Reviews of Ongava Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
169 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Ongava Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
90% success
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96% success
96% success
92% success
92% success
88% success
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41% success
29% success
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"Ongava Lodge review"
This may have been due to the imminent change of management of the lodge. Disappointing to find that dinner was a buffet meal unlike the table service at all of the other lodges. Game drive guide was less informative than at other lodges." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Ongava Lodge review"
The room was lovely, delightful décor and good facilities. The lodge's waterhole was the icing on the cake - we saw the most phenominal amounts of game morning, noon & night.
Food was fine but could have had a bit more variety (we were there for 3 nights)." See all these reviews: 8n in Namibia
"Ongava Lodge review"
"Pleasantly surprised"
The only problem here was the other people - and it did seem like there was a lot of them. The guides and the management should make more effort to ensure that the guests don't make so much noise. We saw a lot of game at the water hole, including lots of lion and two or three rhinos both nights we were there, but many of the animals were visibly put off by all the noise the people were making.
The worst was from some people who were staying at Little Ongava above Ongava Lodge, and who probably couldn't see the water hole, but they were having a real party with a lot of shrieking and laughing. And people on the same game drive as us had no idea how to behave with wild animals, making a lot of noise and moving about in the vehicle all the time. At times it disturbed the animals they were trying to view but they were oblivious to the effects. It's a pity the guide didn't advise them before setting off, as some others did.
In your review you mention that the guides have at times been mediocre, we would have to say that whereas none of the guides we had in Namibia was as knowledgeable as other places we've been, they were all been good, and here was no exception. The guide we had here was good and fun to be with. We really enjoyed his guiding and his company." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia
"Great safari lodge"
Guide took us tracking white rhino on foot - an exhilarating experience. Experienced and efficient staff.
Significant downside at the time of our visit was construction of a new deck next to the main viewing deck/loung area, which created noise for guests and the game." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
"Ongava Lodge and Etosha"
It was great looking at the animals coming to the waterhole either from the dining area or from our bedroom. We saw giraffes, a rhino and a number of different types of antelope. One of our party woke at 6 and saw a lion.
The staff were very helpful and the manager and his wife an excellent source of knowledge.
We did not go on any activities because we wanted to drive around Etosha. This was a fantastic experience. Driving ourselves was easy and gave us the chance to see animals and birds in a more natural setting than a game reserve." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia
"We loved Ongava Lodge"
The staff were very pleasant and helpful. We enjoyed all of the meals. We appreciated the cook made sure there were vegetarian options for our vegetarian family member.
We had a scare after dinner when a very large python blocked our path back to our rooms. The staff member leading us, simply took a different route, but we worried where the python would show up again. This is when we realized we were surrounded by wild animals, and they were not all at the waterhole!" See all these reviews: 8n in Namibia; 5n in South Africa
"A very comfortable lodge with great views"
The rooms are very tastefully decorated and ours had an excellent view over the watering hole. The food was very good and the service excellent. Our guide, Teacher, was very knowledgeable and helpful and managed to locate lions and lionesses - in both the private Reserve and Etosha itself.
We would definitely stay at this lodge again." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Ongava Lodge review"
Food was buffet style - sometimes this could be variable." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Wonderful view across the plains"
Holiday styles & special interests in Namibia
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Other lodges in Etosha National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Okaukuejo Camp
Set within Etosha National Park, Okaukuejo Resort is a large camp with a productive, floodlit waterhole.
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 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.
