Dubai
"Hobatere Lodge review"
2 nights Arrived 30 Mar 2022
"We loved our stay here the staff were SOOOO friendly. The rooms are a little tired, but the atmosphere made up for it, everyone talks to everyone in this lodge. The food was lovely.
The road from the entrance to exit is long and bumpy our two wheel drive did get stuck in a river bed and we had to be towed out, to be fair had it not been raining in the night this probably would have been okay. I would recommend 4 wheel drive cars or someone from the lodge following you, which they did after our incident.
We did a night game drive and saw an owl, hares and a wonderful chameleon, the stars were amazing as well as different deer.
The sunsets are amazing here!
On our way back in to the lodge in the evening we also had a wonderful sighting of 4 elephants playing in the dust.
Once you get onto the road it is easy to reach Galton Gate." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
The road from the entrance to exit is long and bumpy our two wheel drive did get stuck in a river bed and we had to be towed out, to be fair had it not been raining in the night this probably would have been okay. I would recommend 4 wheel drive cars or someone from the lodge following you, which they did after our incident.
We did a night game drive and saw an owl, hares and a wonderful chameleon, the stars were amazing as well as different deer.
The sunsets are amazing here!
On our way back in to the lodge in the evening we also had a wonderful sighting of 4 elephants playing in the dust.
Once you get onto the road it is easy to reach Galton Gate." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Average
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
1 sighting
Giraffe
3 sightings
Oryx
1 sighting
Roan antelope
3 sightings
Sable antelope
3 sightings
Wildebeest
1 sighting
Zebra
3 sightings
Holiday styles & special interests in Namibia
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Namibia.
Other lodges in Etosha National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Okaukuejo Camp
Set within Etosha National Park, Okaukuejo Resort is a large camp with a productive, floodlit waterhole.
Halali Camp
The smallest of Etosha's erstwhile restcamps, overlooking its own floodlit waterhole, Halali has a superb location near the centre of Etosha Pan.
Mushara Bush Camp
The family-friendly Mushara Bush Camp offers great value and is an excellent base from which to explore Etosha National Park.
Ongava Lodge
With fantastic views over a private reserve bordering Etosha, the smart Ongava Lodge offers driving and walking safaris on the reserve, and guided drives in Etosha.
