Reviews of Ongava Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
170 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
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"Great wildlife spotting and luxury at Ongava!"
The view from the lodge restaurant across the reserve is one of our favourite views. It is even better now that the balcony area has been extended. The reserve is an excellent place to view wildlife, and we had good sightings and excellent guiding from Teacher. We also had an enjoyable and worthwhile trip into Etosha, again accompanied by Teacher.
We would recommend this lodge to anyone who is interested in wildlife, but who also would like a bit of five star comfort in the bush. We have always found the sightings here to be very good, and the guides are excellent. It is a good location for photography. Stay two nights if you can." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
"Ongava Lodge review"
The reserve and game park are obviously well-stocked and managed. Perhaps the jaded view was shaped by the illness, but I think my husband would agree. Not going to comment on the food as I don't know if it was that that made me ill. Different focus here, as it felt like a much bigger lodge and the staff were not so personally engaging." See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia
"Ongava Lodge review"
We had very little time in the middle of the day and we would have appreciated more time to rest in the middle of the day. Not really sure about the night safari (in all the camps)
Food not as good as the other camps" See all these reviews: 8n in Namibia; 6n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Manager & Senior Africa Specialist"
"Close Encounters!"
Accommodation excellent with a favourite outdoor shower with a view into the bush and the waterhole. Food and service were patchy (as we found at Kulala, our other Wilderness Safaris operated lodge - though Ongava was the better of the two).
If you are driving yourself we feel it is best to go into Etosha on an independent basis rather than pay for the lodge's trip, you are situated right at the park gate and if you get a map and check the waterholes (in the dry season) and drive slowly your chances of seeing game are good. Another thought is that if the rains have started and the animals no longer need the waterholes there is no need to get up before dawn. We saw all our major animals - lion; rhino; cheetah - in the middle of the morning after a civilised breakfast!" See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia
"Ongava Lodge review"
Timekkeping of torch bearers was appauling.--1/2 hour late.
Food was cold and poor quality.
Please take this off your list, especially for older clients.
Air con hardly worked, partly because rooms faced the sun for most of the day." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"My favourite"
We had a late afternoon game drive on the Ongava reserve where we saw lions and white rhinos at close quarters and then a morning (5-6 hours) in Etosha, both with Michael who was the best and most knowledgeable guide we came across by some margin. Once we got used to his driving!
He also gave us good advice on how to get the most out of our next stay at the east end of Etosha when we planned to do our own driving." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
"Wildlife galore at Ongava Lodge"
Food was good, only slightly below the excellent standards of other lodges. The service was not so good, especially in the dining room where the staff were much too interested in the football!
Our guide, Hennock, was excellent, well up to the superb standard we found everywhere - even if he did not find the lions! The trip into Etosha was great with lots of wildlife." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Very professional lodge"
The activities itself were neverthless great, both Ongava reserve and Etosha park have plenty of animals and each drive is an excellent opportunity to watch them.
The room was very spacious and well-equipped and we had a great view of the waterholes from the terrace. We really appreciated our guide Abder, who was one of the best guides we met during the trip." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Ongava Lodge review"
We would recommend the game drives on the property rather than in Etosha. The water holes at the Lodge and the Tented Camp are visited by lots of interesting game." See all these reviews: 26n in Namibia
"Southern Africa Manager"
"Ongava Lodge"
Accommodation was fine, as were the facilities, with a great view of a waterhole from the main lodge. The service was variable and the food basic.
We had one game drive in the reserve, which went from an afternoon into the evening. The standard of guiding seemed to show a lack of respect to the animals, and the level of knowledge limited when prompted.
We were concerned to be so close to some animals at dusk and after dark, to the point where they were visibly stressed and seemingly threatened by our presence. The use of bright white spot lights and allowing some guests to use flash photography at extremely close range surprised us.
Not an enjoyable way to watch the wildlife for us. The next day we decided to visit Etosha on our own rather than take another guided trip, and felt better for it." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
Wilderness wanted to apologise to the guests for the fact that they had the impression of being held captive and wanted to explain clearly why various rules are in place. As a responsible safari company all safety procedures are in force at Ongava with their guest’s best interests at heart. Like many lodges in dangerous big game areas, Ongava is unfenced. This means that animals can freely wander through the camp. Meeting an elephant or a lion after dinner can be not only surprising, but also dangerous, if you don’t have an experienced person with you. Because of this, Ongava insists on having its guests escorted after dark when they move around the camp. Wilderness Safaris is sorry if this wasn’t clearly explained.
Like many isolated lodges in private game areas, the lions (which frequent this camp fairly regularly) and other dangerous wildlife deter potential burglars (!), and so there is a very low security risk from other humans here. Hence the rooms have no locks.
Because animals can't usually open doors, as long as your room door is closed (with a simple catch of some sort) there's no significant risk of big animals entering the rooms. Ongava Lodge's manager has informed us that there were occasions in the past were guests locked their rooms at night and then couldn't find the keys quickly enough in an emergency situation. As guest safety is a priority, cabin hooks have now been added to all rooms, however at the time that of these travellers stay their room did not have a hook. This has since been added and all rooms in Ongava Lodge now have these hooks installed.
The guides at Ongava are trained to adhere to very strict safety rules & regulations and to behave appropriately towards wildlife. At no time should guides conduct themselves in such a way that the animals feel agitated. The manager of Ongava Lodge assures us that this is not the usual way the game drives are conducted here and this issue is being addressed with the guide concerned. However, it is normal to use spotlights on night drives, though research is being put into place to find more suitable techniques of finding the animals in the dark.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
