Reviews of Okaukuejo Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
722 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Okaukuejo Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Okaukuejo Camp review"
From the central area it's a short walk or drive/park/walk to the waterhole. At night under the floodlights we saw rhino one night and the next a 'stand off' between elephants and rhino with the rhino being kept back while the elephants bathed. We saw the same elephant troupe the day after as we drove out towards the gate. There were also good sightings at the waterhole early in the day.
One surprise was the state of the road. All the guidance suggested it would be a good gravel road, certainly from Okaukuejo to Halili and Namutoni and it was anything but. Overall it was very poor and some stretches were amongst the most difficult driving of the whole trip and that's before we took side roads to waterholes, some of which were reasonable and others poor. However, the animal sightings does make up for all the hassle and it's just a pity that you have to keep an eye on the clock to make sure of returning within the time limit.
The problem with the road is that once the top surface disappears, just the rigid corrugations remain and make for a very bumpy ride. We were told that there's only one of the road sweepers but soon there will be three and the road will benefit as it's always better for a while after the sweeper has passed through.
It's difficult to see the big cats but we came across two young adult lions who had killed a giraffe and were protecting the carcass from predators looking for an easy meal. Overall our animal sightings were amonst the best we have experienced over the years throughout the world." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
Black Rhino
10 sightings
Brown Hyena
2 sightings
Eland
7 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
1 sighting
Lion
1 sighting
Oryx
10 sightings
Roan antelope
7 sightings
Sable antelope
5 sightings
White Rhino
5 sightings
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
Black Rhino
Multiple sightings
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Oryx
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
Checking in wasn’t too bad. They take N$600 deposit which was returned the next morning without too much hassle. There is no inventory in the room any more (it has been removed from the information folder).
Dinner in the restaurant was not great, though the buffet breakfast was good. Liked having phone charging points in the restaurant. The main reason for staying there was the wildlife pool. Although a lot of animals came and went, what you saw was down to chance, and the lights at night somehow made it difficult to see the animals. In retrospect we might have been better going on to the next camp earlier instead of staying there one night, especially as we spent a day back in Etosha on a drive from Ongava
No diesel at the pumps there, but there is now a good service station 5km outside the reserve, with restaurants and toilets" See all these reviews: 8n in Namibia; 4n in Zambia
Elephant
1 sighting
Giraffe
1 sighting
Oryx
1 sighting
White Rhino
1 sighting
Wildebeest
1 sighting
Zebra
1 sighting
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
The food at the camp is ok but if you want decent service then book an earlier meal time - after 7pm the restaurant becomes very busy and service not so good (we were kept waiting for over an hour on one evening before anyone saw to us as tour groups (even those who booked tables later than us) were prioritised.
The game around this area was good. We saw lions, elephants and lots of plains game" See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
Black Rhino
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Oryx
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
White Rhino
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
The staff were sullen and lacked motivation, not surprising as no doubt most if not all guests were spending just one night there. The water hole is a fantastic draw and we were treated to elephants and many other animals during the day and into the evening but we didn’t last beyond 10 pm" See all these reviews: 22n in Namibia; 3n in South Africa; 2n in Zimbabwe
Black Rhino
Multiple sightings
Cheetah
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Oryx
Multiple sightings
White Rhino
1 sighting
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
Highly recommend paying extra to stay in a waterhole chalet. We were in number 10 w, directly facing the waterhole, and only had to walk a few metres to be able to look right into it and see the animals. By the way, there was private outdoor space (albeit fenced in so not very homely) as well as a shared outside space at the front, overlooking the waterhole.
You have to eat in the camp as there is nowhere else to go (although you could buy food and snacks and drinks and alcohol at the Camp shop) but the food was served cold and had to be sent back several times before it was hot enough to eat. The food is not "school dinner" type as it was not stodgy, and the portions were big (as everywhere in Namibias) but there was little choice and the staff were not able to describe what it was when it was not clear on the menu.
The service was appallingly bad, really slow, served the food for another table, took an hour to have our order taken on one of our two nights there, they really had no idea what service meant." See all these reviews: 22n in Namibia
Black Rhino
1 sighting
Brown Hyena
1 sighting
Elephant
1 sighting
Giraffe
10 sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
2 sightings
Oryx
10 sightings
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
White Rhino
1 sighting
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
We still spent a lot of time at the waterhole itself, watching animals arriving and departing. We felt NWR could do some upgrading of facilities, there were broken benches around and the roads were very corrugated. However, Etosha is an amazing place.
We drove ourselves around. Most waterholes had animals there, it was great to see them in the wild." See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia; 1n in South Africa
Elephant
4 sightings
Giraffe
5 sightings
Oryx
10 sightings
White Rhino
3 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
However, the price to pay is accommodation that requires some tlc. The rooms are large, clean and tidy; everything is functional but looks shabby and running repairs are needed. eg. door handles hanging on with two screws and the toilet constantly running.
The shop is not restocked often enough. The pool snack bar is permanently shut. The pool was green for several days before the filters were replaced.
Dinner was a shambles. A lengthy wait at all stages, although the food was adequate when it finally arrived. We were glad to have stocked up at a supermarket beforehand and catered for ourselves most evenings.
The staff try hard, but their job is made nigh on impossible by poor management, lack of resources and lack of staff numbers.
Having said all that, don’t miss out on the fabulous sightings at the waterhole. Just come prepared." See all these reviews: 22n in Namibia
Black Rhino
7 sightings
Brown Hyena
4 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Oryx
10 sightings
Wildebeest
8 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
But the waterhole is absolutely incredible.
Wildlife noted below is what we saw at the waterhole alone." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia; 2n in Zimbabwe
Black Rhino
2 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
3 sightings
Oryx
1 sighting
Wildebeest
1 sighting
Zebra
5 sightings
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
We knew in advance that with this being a government owned property it was not likely to be at the same standard as the others on our trip. We had great rooms right next to the water hole and there was plenty to see - elephants, black rhino's, giraffes and the rooms themselves, although basic were fine.
What really let this place down was the staff and service. We booked dinner for 19.30 and were finally served 2 hours later - the food was cold, they'd obviously run out of certain items (we got a different soup and different veg to what was offerred) and the staff didn't seem to care - at least we got food which some families didn't." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana
Black Rhino
2 sightings
Elephant
1 sighting
Giraffe
6 sightings
Zebra
5 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.
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.
Hobatere Lodge
To the west of Etosha National Park, on the edge of Damaraland, Hobatere Lodge offers good game-viewing on its own reserve.
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.
