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"
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
"lovely lodge with great watering hole view"

Black Rhino
1 sighting

Eland
1 sighting

Giraffe
1 sighting

Lion
1 sighting

Oryx
4 sightings

White Rhino
1 sighting

Wildebeest
Multiple sightings

Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Excellent camp just outside Etosha gate"
The good thing about here is that you can spend time on the private reserve as well as in Etosha itself. We took a guided drive on the reserve on our first afternoon, seeing white rhino, lions, and giraffe. For the next 2 days we drove ourselves around Etosha, which was easy. We saw many animals - lion, elephant, giraffe, ostrich, leopard. We did not think it worthwhile going on a lodge trip into Etosha, as driving oneself gave more freedom ( and less dust ! ).
My wildlife report below includes both the reserve and Etosha." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia

Elephant
4 sightings

Giraffe
10 sightings

Leopard
1 sighting

Lion
9 sightings

Oryx
10 sightings

Roan antelope
Multiple sightings

White Rhino
4 sightings

Wildebeest
10 sightings

Zebra
10 sightings
"Almost perfect"

Black Rhino
1 sighting

Elephant
1 sighting

Giraffe
1 sighting

Lion
1 sighting

Oryx
1 sighting

White Rhino
1 sighting

Wildebeest
1 sighting

Zebra
1 sighting
"Waterhole is great for animal viewing"
The waterhole had animals coming and going throughout the day and night, including black and white rhino, lions, giraffe, zebra, kudu, oryx and many more. The photographic hide allowed us to see the animals up close and get some incredible photos. Game drives on the reserve were great. The large private reserve has a large and diverse collection of wildlife but without large crowds. One highlight was watching half a dozen male elephants swimming and playing/fighting with one another in a deep water hole.
We felt that the game drive experience in Etosha Park was inferior to driving in the reserve because of the large number of vehicles and other visitors you must share most of your experiences with.
Our chalet was large and comfortable and had a large porch overlooking the waterhole (which was also visible from a large window above the bathroom sink). It was great to watch zebras and kudu walking in front of our chalet as we brushed our teeth. The food was excellent and the dining deck is perched on a hill overlooking the reserve and the watering hole." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia

Black Rhino
Multiple sightings

Eland
Multiple sightings

Elephant
Multiple sightings

Giraffe
Multiple sightings

Lion
Multiple sightings

Oryx
Multiple sightings

White Rhino
Multiple sightings

Wildebeest
Multiple sightings

Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Ongava lodge review"

Elephant
2 sightings

Giraffe
3 sightings

Oryx
3 sightings

Wildebeest
Multiple sightings

Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Ongava Lodge review"

Black Rhino
Multiple sightings

Brown Hyena
Multiple sightings

Elephant
Multiple sightings

Giraffe
Multiple sightings

Lion
Multiple sightings

Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Top class lodge in every respect"
Received an extremely warm, enthusiastic and professional welcome from Bradley (the manager).
Within an hour of our arrival we were viewing a family of white rhino just a few metres away!" See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Ongava Lodge review"
The addition of walking trails would be fantastic" See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Ongava Lodge"
Would be a super spot in the dry season!
Very handy for Anderson's Gate into Etosha.
Lovely room with al fresco shower an option." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
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