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"
The slight inadequacies of the place were easily made up for by the closeness to the waterhole. This was amazing to just watch the animals come in to drink. We spent an entire afternoon just watching a herd of Elephants with some very young ones drinking and it was fascinating to watch the interaction between the group.
The following day we spent driving around ourselves and found a Leopard and a couple of Lionesses, amongst many other animals.
We did not have any problems with noise as had been led to expect even though our room was right next to the camp site and there was certainly no problem round the waterhole." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
Good to be in Etosha for early drives etc.
Reception, restaurant etc a bit disorganised, although food fine when we actually got it.
Get the detailed Etosha map available at camp shop." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana
"Okaukuejo was as good as ever"
We went on two game drives (these are popular and need to be booked as soon as possible), the guide was good for both, giving information and stopping for photographs.
The shop has very limited stock other than plenty of alcohol. The kiosk has a range of snack meals and drinks." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 6n in Botswana
"Great safari at Okaukuejo"
The location and rooms we had (a premier waterhole chalet and nearby disabled chalet) are excellent. However, the overall feel is of an infrastructure that was set up 20 years or so ago and hasn’t received the investment necessary to maintain it as topnotch. Given the wealth of the overseas visitors, I would recommend immediately doubling or tripling the park fees for non-Namibians and investing the extra income in better catering, better maps (the ones provided in the park are incomplete and misleading, e.g. at least one permanent waterholes missed off, several shown as permanent are dry, not all the [gravel] roads are shown) and re-painted signposts (many have become faint and some completely obliterated over time). Also there is little updated info about what game has been seen recently at what waterhole.
The catering is of average to poor canteen standard (greasy breakfasts, boring bread, very similar and rather dull evening meals) - unlike the good restaurant standard food we found at other camps. If food is important to you, then find a private camp outside the park and travel in daily. Service was also not (as elsewhere) uniformly excellent here - perhaps inevitable with more staff dealing with much higher volumes of tourists - but it was mostly good.
Our highlights were good ‘spots’ we made ourselves eg) a couple of lions hunting in the late afternoon, a spotted hyena sleeping by a roadside bush in the early morning and a few waterhole experiences - the main waterhole (see above), a big elephant herd at Goas and the biggest concentration we saw one morning at Ozonjuitji m’Bari (a longish drive W of camp but worth it), at least several hundred animals and birds of various species." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia
"Spectacular waterhole at Okaukujo"
From here you explore the park, which in Etosha mainly involves driving between the waterholes. If you are there in the dry season this is really all you need to do as the animals are forced to congregate at the few available water sources and the scenes are almost biblical, with lines of animals seemingly stretching for miles. Photographic opportunities abound.
Make sure you visit the camp waterhole at dusk. Its surprisingly close and a hushed crowd waits in expectation like an audience at a play, but one which may or may not happen. But it did and all at once a group of giraffe emerge from the bushes like ghosts in the failing light and the are soon joined by two black rhino.
Our main gripe with the camp was with the food, served buffet style and plentiful but will not win any prizes. Meat eaters would probably feel adequately catered for but a vegetarian will struggle. We realise that Namibia Wildlife Resorts cater for perceived demand but surely adding a bit more quality and variety might be beneficial.
However, this didn't spoil our appreciation of the surrounding park which in some areas seems like another world; a parched, hostile dustbowl but which supports wildlife in amazing abundance and variety." See all these reviews: 8n in Namibia; 8n in South Africa
"Good to be in the park, otherwise average"
We were right by the campsite and the campers made a lot of noise packing up very early in the morning. The accommodation was the least attractive of our holiday, and the staff not always as smiling and friendly as elsewhere.
However we did see plenty of action at the waterhole, which was why we chose to stay here." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Watch life go by at the water hole.."
The accomodation is in need of refurbishment , and looks and feels very worn out, particularly the bath/shower room.
The request for 350.00 $ inventory fee is a real annoyance. We checked our inventory and found only 4 + ( 1 damaged coat hangers) We reported this to reception, the receptionist stated they were not too bothered about some of the smaller items. The deposit was refunded on our departure without the room been checked for any defects,or breakages. It was a complete was of our time. The staff are not as motivated as the private lodges, and therefore the experience was not as good as at previous lodges.
The restaurant was also disappointing. During our stay there were a number of large groups and this seemed to cause seating problems. Some of the restaurant staff were very good, others were somewhat less attentive.
The camp caters for a whole range of visitors ,but the facilities are in need of a review. The grounds whilst reasonably well kept, could be more tidy." See all these reviews: 22n in Namibia
"Etosha"
The chalet was lovely - it was on two floors so we slept upstairs with a view of the waterhole. Disappointing number of animals though, but that's just luck.
The food was absolutely horrible - a fixed price for lunch and dinner which were both buffet meals. Unhygienic use of utensils when cooking the meat - the same tongs were used for handling cooked and raw meat. Way overpriced too. a most unpleasant experience, we dreaded going in for meals.
we went on a game drive with a guide who wasn't at all proactive, except when he spotted a lion with a kill. Then we took ourselves off in the afternoon." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Bush chalet - Okaukuejo"
Lots of zebra at the waterhole this time, great at sunset.
Camp was busy with some large groups but generally staff did their best to cope well. The room attendants looking after the bush chalets clearly took pride in their work, even laying out the towels with fresh flowers. We would not hesitate to stay here again." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Waterhole Chalet in Okaukuejo"
The waterhole chalet slightly disappointing as there was not a lot of space in the room with just a small fridge in the cupboard and no indoor seating area. It is, however, just 20 meters from the waterhole and so location is good.
Unfortunately, there were not many animals visiting the waterhole, due to the availability of water elsewhere.
On our one night in the waterhole chalet, we saw one elephant (early afternoon), many jackals and some springbok and impala." See all these reviews: 13n 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 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.
