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
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"Lions and more Lions!"
Staff very efficient, a bit too quick though at clearing plates and rushing dinner. However, all staff were very friendly and full of information about the lodge, animals and Namibia in general.
Our guide, Henock came from Angola and was very good at finding lions and rhino. He also arranged for our daughter to have a local dish for breakfast, mopane worms and porridge. She ate it all, to the surprise of all the staff watching!
The rooms were excellent, but as our ones were at the back, we could not see the waterhole, and passers by could see us in the bathroom as there was no blind.
The Ongave private reserve is huge, it took us over an hour to drive back to the lodge at night, so you don't feel that the animals are in a compound.
Swimming pool is good, and cooled us off after a day of driving." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"Ongava Lodge review"
Wonderful game drive watching at close quarters several lions and cubs." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia
"Ongava Lodge review"
Game viewing seemed rather artificial after Zambia and Tanzania, with Etosha full of coaches and private cars all heading for the manmade watering holes. However, we did not go to Namibia for the game, so no problem." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"Ongava Lodge review"
Rooms were fantastic - the aircon was particularly welcome. Lunches were particularly good (great soup and salad selction) - dinner was actually a little disappointing by comparison but still good.
The game drives were quite spectacular - the guides were patient and thoughtful." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia
"A taste of luxury and big game"
The small waterhole was our first experience of "waterhole animal watching" and this was enhanced by the ability to watch while eating. We were impressed that newcomers were given the best view on their first night.
The staff were always very attentive and solicitous and we especially appreciated having the same guide for our two evening drives and the morning spent in Etosha - we felt we really got to know him!.
We felt that, we benefitted greatly from what we learnt from the guide when we continued our journey into Etosha to stay at Halali.
It was worth the money!" See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia
"Ongava Lodge review"
Our only reservation was the way that the game viewing, especially in the Etosha (but not exclusively) intruded upon the animals (eg vehicles pushing for the best position and in doing so forcing lions off roads they were trying to cross or pushing them to make mock charges at the vehicles)." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Ongava Lodge review"
Although the breakfasts, lunches and starters and desserts for dinner were good, we felt that the buffet main course did not match the high standards of the other food we ate.
In contrast to the other places we visited, we also felt that the Lodge lacked a visible host/hostess, so whilst our guide was fantastic, we didn't really feel that the atmosphere was as welcoming during the evenings, for example." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia; 6n in Mozambique
"Only one night at Ongava"
The Lodge, however, was fantastic. Great viewing from the restaurant over the floodlit waterhole. The room was great - although a bit odd that the front door, which is between bedroom and bathroom has clear glass so you can be observed by anyone passing by! The mixture of indoor / outdoor places to sit and relax are lovely and we were sorry we only had one night at this location. It could do with a larger safe to store valuables." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Amazing view of waterhole from our room"
The activities were from early morning to evening - partly due to distance of camp from Etosha. There was a lot of driving, and, even so, it was not possible to cover much of Etosha. Saw good viewings of game, including an amazing sighting of leopard.
We asked if it was possible to go on a nature walk, which we enjoyed. However, we had to ask for this as it was not offered.
The dining room was a bit chaotic and it was unclear where everyone was to sit at dinner, and nobody seemed to be taking orders for drinks." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia
"Ongava Lodge review"
If there is one criticism it is that we felt the atmosphere was a bit corporate but who are we to complain when each lodge has his and hers wash basins and showers + the outside bush shower - in one night it was difficult to try it all out.
Breakfast and we saw Kudu, Giraffe, Zebra and springbik as they wandered by the waterhole - beats the M25 everytime." See all these reviews: 14n 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.
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.
