Reviews of Okaukuejo Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
723 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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"Mostlygreat experiences at Okaukuejo RestCamp"
We drove just about everywhere you could go in the western part of the park and saw prides of lions, had a lioness with her cubs cross the road in front of us, saw black rhino at the waterhole at night, spotted hyena, and many many elephants, zebra, giraffes, and of course all sorts of lovely smaller animals and birds. It is a great place to just explore.
The restcamp itself was a variable experience. Our first night we stayed at a waterhole chalet. The room was tiny and you didn't get a view of the waterhole (you were just close to it) so I wouldn't recommend paying extra - the four-bed bush chalets looked bigger and better. The second night we stayed at a two-storey premier waterhole chalet which was amazing!! Our large balcony had a daybed with a great view over the waterhole and the chalet was well equipped and very spacious.
The food is either average or poor. There's nothing wrong with it being a buffet, but apart from nice soup and many cakes for dessert, what is on offer is very limited - two types of meat and/or soggy vegetables. A few small exceptions - the omlette chef was great, as was the snack bar. It's a bit of a zoo with the number of people that stay, so the earlier you can get to dinner (7pm is best) the better. You must reserve to get a table - they are very disorganised and struggle to take your drinks order or clear the tables, so it's not just first in first served, more like first in, only-ones served!
We'd go back though, because you just can't beat being inside the park here. After all, dinner only lasts half an hour and you have a whole day to enjoy the animals!" See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
Great location enabling early start to view wildlife in the park. Wish we'd stayed longer here instead of moving on to Halali." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
After check in we easily found our bungalow near the water hole.
First things first.. check out the water hole and find 18 elephants enjoying it... great start !!!
The Chalet was perfectly fine with decent size bed, air conditioning, fridge and good size bathroom with huge shower area.
Then to the main building for dinner... this is where most comments are about and unfortunately for the first night we had to agree with most that it was not the best experience... Having arrived late in the afternoon we hadn't reserved a table and were infomed in no uncertain terms that we should have done. That said there were plenty of empty tables and were eventually given one so didn't see what all the fuss was about.
The buffet has a reasonable selection but you need to take advantage of everything available to get value for money.
The service was slow in replacing dishes that were running out.
The 2nd night was better... plenty of food etc.
One word of advice.... read the terms of your admission in the small print... your time in Etosha is based on a 24 hr. clock with a couple of hours allowance beyond that.. We hadn't been advised of this and even though , when entering the park we told the gate that we were there for 3 days we were not advised that the clock started ticking from then.
As a result when leaving the park at the end of a very full day , and just before the gates closed, we were advised that we had exceeded our time allowance... 3 days is NOT 3 days... it's 3 x 24 hrs... we were then faced with a bill for a further day and told that we should pay at the last rest camp. After we explained that there was insufficient time to drive back to the rest camp, where the office by this time would have been closed, and paid, the park would be closed so how do we get out again !! Reluctantly they accepted cash paynment at the entrance gatehouse.
Just another example of the Wildlife Organisations strange way of working... needs more customer focus" See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 5n in South Africa
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
Difficult to be fair to this place as one night we had a waterhole room (W34) and perhaps the best room in the plcae and the second night was a bush room which was OK but disappointing in comparision. My grades are for the waterhole room.
The food and service here are disappointing as it feels like a very average cafeteria." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Luxury waterhole viewing."
Sadly there was very little view of the water hole as there is a large tree in front of this chalet, but let us not get too picky.The water hole activity was amazing and continued throughout the night only a few paces from our chalet. As with Halali there were no cooking facilities or a BBQ and the shop was no better.
Beware--we made the mistake of not paying our park fees before leaving the camp on our way to leave the park and so had to drive 18Km back to camp." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia
"Come here for the waterhole!!"
We had a normal chalet on the first night, and as there was non available when we booked our second night we had to switch / upgrade to a two room lodge close to the waterhole. What a stroke of luck this turned out to be! We obviously had to pay a premium for the lodge on the seond night (we stayed in W34), but it was a fantastic final night in Etosha before we headed home.
The lodge was incredible - circular in shape with a thatched roof, we slept on the upper floor which had a balcony opening out overlooking the waterhole, a real grandstand view of the animals from our bed! If you can stretch to the price, we would say this is definately worth doing. The waterhole was the most active one overall we saw in the park, and night viewing under the lights, when we saw elephant, rhino and lion, was very exciting and added to the drama of the place.
Food was more mass produced here than most places as its a big facility, and it was ok if nothing outstanding. Do book a table if you want to sit outside, even if dinner is included in your package. We did pass through Halali during the daytime, and based on our quick impression there we think that Okaukuejo seemed a better quaility bet, although this isnt really a fully informed opinion. Dont miss out on staying here if you are visting Etosha." See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia
"Great waterhole and wild life"
The organised safaris were interesting but somewhat drawn out with breakfast thrown in which seemed a waste of time. We had already had a breakfast and were there too see the animals." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"In the middle of animals"
The waterhole was as spectacular as ever. Food very good considering the numbers served." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"Slightly better NWR property"
"Wonderful floodlit waterhole"
The accommodation was spotless, cleaned throughly everyday and a good place in which to stay so close to the waterhole. The 'star' of the place is without doubt the waterhiole at night where in total I saw over 16 rhinos! All the staff were unfailingly friendly.
It's also a good advantage to have the post office at this camp." See all these reviews: 8n 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.
