Reviews of Ongava Tented Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
162 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Ongava Tented Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Excellent game viewing at Ongava"
The camp is very professionally managed, and the degree of commitment and engagement from the staff to the guests is exceptional. The camp really has a 'wilderness' feel, and the design of the tents around the water hole also provides for exciting night time game viewing. During our 3 night visit, Our guide Festus, was prepared to give us two full day excursions involving both Etosha and Ongava, which was well beyond what we had previously experienced on safaris. As as result of his efforts, our game viewing was superb.
The manager Paul was also keen to get personal and candid feedback on all aspects of the camp. The contrast between Ongava and Etosha was stark, and proved to us that it's not what you see, but how you see it that really matters." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia
"Ongava Tented, a Unique Experience"
Paul and Gerda run the camp like caring landlord and landlady making one feel instantly at home. Our guide Rio was top notch and just kept delivering for our full stay. The water hole in front of the main building is a revelation and a constant source of activity and fabulous sightings.
We were slightly worried about the wood burning hot water heaters known as 'donkeys' but our fears were unfounded. We never lacked hot water despite very cold nights. The food can be a little basic but set against the rest of the experience any criticism amounts to nit picking. This camp is a must for anyone tempted to visit Etosha. We again had an early departure preventing a morning activity on our last day but this is a Sefofane issue not Wilderness." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia
"Ongava Tented Camp review"
Although small the waterhole can be very good at anytime of the day and can be enjoyed from the bar, dining area and your own tent.
The wine cellar has to be seen to be believed." See all these reviews: 25n in Namibia
"Ongava Tented Camp review"
We were again lucky to have Rio too ourselves almost the whole time. The one disapointment is that they do not have elephants on the reserve, because of the potential enviromental problems of destroyed trees etc. ( This perhaps needs to be told to clients in advance)
We did 2 trips also to Etosha which were excellent although we should perhaps have done a visit to the east side of the park where you can see the salt pan much better and where all the elephants were.! But we had super views of all sorts of game at the waterholes.
The staff at Ongava were particularly helpful articulate and shared ideas and views This might have been because the manager Paul was very much visable with the guests and was always happy to talk as were the rest of the staff.
Only one negative point and that wasthat hot water was only available at night, and in the very, very cold mornings at 6am it would have been nice to have washed with hot water or had some hot tea or coffee bought to our tents." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia
"Ongava Tented Camp review"
"Ongava Tented Camp review"
Each of the game drives was terrific. In contrast to the other places in Namibia that we had been, Ongava and Etosha were both teeming with animals. We spent half of the first day in Etosha, which was about an hour from Ongava, meaning that we spent quite a bit of time just getting there. We also weren't aware that the "game viewing" there was all around waterholes. It was a great way to see a lot of animals (and to take some wonderful photos) but it didn't seem quite as "fun" as finding the animals elsewhere in the bush. This is not in any way a complaint -- just an observation. My guess is that if it was someones first trip to Africa, they would be thrilled to see so many animals in one place. Since this was our fourth trip to Africa, we may have wanted more of a challenge in finding the animals. For that reason, we liked the game viewing in Ongava a little better than Etosha.." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia
"Best in our trip for wild life."
We did one drive which included early night in the reserve itself and one in Etosha which is adjacent. On the Ongava drive we saw at night black and white rhinos and a lioness at a waterhole and more rhinos at the camp hole. The camp atmosphere was emphasised with meals at a single long table with the energetic manager taking part and telling tales such as a lion being found on the couch one morning when the directors happened to be visiting!
Each evening a porcupine wanders in and around looking for titbits - strange animals that don't look up at you, seeming to obtain all their information from the ground or one's feet (keep them still!). The tents were large and luxurious with good verandahs but during darkness one had to be escorted to and from by a member of staff with rifle. Strange that a lot of the loos in game lodge bedroom suites, inc. here, do not have doors." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Ongava Tented Camp review"
The shared areas eg bar , pool and dining area were lovely.
The water hole attracted plenty of game, eg giraffe, lion, rhino, lots of antelope.
We saw plenty of game within the Ongava reserve itself-rhino, lion, zebra, giraffe, and within Etosha we also saw elephant.
Our guide Festus was great, really knowledgeable and a good communicator too." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"Ongava Tented Camp review"
Our guide Festus was brilliant and found us a family of White Rhino the first day and lions the second day. Our tent was extremely spacious and well appointed.
The atmosphere was less formal than at some places, with everyone sitting around one big table to eat dinner with the guides, whihc meant we got to enjoy lots of spooky campfire stories about the resident lions!" See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Ongava Tented Camp review"
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 Lodge
With fantastic views over a private reserve bordering Etosha, the smart Ongava Lodge offers driving and walking safaris on the reserve, and guided drives in Etosha.
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.
