Etosha - Ongava Lodge

Ongava Game Reserve on the southern boundary of Namibia's Etosha National Park has two camps; Ongava Lodge, and Ongava Tented Camp, each located in a different part of the reserve. Guests can choose the style of accommodation and size of camp that suits them best.

The camps are managed independently and each has its own full-time staff, guides, managers and vehicles. Both camps have a similar activity schedule. Ongava Tented Camp is situated more towards the center of the game reserve, at the base of the foothills of the Ondundozonanandana Range, meaning "mountain where the boy took the calves".

Etosha has great concentrations of game, especially in the dry winter months, and there are wonderful views out onto the salt pans which dominate the center of the park. Etosha's only drawback is that the accommodation offered within the park is in the form of large, impersonal public rest camps. Ongava offers an excellent alternative.

Ongava Lodge is situated on the private 66,000 hectare Ongava Game Reserve, which shares a common border with Etosha. The lodge offers the full Etosha experience while providing great accommodation and service, as well as the opportunity to take night drives and nature walks on the reserve, activities that are not allowed within Etosha.

The main lounge, pub and dining room is placed high on the foothills, and overlooks a floodlit waterhole with wonderful views across the animal dotted plains. Scrumptious meals are served in the thatched dining area with a view over the camp's waterhole, or on the dining deck under the glinting moon and stars.

Ongava Lodge has 10 chalets which are attractively built out of brick and thatch close to the top of a hill. Each chalet has an en-suite bathroom with flush toilet, bath, shower and double hand basins. There is air conditioning in the rooms and overhead fans. The rooms have glass fronted doors which lead out onto a private covered verandah overlooking the bush. The main lounge, bar and dining area are also under thatch with wonderful views across the plains and to the floodlit waterhole below. Outdoor dining under the stars, whilst viewing game drinking at the waterhole is something never to be forgotten.

There is also a swimming pool and a large curio shop, stocking a good selection of African gifts and branded safari clothing. As the lodge is built close to the top of a hill, there are several steps. If you can not climb steps, we suggest you book into Ongava Tented Camp. New for 2003 are an additional two luxury suites.