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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"Hobatere Lodge review"
No game walks
Game drive very mediocre we knew as much as him but he will get better
No sun beds around pool" See all these reviews: 8n in Namibia; 5n in South Africa
"excelllent in all areas"
Extremely knowledeable wildlife guides, excellent safaris.
Only one complaint, we were booked by EA to stay here full board. This was unneccessay as we did not want lunch anyway even though we had paid for it. Most guests were staying half board so EA were wrong here to book us full board when we specifically said we didn't want to have full board but EA erroneoulsy told us that it was compulsory at Hobatere." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"great for both animal and bird watching"
Hobatere is quite an oasis in the bush - well-landscaped and well-laid out, with interesting features - a photographer's paradise.
Excellent game viewing at the waterhole although most guests missed it as it was about 3pm. We are extremely glad we arrived there early enough.
Very quick dinner - would have preferred a bit more leisurely! - seemed to be geared to German guests who were less likely to mix and chat.
Pretty setting which was great for watching the birds" See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
To get to Hobatere from Doro Nawas, I directed them along the C43 & C40 via the Grootberg Pass. We’ve directed our travellers this way for years and, by coincidence, I drove it using a normal 2WD during October this year. I had no problems and the views are really stunning! It’s much more interesting than the main tar road (via Khorixas and Kamanjab) and takes about the same time.
We’re very sad that the local person’s advice, which these travellers listened to, was misinformed – and that they missed one of Namibia’s great scenic drives.
"Hobatere Lodge review"
Saw a lion kill happen at the waterhole next to the camp - fantastic game viewing right on the doorstep. The evening game drive was not so good.
Too many people herded onto a vehicle (ok if it is your first time, but we would not bother with the guided viewing next time." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Hobatere Lodge review"
Book well in advance to ensure a night in the tree house. An experience not to be missed.
Thank you, Steve and Louise for your kindness during our stay with you. You are excellent hosts. We always try to book 2-3 nights with you on our trips." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia; 6n in South Africa
"Hobatere has lots of birds!"
Food was fabulous, even the picnic that we took with us to the treehouse. Sean and Bettina are doing a great job on behalf of the family operation.
Our only beef was with the fact that the treehouse floor and deck railings had been treated with creosote just before we got there, so the smell significantly affected our enjoyment. Apparently the creosote is needed to deter termites but we recommend it is applied in the off-season only!" See all these reviews: 22n in Namibia
"Eden beyond Etosha"
The grounds were planted with local indigenous plants ~ pity they were not named. Steve was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about local natural history. Night drives were available when we saw smaller and more unusual wildlife, e.g. aardvark, owls, etc." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana
"Superb in every way. Can't fault it!"
On arrival, I was informed that the Desert Elephant were at the waterhole and was bowled over at the teriffic views that were available over the waterhole and surrounding area to just sit quietly and watch the various animals just wandering back and forth. The whole lodge and surrounding landscape was glorious and a real haven for the amzing variety of birdlife. This will most definitely be a place I will retun to again.
I spent the night in the Treeehouse on my own and what an awesome experience. The completey stillness of th surroundings was profound and mesmerising and just sitting watching the animals lazily making their way down to the waterhole was a very precious and special experience. The whole experience was capped when three lion cubs came plodding into sight, and started to play chase with the guinea fowl before settling down to lap water from the pool of water, and then a few minutes later two lionesses came sauntering into sight and joined the cubs drinking. As the light faded, the lions moved into the bushes behind the treehouse and a herd of elephant then came down to drink- with the only evidence of their presence being the quiet shuffling of feet in the dust, the occasional rubbling tummy and the odd cracking of branches. To spend a night under the clear skies with the stars and these animals for company, was an unique lifetime experience and I would certainly recommend it." See all these reviews: 4n in Namibia
"Stunning Location....But...."
The game drive is in an ex-army type hi- wheeled vehicle that can carry about 20 people which wasn't a major issue itself, since it wasn't full. It was conducted on a well-worn circular route with stops just pointing at common animals and birds (that's an Oryx there's a hornbill, etc). The guide never looked down to check for any spoor in the sand but just drove on and hoped animals would be there.
