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
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"Nice to see it open again"
The staff were very welcoming and so interested in what we had been doing, what we had seen and went out of their way to enhance our experience, with the guides running groups of people out to see two lionesses who were laying up a distance away from the waterhole.
We had 3 interesting game drives, which each presented different experiences within the African bush and enabled us to see a wide variety of wildlife at very close proximity. The meals were outstanding and well presented, using local produce. All credit to the Hobatere Concession community for getting this lodge up and running again, I didn't want to leave." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia
"Excellent communal areas"
We were in one of the 'bungalows' - a terrace of rather tired rooms that clearly haven't been renovated yet. The room was spacious, but the bathroom was rather cramped. The chalets may be better.
As we were self-driving we didn't take part in the main activities here. We did though take the (free) 90minute visit to their nearby hide overlooking the waterhole. This was great - lots of animals came and went while we sat watching.
Overall a lovely lodge in a great location let down slightly by the quality of the accommodation.
Self driving around western Etosha from Hobatere was easy and a very rewarding experience - though be warned that there is a stretch of road between Dolomite and Olifantstrus that is really bad, heavily rutted and rock hard. Also another stretch between Olifanstrus and central Etosha. That aside, the drive was very quiet and we had waterholes largely to ourselves. We were astounded by the amount of wildlife we saw, including close-up encounters with lion and rhino." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
"Hobatere Lodge review"
Such friendly and helpful staff, very relaxed and laid back atmosphere, lovely chalets, small scale luxury (but not exaggerated).
Delicious food and beautiful surroundings.
Highly recommended." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"lovely camp with fabulous staff"
Pleasant and clean cabins in a camp which has been recently fenced due to lion activity.
Good restaurant. All staff were friendly, helpful and efficient." See all these reviews: 26n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana
"Views of game from veranda was superb"
All the staff were friendly and we had many interesting conversations with manager and guides . The food was superb one night - an African version of a Chicken Kiev - and on second night an average game steak . Both dinners marred by moths both outside and inside . ( But it is the African wilderness?!) We saw elephant close up from veranda but little else even on a late afternoon game drive - very disappointing .
The 18k drive up a gravel track ( not a road) to the lodge is - in my opinion - not suitable except for 4 wheel drive . Thanks to Wilderness Travel we had received an upgrade to a brand new 4X automatic . It had only 9k on clock and it became a high light of my holiday as we covered 3700k fast and in comfort !" See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Great game viewing at Hobatere"
It's star feature is the waterhole about a half mile away which the guide will take to you to and leave you at the hide until you want to return. We saw a procession of zebras, kudus, giraffes, oryx, baboons, impala and springbok as well as many birds. In the evening we were rewarded by four lions who were lying between the lodge and waterhole.
There is also a small waterhole right next to the lodge which attracts wildlife. The food was very good, staff friendly and the pool quite large, though it could have been a bit cleaner.
The chalets are comfortable, but were very hot even with a fan and could do with air conditioning." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
"Great night drive at Hobatere"
Our room was not on par with the previous accommodation, the bathroom was small. However it was clean and well maintained.
The evening meal was really good, my partner had the best steak of the trip here. However the afternoon tea was poor and breakfast didn't have a great selection on offer.
We went on a night drive with Michael and Patrick and really enjoyed it. It was great to see all the night creatures, although how the lads spotted some of the creatures they pointed out to us I don't know!! The drive culminated in finding 3 young lions just outside the lodge grounds - great way to end the drive.
Another great camp and we are really glad we got a chance to stay here" See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Hobatere Lodge review"
Comfortable but very compact rooms. Good restaurant area, nice small pool.
Good food and service. Pity about staff singing entertainment." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
"Hobatere lodge .. lovely!"
Staff were helpful and the singing in the evening was fun.
Successful early morning trip with guide... could see animals from the lodge and waterhole. We would definitely recommend this lodge, though rooms are small and no facilities for hair drying or coffee making etc unless a flask is collected from reception.
The wifi was non existent.
We would have been happy to stay another night and access Etosha from the lodge" See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
"Hobatere Lodge"
Our room was comfortable, with good luggage space and a nice veranda overlooking the bush. Despite the fact the we were mid-terrace it was quiet and felt private. It was the only place that we stayed where we were escorted back to our room after dinner as there was nothing to separate us from the local wildlife, as demonstrated by the elephant dung on the doorstep!
