Reviews of Onguma Bush Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
91 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Onguma Bush Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
42% success
9% success
18% success
72% success
71% success
67% success
63% success
54% success
38% success
30% success
24% success
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0% success
0% success
"Superb Onguma"
The staff are lovely and friendly and most helpful. They appreciated the presents of Manchester United Football Shirts." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Onguma is a lovely little place"
Its a nice spot with good food, facilities and a nice little waterhole that isn't too busy though. We used this as a place to chill though so you shouldn't expect tons of game here and should probably head into the park.
Our night drive was pretty unproductive as most of mine have been elsewhere." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 7n in Zambia
"Just a fence away from the Etosha"
The guide was extremely knowledgeable, and was able to guide to a waterhole where he thought that black rhino might be present and in due course they were. We also had the absorbing experience of sitting by a pride of 7 or 8 lions, and then when they all got up and moved off, our guide said he thought they were heading for a waterhole so we set off to get there before them. We then had quite a dramatic period at the waterhole where there were several giraffe including a very young male. We couldn't see the lions but the giraffe almost certainly were aware of their proximity so there was a tense hour of so while we waited to see what developed. This was slightly marred by another tour vehicle with a young Englishman who talked talked loudly and incessantly about trivia - until we asked him to shut up.
Staying outside Etosha (but v near) was very good as it meant we saw things like the lions which we probably wouldn't have done on our own. Spending time at the eastern end of Etosha meant we saw Skinners Pan, where the near permanent water hosted a variety of water birds and particularly flamingos." See all these reviews: 28n in Namibia
"A wonderful 2 nights"
Anyway, we were greeted at Onguma by friendly staff who offered us cool towels to freshen up and gave us a tour of the beautiful grounds. In the Bradt Guide the Bush Camp is described as the "budget option" which is good for families with children. Both of these things were mildly concerning for us, but we agreed to stay here because we were too late to get our first choice accommodations and staying within our budget was important. Perhaps it was the time of year, but we did not see many children during our stay here.
We did ask to stay in the room at the very end of the camp so we could have peace and quiet just in case there were a lot of children around. They were able to accommodate that request which was great. Our room was simple but elegantly furnished. I would certainly not call it "spartan" (as the Bradt guide did) by any means! While we were out for dinner our bed was turned down each night with a goodnight story based on local traditional storytelling which was a nice touch.
Based on what we'd expected to find here, Onguma was such a pleasant surprise. The grounds are lovely with green lawns (though we did wonder how they managed to maintain the lawns in such a water-thirsty climate), luscious blooming trees, a swimming pool, a big waterhole (particularly comedic are guinea fowl and warthogs), and a very welcoming main lounge area with multiple rooms for dining, having a sundowner, or relaxing with friends and family, in or outside. We spent several hours on our second day just relaxing in front of the waterhole with some wine while we caught up on postcards and journal entries, or just chatting with other guests as the sun set.
Dinners here were among our favorites of the whole trip. There was an aura of sophistication to dinner time, with many guests dressed more formally than we saw at other camps. The tables were elegantly set and the service at a higher standard than we had become accustomed to. During dinner service our server would tell us what our options were for the next day.
The two activities we participated in with Onguma were a morning game drive in Etosha, as well as a night drive. We thoroughly enjoyed both. The weather was overcast and mild on the morning of our Etosha drive, so not many animals were visible early on. However we did see a lot (including a rhino which walked right past our vehicle) and learned a lot from the guide. We concluded the drive at the Chudop watering hole where we saw giraffes, hyenas, elephants, a jackal, a warthog, zebra, impala, springbok, kudu... and probably more. Incredible. The same goes for the night drive. We saw creatures we never imagined we'd see (including a gannet, a bush baby, spring hare, and finally a lion) so it was well worth it!
Onguma Bush Camp far exceeded our expectations and we highly recommend it for a truly relaxing and elegant time while still being close to Etosha." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
"Onguma Bush Camp"
Onguma also let themselves down as on our arrival the first activity on offer was the following evening as all drives were fully booked, which was poor.
Ignoring the waterhole aspect, the rooms were lovely, and the food was good. We did our own drive into Etosha the following morning." See all these reviews: 21n in Namibia
"A lovely peaceful welcome at Onguma"
Superb position at the Eastern Gate of Etosha." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana
"Onguma Bush Camp review"
Enjoyed sitting in dining room area and lounge overlooking small waterhole especially at sunset" See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
"Onguma bush camp"
The main communal area was probably the nicest of the whole trip. Lovely spaces to relax and watch the water hole. The night we arrived there were 3 giraffes drinking. Food and wine very good and staff friendly and helpful, especially Sandra on reception. although we did the night drive, as usual we did not see much - but that was our experience everywhere on the trip.
I had my birthday there and the staff made a special desert for our table and sung happy birthday to me. Highly recommend for visiting the eastern side of the park." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana
"Great overnight stop at Onguma"
If you're driving to Onguma from Etosha close to sunset, watch out for the speed camera on the road that leads to the gate." See all these reviews: 21n in Namibia
"Relaxing 2 days at Onguma"
The evening trail drive is to be recommended as we saw a number of species of nocturnal game that we wouldn't otherwise have seen.
However in trying to reconfirm our flights from Windhoek, the manager didn't know how our laptop could link up with his own group network. Not very helpful!!" See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia; 6n in Mozambique; 1n in South Africa
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