Very little thought went in to explaining the life of fauna and flora. We drove over many dry riverbeds but the guide never thought of telling us anything about them, e.g. when did it last flow; what it is like when they flow. I didn't need a geography/ botanical lecture but would have loved to know how things survive and adapt to live in such a harsh environment.
Next morning there were some lions and 3 or 4 cubs were seen beyond the waterhole but quite far away on the ridge. We tried to organize to get someone to take us there and have a look at the lions but all they said was the lions have now left the ridge. At least they could've said, “let's go and have a look”. Similarly, the pervious evening, when we saw a couple of cheetahs in the distance we asked the guide whether he could get a bit closer to them. He said that he wasn't allowed to go out of the tracks and would get in to trouble. I didn't understand the reason for this. What is stopping you getting close to an animal within a safe distance in a private game reserve, especially with a guide? Most other private lodges take you within a safe distance close to the animals.
Steve Braine may be a top-notch wild life expert and well regarded in his field and always ready to share his enthusiasm but then perhaps he should utilize that knowledge and give a few good tutorials to his guides on how to improve their skills. Dinner was good but breakfast service was very haphazard. We didn't feel the warmth of welcome or enthusiasm at Hobatere. Although the lodge managers were present, this was the only place they didn't come to meet us.
There is no doubt that Hobatere has one of the most magnificent locations and beautiful surroundings with abundant wildlife BUT it is not one of the best or most comfortable lodges in Namibia. I was so looking forward to staying here. However, it turned out to be the biggest let down of all." See all these reviews: 8n in Namibia; 8n in Botswana; 1n in South Africa
Perhaps we, at Expert Africa, should have gone to greater lengths to flag up to our travellers to expect smaller rooms at Hobatere than at their previous lodges – and emphasise how different this lodge is from the previous ones in their itinerary.
Similarly, Hobatere wanted us to make the valuable point that the ‘rules’ of a game drive in Namibia are very different from those in a private wildlife reserves in Botswana. The latter restrict the number of visitors into their private wilderness reserves but then charge much, much more to cover the operational costs. When relatively few visitors come into an area of wilderness it is possible for guides to ‘off-road’ for a closer look at something of interest. Namibia’s drier climate and even more arid landscape mean that the ecosystem more fragile there – and ‘off-read driving’, for example, is often not done for ecological reasons
Hobatere Lodge commented that they are always willing to help where they can, or to explain why if they can’t. However, they can only do this if the guests voice their concerns to the staff immediately. The mosquito nets in the rooms are new, but get used daily and inevitably they do get holes from wear and tear.
The game drive vehicle mentioned seats 16 with the idea that this allows plenty of space for photographic opportunities. Had the guests requested a smaller vehicle then Hobatere says that this could have been discussed and arranged.
Hobatere also comments that their guides are all local guides who have had no formal education and often don’t have long term experience in imparting their knowledge as a teacher might. They are trained in house and this is an ongoing process. The guides know a lot about their surrounding environment and its flora and fauna so should any guest need more information about any aspect, then all they need to do is ask the guide the relevant questions. The guides enjoy having questions thrown at them; this inevitably leads to further dialogue. Should the guide not be able to expand then the lodge staff would be able to help once guests are back at the lodge. Having said that, Steve Braine of Hobatere says that he has taken note of the comments and plans to apply this to ongoing training.
Hobatere notes that there appears to have been some confusion over who the lodge managers were. Although Steve Braine and his wife own Hobatere, they employ managers to help them. The lady who showed these guests to their room was the manageress. Steve is often available to meet guests himself. However, on this occasion he had just returned from Windhoek where his wife had just undergone an operation and was taking a little time out with her.
"Manager"
"Hobatere the ultimate game lodge."
The new accommodation and public buildings are very well done and an improvement on an already very nice facility.Steve and Louise Braine were so welcoming and all the staff were excellent, so nice to see Martin again who is an excellent guide. Steve,of course, is a mine of information and always ready to share his enthusiasm. Extraordinary range of wild life with two hides to watch it from,early morning bush walks with Martin,day time game drives seem almost superfluous.To complete the picture the food was the best we had during our holiday.
We will return." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia
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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
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.
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.