The food was presented well and the cooked to order breakfasts delicious. Bar prices were good, encouraging rather more gin and tonics than are sensible.
We really enjoyed our two hours in the hide, seeing plenty of game including our best view of the holiday of eland, but including good viewings of giraffe, zebra, warthogs, springbok, kudu, jackals and a great flock of guinea fowl. There were also many birds and eagles. On returning to the lodge, late morning, a troop of baboons came down to the waterhole adjacent to the building, along with kudu, all drinking just meters from us and with the minimal of barriers." See all these reviews: 21n in Namibia; 2n in Zimbabwe
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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
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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.
Ongava Tented Camp
Set around a waterhole on a private reserve, the small Ongava Tented Camp combines understated comfort with activities that include walks and night drives.
Onguma Tented Camp
Onguma Tented Camp is a lovely, little tented camp which centres around an attractive waterhole a short drive from the Von Lindequist Gate to eastern Etosha.
Mushara Lodge
Close to the eastern entrance to Etosha, the comfortable Mushara Lodge is well-placed for exploring the park in your own vehicle or on a guided drive.
Dolomite Camp
Opened in 2011, Dolomite Camp allows visitors access to the far west side of Etosha National Park, which was previously off limits to most visitors.
Onguma Bush Camp
For great wildlife viewing without breaking the bank, the affordable and understated luxury of Onguma Bush Camp could be perfect.
Namutoni Camp
Centred on an old fort, the government run Namutoni Camp is located just inside Etosha National Park, close to Fisher's Pan.
Mushara Outpost
Intimate and luxurious, Mushara Outpost is well-placed on a private reserve to explore nearby Etosha National Park on your own or on a guided drive.
Safarihoek Lodge
At the heart of the private Etosha Heights Reserve, Safarihoek Lodge offers comfortable accommodation and excellent game-viewing.
Onguma The Fort
The Fort is the jewel in the crown of the Onguma lodges, and arguably the whole of eastern Etosha.
Onguma Camp Kala
For a bird’s eye view across African bush, the stilted rooms at Onguma Camp Kala are truly special.
Onguma Forest Camp
From its woodland setting on the Onguma Reserve, Forest Camp is within easy striking distance of Namibia’s flagship national park.
Etosha Safari Lodge
A short drive from Etosha National Park's southern entrance, Etosha Safari Lodge is a convenient base from which to explore the park.
Taleni Etosha Village
Only 4km from Etosha's southern entrance, Taleni Etosha Village is an affordable base from which to explore the park.
Etosha Safari Camp
Funky, low-key and very original, Etosha Safari Camp is well placed for visiting Etosha National Park on a self-drive or guided safari.
Little Ongava
The beautifully located and luxurious Little Ongava is a stunning place to stay in order to explore Etosha National Park and the private Ongava Reserve.
Andersson's at Ongava
With game drives on both its private reserve and in Etosha, Andersson's at Ongava also offers access to the Ongava Research Centre.
Mountain Lodge
In the heart of the private Etosha Heights Reserve, the family-friendly Mountain Lodge offers game drives and bush walks within an exclusive environment.
Mokuti Etosha Lodge
With 106 rooms, child-friendly Mokuti Etosha Lodge is more like a hotel than a lodge. Facilities to include a gym, spa, tennis courts and even a snake park.
Etosha Oberland Lodge
A short drive from Etosha National Park's southern entrance, Etosha Oberland Lodge is a very comfortable base from which to explore the park, with excellent food.
Vreugde Guest Farm
Vreugde Guest Farm is a delightful owner-run and working sheep farm where you can expect a warm welcome and charming hospitality.
Villa Mushara
Offering luxury on a peaceful private reserve close to Etosha, Villa Mushara is a great choice for honeymooners & those wishing to indulge themselves.
Etosha King Nehale
A short drive from the national park's northern entrance, Etosha King Nehale Lodge is an interesting and comfortable base from which to explore the park.
Safari House
The private Safari House on the Etosha Heights reserve is a great option families or friends travelling together.
Onkoshi Camp
Onkoshi Camp is owned and run by Namibia Wildlife Resorts. Built on elevated wooden platforms it overlooks Etosha Pan.
