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 layout of the camp is exceptional, the great highlight being the large waterhole. We were enchanted to be able to sit there at all times of the day and night and see so many different animals coming and going. The short distance between the chalets and the waterhole made it so easy to pop down there to see what there was to be seen.
Sitting silently watching at sunrise, sundown, by floodlight at night are experiences that I shall never forget." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Spectacular room and great service"
Filling station ran out of petrol for a few days. We had a wonderful time here." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Fantastic Setting"
It is quite remarkable watching a herd of 20 elephants walking in a line from the distance as the sun is setting. Great for photographers as you're not hindered by the confines of a car.
The service and food leaves much to be desired - some staff members at the main office border on rude and our waitress made us feel uncomfortable in asking for our change once we paid our bill and lastly, the rooms aren't anything to write home about but that's not what this place is about so it shouldn't be something that puts you off.
The fuel guys were very helpful and let out our tyres free of charge." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
Locally run so reception sometimes lacked the high level of customer service of some european run lodges.
Reduction for vegetarians on the buffet, as they are not specially catered for." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Stay at Okaukuejo for the waterhole"
It is also very convenient to stay inside the park. This saves a 10k drive in and out of the gate each day with a variable amount of queueing.
The camp shop sells a good guide to all the animals and birds you are likely to see in Etosha and includes a good map. It is a shame this isn't offered to you when you buy your permit as we only found it by accident and other people didn't know about it.
The camp shops don't sell much in the way of food. You can get some snacks and frozen meat but you can't buy the ingredients for an entire lunch or dinner.
The buffet lunch/ dinners are pretty repetitive and cafeteria standard. But it is all about the waterhole!" See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Perfect View"
All rooms are not equal, not even in the Waterhole Chalets - we had a Premier Waterhole Chalet and this made all the difference. Our balcony directly overlooked the waterhole and we sat under blankets on a cushioned lounger long into the night watching the animals. These are by far the best rooms and the balcony made up for any shortcomings with the food or atmosphere.
When the sun had set patience brought us numerous black rhinos, elephants, lions, oryx, wildebeest, zebra etc. It was truly amazing. Okuakuejo had more shortcomings as a hotel than anywhere else we stayed and I wouldn't have missed it for the world. We were genuinely sad to leave our chalet and the memory of our afternoons and evenings watching the animals will last a lifetime." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"A brilliant water hole"
Of the two chalets, we preferred the Bush Chalet to the Waterhole Chalet, which was less spacious and was in need of a re-fresh. The food was very good value and the staff friendly and helpful.
Early morning game drive (in late July) proved quite cold despite having ponchos provided. It also proved less productive than self-drive excursions.
The water hole was a key attraction and didn't disappoint with up to 5 Black Rhino, a pride of Lions and Brown Hyena being seen." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia
"Okaukuejo - Waterhole and base for Etosha"
Given the feedback we had read from various sources, our expectations of various aspects of Okaukuejo were met - the shop was basic (you couldn't by ham or cheese for a lunch roll), the buffet breakfast and dinner was OK, the rooms clean but basic. But these are not what you visit for. Being able to walk out from dinner and head to the floodlit waterhole and be presented by an elephant 25m away, followed by family of rhino's was special. We sat in the 'grandstand' where you got a reflection of the tree that stands by the waterhole along with the various animals that almost constantly arrive for a drink.
Up before dawn the following morning to see what was at the waterhole - not much, but some great pictures of zebra and springbok drinking along with their reflections in the still water. After breakfast we headed off to a few waterholes and were lucky to see a pride of eight lions arrive and rest at one, and a whole host of herbivores heading to, drinking at, and walking away from another. Being the dry season, it was worth being patient and spending a while at a waterhole as the animals come and go, and you can observe the animals behaviour, and this was particularly so when we returned to Okaukuejo camp......
When we got back we again sat by the waterhole and watched the evenings events unfold, in the end for about 3hours. For a while, not a lot, although someone said they had spotted a lion close by (I couldn't see it!). After a while it emerged, and sat down, quite a distance from the waterhole. However, this had the effect of stopping any animals from taking a drink. Eventually there were 22 giraffe frustratingly waiting nearby along with Orynx, elephant and others. The black backed jackels eventually disturbed the lion enough and it went to the waterhole taking a long drink before heading off. Rapidly all the animals that had been waiting were then able to quench their thirst, the next nearest waterhole being 10+ km away.
Hopefully this gives you a view as to why we have rated Okaukuejo as excellent, obviously not for all aspects, but the waterhole is pretty special." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
Although the waterhole chalets have a view of the waterhole, they are also exposed to all the visitors clustered around the waterhole, so we were happy with our choice! We really enjoyed walking to the waterhole at different times of day to see the animals loitering and interacting - with a bit of patience it seemed there was always something to see. We saw rhino and elephant interacting at the hole, in addition to giraffe, oryx etc etc.
The buffets for every meal are sufficient but got a bit repetitive if by the end of two days - a tip for other travellers is that the 'kiosk' serves snacks as an alternative to the lunch buffet. One of us is vegetarian and found particularly limited food options (besides salad and vegetables). In addition to gifts and toiletries, the shop sells lots of biscuits and confectionary, icecream plus bread, sausages/meat and onions - and the chalets all have firepits/bbq areas so you could have a barbeque." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
"NOT IMPRESSED"
FIRST NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION VERY GOOD BUT SECOND NIGHT POOR.
NOT VERY WELCOMING AND POOR SERVICE" See all these reviews: 17n 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.
