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"
"Etosha better than expected"
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
We took Expert Africa's advice and checked the inventory in our hut (short of one plastic coat hangar!) but they seemed v relaxed about this. Our only adverse comment was that the shop at this camp (and other National Park camps) was almost completely empty of stock. Not only was there hardly any food on the shelves, but the souvenir shop was also empty. Interestingly we had dropped into the Namutoni shop which had lots of souvenirs - but at this point we were at the start of our trip. NWR clearly did have stock but just not at the major camp! We can see why you might not stock perishables in the quiet season but canned and frozen food? It didn't affect us as we ate in the restaurant but if you were travelling on a budget and depending on self catering, you'd be in difficulties.
The gas station on site took cards and although the office staff did have just a tiny touch of bureaucrat about them, we found that by being friendly and talking about the 'not arrived yet' rains and so on, they relaxed and were helpful and friendly. We drove ourselves out on trips in the area, and the waterholes along the southern edge of the Etosha Pan had some brilliant gatherings of game, with densities of zebras and wildebeest in particular very high - in the low hundreds.." See all these reviews: 28n in Namibia
"Better than expected"
Restaurant food choice (buffet style) was better than average and separate bar area adequate. Game viewing at the large waterhole can prove interesting particularly in the evening - 3 rhino visited while we were there. Check-in and out was fairly quick but you do have to be in the correct queue which is not always evident - waited several minutes to check out only to be told I needed to speak with another person. Payment by CC was swift - good connection.
Ideal location for self drive in Etosha park but 4 wheel drive vehicle is recommended (we had non 4 wheel drive and found ourselves facing deep water filled ruts which we could not pass so had to return via the same route which can be a 20km drive). Recommend the guided night drive.
Excellent game viewing in Etosha and would return to this camp." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana
"Worth it for the lovely waterhole."
We wanted to buy food to make a sandwich to eat at the waterhole that night but the stock in the shop is so poor we ended up with plastic sliced bread, flavourless processed meats and amazing 'cheese flavoured' slices.
The chalets are clean, large and comfortable with kitchen facilities, which is very nice." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Worth it for the waterhole"
The early morning game drive was excellent and a good foundation for our subsequent trips out in the car. To be honest you could spend all day at the waterhole - rhino, lion, elephant, hyena, giraffe and yet more rhino!
No signs of any of the reported scams and the staff were all very helpful." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
The bush chalets, although simply furnished were a good size and pleasantly located.
Service from the staff good and efficient, especially considering the size of the resort.
The buffet food was good quality, especially the bbq meat. Food choice is similar every day." See all these reviews: 20n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana; 1n in Zimbabwe
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
"It's all about the waterhole"
We had read enough about this place to keep our expectations in check. As many people have written here and elsewhere, the whole camp has seen better days. Both chalets need a lot of work to get them up to date. The air conditioners leaked like crazy, light fixtures were missing, things were dingy, the smell was musty (probably due to the perpetually leaky air conditioners), etc.
The service in all aspects was not attentive - everywhere from reception to the dining room to the post office to the saddest grocery store we've ever seen. The inventory list was not available when we checked into the family chalet, and the people in the reception office would not provide us with one. So we had no way of proving that we didn't take any purportedly missing items when we checked put the next day. Luckily that was not an issue.
But in spite of all of that... the waterhole is magical, and what happens there at night can be very different from what you will see during the day. For this reason alone - the waterhole at night - Okaukuejo is an absolute *must* for at least a one night stay. On our second night (when we had the great view from our waterhole chalet balcony) we saw eight rhinos, all at once! The way they interacted with each other was fascinating. We saw and heard lions at night too, as well as elephants, giraffe, jackals and more. People generally are very quiet at this waterhole, especially at night. Several die-hards actually spend most or all of the night there just observing or taking pictures.
The other great things about Okaukuejo are that it is a convenient base for many other good waterholes that you can drive to during the day on your own. Also, the food, despite the fact that it is a buffet, was actually pretty good, especially the meat that they grill fresh every night. We were pleasantly surprised by the food for the most part.
As long as you go into your visit with moderate expectations regarding the quality of the camp itself, you will quickly put that all aside after a few minutes at the waterhole, both day and night. Expert Africa and others did a good job of making sure we knew it would be up to the caliber of the other places we stayed. We have great memories of Okaukuejo and consider it a not-to-be-missed stop in a visit to Etosha." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
"Okaukuejo - great"
Staff very friendly,smiley and competent. Rooms clean and bedding very good. Did not want to leave.
Drove ourselves into the park every day and had a super time" 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.
