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
66% success
6% success
18% success
99% success
97% success
96% success
96% success
93% success
89% success
56% success
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23% success
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0% success
"Great waterhole"
The organisation of the lodges is very bureaucratic and clumsy though. We didn't get off to a great start by having a power cut in our lodges that took a while to fix. Then no hot water for most of the time. The buffet was really poor and the admin staff tried to switch the deposit money you have to leave with them from exchangeable SA Rand for Namib dollars.Cheeky!
You have to complete an inventory of everything in the room when you check in and again when you leave to say nothing is missing to get you deposit back. Hilariously the inventory list also included itself (the inventory list) as an item to be ticked as being present. This was a definite low point on the accommodation front but it was only one night and the wildlife made up for a lot of the shortcomings." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 5n in Zimbabwe; 2n in Botswana
"Brilliant for seeing animals"
The facilities are fairly basic, but absolutely fine for what we needed, and very spacious
There was no hot water in our room, because when we tried to turn it on, it fused the whole chalet
The game viewing as we drove around was excellent." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana; 1n in Zimbabwe
"Feast of rhino"
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
"Excellent Camp + excellent water hole"
"Watching the waterhole at night is amazing"
The accommodation was very spacious and it was clean although not particularly comfortable. They no longer seem to need an inventory to be checked and signed - there is very little in the room that anyone could take anyway!.
The worst thing about Okaukuejo is the food. The takeaway restaurant closes early and then all that is available is the restaurant where a buffet is served which is really expensive. Apart from the meat, which was cooked on a braii and quite tasty, the rest of the food offered was truly awful. It was so bad that we did not want to eat there the following night and went to the shop (which is sparsely stocked) and just ate snacks for supper! We would recommend that anyone staying at this camp bring their own food supplies in for supper, or buy a takeaway from the snack bar early before it closes.
The other thing that should be mentioned is that the petrol station in the camp ran out of unleaded fuel. We left on a Tuesday and no fuel was expected until Friday! It didn't affect us as we were moving on and had plenty of fuel to get us to the next town.
However the advantage of staying at Okaukuejo is the opportunity to see wildlife interacting at the waterhole after dark, which is wonderful. I will never forget seeing the elephants chasing a lion away and protecting the babies!" See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia; 6n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe; 2n in South Africa
"Okaukuejo and the Rhino!"
We drove east from this camp and did not see as much game as we had hoped for but the watering hole at the camp was well attended and after supper we went out in darkness and spotted the rhino - a big event for us all. The location of the lodge was excellent, two minutes from the watering hole and five minutes from the main facilities.
We used the snack bar for a quick lunch and had the buffet supper which we found expensive as two of our three children were considered adults and they just don't get the value from an enormous buffet. The food was delicious though and the staff were lovely in the restaurant.
Etosha in general is the most beautiful place to visit and it is well maintained and respected by those who visit and the control of numbers of people who visit is essential to keep it this spectacular. We are pleased that there are only a few camps where you can stay and basic and clean is all you need!" See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia
" A watering hole to die for !"
Guides are great and the morning safari is one to book -- we saw 12 lions in 40 minutes!
Aside from this the absolute highlight is the watering hole - many, many animals, hundreds at some stages. We saw many elephants, including large family groups, 15 giraffes in one group and an amazing rhino fight. Also woken one night by roaring lions.
There are more welcoming and bijou camps but if in Etosha do not shy way from staying here. The wildlife more than outweighs the functional nature of the place." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
The waterhole is amazing! Unusually for us we didn't do all day or afternoon drives most days at Okaukuejo as the sightings at the waterhole were just so good (10 black rhinos together one evening at sunset including three mums and calves - all at the same time!). It's a big camp but we were in our own bubble and were perfectly happy.
Breakfast was served from 5.30am so that meant we could still have our included breakfast and be at the gate ahead of sunrise opening. Perfect! Breakfast was basic (and a bit disorganised first thing) but more than sufficient for our needs (coffee was not good though).
Gate opening was unpredictable (as it was also at Halali one day) - the clock at the gate which the security staff work off does not match to what Reception tells you (or, more critically, the sun) but you just have to be patient ...
We didn't eat at the restaurant in the evening or check out the bar as we were too occupied at the waterhole. We didn't use the swimming pool.
Check-out was no hassle at all and very efficient.
The location of Oaukuejo is excellent as there are so many routes to choose from in both directions.
The staff we encountered were all pleasant (the cleaning ladies were lovely!) except for the petrol pump attendant. Be prepared for a very long and disorganised wait if there is anyone in front of you. The shop is a bit hit and miss too but they sell ice which is great for cold drinks!" See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Fantastic waterhole!"
The camp is government owned and managed and, unlike at Sossus Dune Lodge, it suffers from this. Basic maintenance was lacking ( when we asked for five of our seven light globes to be replaced, the receptionist said no, they were waiting for the man to come from South Africa! When my husband had a closer look at the problem, he realised that the whole 12V lighting system was clearly waiting to be replaced).
Meals were buffet and average. Service was friendly and willing but inefficient." See all these reviews: 24n in Namibia
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 Camp Kala
For a bird’s eye view across African bush, the stilted rooms at Onguma Camp Kala are truly special.
Onguma The Fort
The Fort is the jewel in the crown of the Onguma lodges, and arguably the whole of eastern Etosha.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Onkoshi Camp
Onkoshi Camp is owned and run by Namibia Wildlife Resorts. Built on elevated wooden platforms it overlooks Etosha Pan.
Safari House
The private Safari House on the Etosha Heights reserve is a great option families or friends travelling together.
