Etosha National Park, Namibia
Ongava Lodge
A classic safari stay with front-row wildlife viewing
Ongava Lodge is the reserve’s classic safari stay, sitting between the private villas of Horizon by Ongava and the closer-to-nature tented feel of Encounter by Ongava.
There are 14 rock-and-thatch chalets, including 13 standard ones and one family chalet. Each has an en-suite bathroom, outdoor shower and private deck. Enjoy wide views across the plains from the main lounge and dining areas, where a busy waterhole often draws wildlife in to drink.
You can head out on guided game drives across Ongava Private Game Reserve, home to rhino, lion, antelope and endemic black-faced impala. And visit Etosha National Park on full- or half-day, spending time around the salt pan, springs and wildlife-rich plains.
Guided nature walks are also available seasonally with the chance to approach the reserve’s resident white rhino on foot. This is one of the more memorable ways to experience Ongava: moving slowly through the bush, learning how to read tracks, wind and animal behaviour.
Meals are served in the thatched dining area or out on the deck beneath the stars. We especially like ending the day here with a sundowner, watching the light change across the plains before dinner.
Highlights
Stay in one of 14 rock-and-thatch chalets with private decks
Watch wildlife gather at the camp waterhole from the subterranean vantage point
Explore Etosha National Park’s salt pans and wildlife-rich plains on a guided game drive
Enjoy meals in the thatched dining area or outside beneath the stars
Track white rhino on foot, learning how guides read tracks, wind and animal behaviour
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Places to combine Ongava Lodge with
Etosha National Park
Encounter by Ongava is an intimate safari camp set within Ongava Game Reserve, on the southern edge of Etosha National Park. You’ll be surrounded by Mopane woodland and wildlife moving freely through the landscape.
There are eight spacious walk-in tents: seven standard tents and one paired tent that works well for families or small groups. Each tent has an en-suite bathroom with an outdoor shower and a private deck.
You can head out on game drives across the 30,000-hectare Ongava Game Reserve. The area is known for its rhino population, as well as lion, zebra and antelope, including the endemic black-faced impala. We especially recommend private guided nature walks, where you can slow down, appreciate the small details and explore with minimal impact. There may be the chance to approach white rhino on foot, as well as spend time bird watching.
For a wider safari experience, take a guided excursion into nearby Etosha National Park, Namibia’s prime savannah wilderness area. At the Ongava Visitor Centre, learn about the region’s geology, wildlife, plants and ecology.
Back at camp, slow down by the pool, settle into the library or gather at the bar as evening falls. The day softens into drinks, quiet conversation and the sounds of the reserve.
