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
13% success
12% success
96% success
96% success
92% success
92% success
88% success
84% success
83% success
41% success
29% success
16% success
15% success
15% success
3% success
0% success
"Ongava Lodge "
Black Rhino
3 sightings
Elephant
4 sightings
Giraffe
6 sightings
Lion
4 sightings
Oryx
3 sightings
White Rhino
5 sightings
Wildebeest
5 sightings
Zebra
5 sightings
"Ongava Lodge review"
Superior service, very comfortable high quality rooms. Excellent guides. Lots of game. A wealth of Rhinos. Animals/birds not on the list: Hartebeest, Waterbuck, Impala, springbok, Hornbillls - grey, yellow, Kori Bustard, Koorhan, sand grouse, Goshawk, Steppe buzzard" See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia; 2n in Zimbabwe
Black Rhino
Multiple sightings
Brown Hyena
Multiple sightings
Elephant
1 sighting
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Oryx
Multiple sightings
White Rhino
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Ongava Lodge review"
Rooms and communal areas are well appointed and food always to a high standard. Dining whilst overlooking the waterhole is quite an experience.
Do try to take some time to sit in the hide at the waterhole." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia
Eland
10 sightings
Elephant
3 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Lion
8 sightings
White Rhino
8 sightings
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Beautiful Location, Excellent Service"
Our room was charming and well appointed. The staff were very attentive and helpful. The restaurant and food a delight. As it was dark by the end of our evening meal, and there was the possibility of wild animals in the vicinity of our room, we were personally escorted back to our lodge room by an ‘armed employee’ which was reassuring.
My wife did a game drive which she loved....well organised and informative. Overall a great lodge which we would recommend." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"Ongava Lodge review"
We found the infrastructure, maintenance and management on our trip into Etosha had deteriorated badly since our last visit, and were most grateful you had insisted on booking us into Ongava for Christmas." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
Black Rhino
1 sighting
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Oryx
Multiple sightings
White Rhino
1 sighting
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Amazing location next to Etosha"
On Sunday and Monday morning, we got up at 5.30am to breakfast and head out into Etosha again for opening at sunrise (6:15am). We were slightly disappointed that seemingly the breakfast was geared up for guests who were being driven into the parks for the 7am excursion (served from 6:30am-9am), and that we were only able to get food items after a kind member of staff felt sorry for us looking hungry!
As we were in Etosha for the afternoons, we were unable to go on the guided drive (afternoons only) in the Ongava Lodge reserve.
The watering hole at the lodge provided amazing viewing each evening, the hightlight being an altercation between a white rhino + baby, and a cantankerous black rhino, swiftly followed by a lioness with 6 cubs then being charged at by the same cranky black rhino!
We covered 1000Km from Saturday afteroon to Tuesday mid morning, and absolutely loved every minute we were in Etosha.
Another point of note was that our accomodation didn't have a fridge to store cold water, but this was available ftrom the dining area. There was restricted access to the accomodation in the evenings (requiring a member of staff to walk back with you), so guests just need to remember to fill up with water before heading back to their room in the evenings." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia; 6n in South Africa
Black Rhino
2 sightings
Elephant
5 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Lion
4 sightings
Oryx
10 sightings
Spotted Hyena
2 sightings
White Rhino
5 sightings
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Great sundowner drive"
Did the sundowner drive and were treated to close up views of lion, elephant and white rhino, amongst others." See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia
Elephant
1 sighting
Giraffe
2 sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Oryx
3 sightings
White Rhino
1 sighting
Wildebeest
1 sighting
Zebra
1 sighting
"Ongava Lodge"
Game drives well organised with knowledgeable guides, not an abundance of wildlife but we did see both black and white rhinos and lions.
Watching 6 white rhinos while having a sundowner is an experience I will never forget." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
Black Rhino
2 sightings
Elephant
2 sightings
Giraffe
8 sightings
Lion
8 sightings
Oryx
10 sightings
White Rhino
6 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Great Lodge"
However, it’s definitely worth the effort as it is spectacularly location." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
Black Rhino
1 sighting
Elephant
1 sighting
Giraffe
1 sighting
Lion
1 sighting
Oryx
1 sighting
White Rhino
1 sighting
Zebra
1 sighting
"Ongava Lodge review"
The waterhole has a hide which enables you to get up close to the animals and is a real highlight of Ongava Lodge. We went out on one tour in Ongava's own reserve. This was quite good and included the opportunity to walk close to a White Rhino. Each evening both Black and White Rhino came to the waterhole and we understand it is unique to Ongava to see this. We also visited Etosha on our own which is very easy to do.
The only downside was the service. Our welcome was not very useful and told us very little and apart from one or two exceptions at dinner the staff didn't seem as though they wanted to provide much help. However, I wouldn't let this put you off as the other aspects made up for it. (They also provide wine free with the evening meal)" See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
Black Rhino
2 sightings
Giraffe
5 sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Oryx
10 sightings
White Rhino
3 sightings
Wildebeest
3 sightings
Zebra
8 sightings
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.
