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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"Ongava Lodge review"
Loved the water hole visible from the main lodge and (at an angle) from our veranda. We saw 11 rhino there one evening, the average being about 3.
We spent two mornings at the hide by the water hole and saw a great variety of wildlife; an elephant herd spent 55 minutes there one morning as well as giraffe, oryx, kudu, black backed jackel, warthog, impala and hundreds of comical Guinea fowl.
We found three rhino whilst on foot as well as others from the vehicle." See all these reviews: 22n in Namibia
"Its jewel is the hideout by the water hole."
It will be a very memorable place for us as after 6 safaris in Africa we saw so many rhinos ( mostly white ) in the Ongava reserve. Also the western part of Etosha seemed to have more animals than the eastern part.
It is difficult to settle from the Fort to the Ongava Lodge and thus we may be biased in our review of it. Yet, undoubtedly we would recommend it. Don’t bother visiting the nearby ‘research centre’ unless you are totally bored with everything else and keep in mind that the air-strip is very near the lodge should you decide to fly in or out from there." See all these reviews: 8n in Namibia
"Ongava Lodge review"
A place to spend more time than just one night.
Very good food, very service oriented staff." See all these reviews: 21n in Namibia
"Ongava Lodge review"
"Ongava Lodge review"
Games drives were very good and were lucky enough to see African Wild Cat. The floodlit water hole was spectacular, particularly the first evening when there was a constant procession of rhinos.
Best sighting of the trip, for me, was a Caracal, which was initially chased off by the rhinos, but then came back to drink. I had to be fetched back from the hide for dinner!" See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
"Ongava Lodge review"
Very nice rooms and luxurious lobby as well as the pool
Wonderful food and service
Beautiful view of a cistern (sic meaning waterhole) just a few meters
A stunning hideout for watching animals around the clock
The greatest wealth in animals on a trip
No need to waste time on Etosha
Already on the access road we met our friends the rhinos lions elephants .....
The staff tries to be polite but a bit oppressive in an attempt to show interest
Need to explain to them to give a little space....One by one we go to the table to chat and it's pretty transparent" See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Fabulous"
Received a warm friendly welcome. Informative yet quick check-in. Amazing room with fantastic views close to the watering hole. Incredible sightings at the watering hole - including elephants and black rhino - and the hide is an excellent facility. Great food. Amazing service. Staff couldn't do more for us and even changed a flat tyre. Game drives were fantastic with a friendly knowledgeable guide.
Didn't want to leave, Would highly recommend." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Good Lodge with superb staff"
In the evening we did the local Ongava game drive. They obviously know where the game is and we saw the local lion pride and several white rhinos.
The food was excellent. At dinner they were good at handling my lactose free needs.
The rooms were very comfortable and the wildlife walks past your balcony.
They insist on walking you to your room at night, but our guide said he’d never used the gun he carried.
The only downside was the light illuminating the waterhole. This stayed on all night, and shone into our room which made sleeping difficult. It is a shame that they can't turn it off after guests have gone to bed." See all these reviews: 20n in Namibia
"Luxury at Ongava Lodge"
The adjacent waterhole attracted plenty of animals and it was a pleasure to dine whilst watching them drink. Food was excellent and, as with everywhere we went, the staff were very helpful and courteous.
Franz was our excellent guide and our Safaris included a visit to Etosha National Park.
Maybe visitors should be warned that the number of steps can be quite trying, especially as, some days, it was over 100 F." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia
"Ongava Lodge for best rhino sightings"
We loved this lodge for the amount of wildlife sightings and the stunning, beautifully laid-out communal area with perfectly positioned seating areas overlooking a well-frequented waterhole. The large and comfy Hide was a bonus and we were lucky enough to have it to ourself on each occasion we spent time there photographing the animals, particularly various antelopes and oryx, zebra and giraffe coming down to drink. Whilst we couldn’t fault the service, the food and game drives we found the staff were efficient and polite but more formal and not as friendly or as engaged as other places we stayed, possibly because it is larger, although not full when we were there. Having said that we had a really great stay here and thoroughly enjoyed the game drives with the very well-informed Guides." See all these reviews: 8n in Namibia; 4n in South Africa; 3n in Botswana
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