Ongava Tented Camp

We landed at the Ongava airstrip to be welcomed by Binius, our guide for the next few days, replete with tea and biscuits in the shaded waiting room. After enjoying morning tea, we headed off to our accommodation at the Ongava Tented Camp (OTC), which is within the Ongava Game Reserve adjacent to the Etosha National Park. Some of the many wild animals who call this area home heralded our arrival, including oryx, zebras, and vultures, and as our 4WD vehicle made its way along the dusty road we knew we were in for a treat. Upon arrival we were met by the camp manager Orlando, who provided cool towels and drinks as refreshment after our short drive. After check-in and a camp safety briefing we visited the dining area for lunch, which we enjoyed along with our pilot Romeo, who stayed at the camp in a separate guide's quarters. The reception and dining areas are adjacent to a watering hole, and as we ate lunch we were treated to zebra, giraffe, impala, waterbuck, and helmeted guinea fowl, popping in to quench their collective thirsts. It was a warm winter's day, and this brought out the hyraces, small mammals whose comical behaviour whilst bouncing over the rocky slopes was a delight to watch. Those we saw were about the size of an Australian possum, and they seemed friendly enough. When moving between buildings we were advised to stay on the paths because the camp is unfenced, and if moving after dark or before sunrise were told to contact reception to organise an armed escort. Following a guide armed with a rifle and an ammunition belt studded with large bullets was an unusual but necessary aspect of our stay. Our evening game drive with Binius was joined by fellow travellers Mauricio and Katarina from Milan. We were treated to black-faced impala, waterbuck, warthog, and helmeted guinea fowl. The highlight, however, was seeing two male lions enjoying the afternoon sun. These guys have two prides which they service, and from all appearances they were quite comfortable with their lot in life. Back at camp we were treated to the ubiquitous (but VERY enjoyable) sundowners, followed by a buffet barbecue dinner, complete with steak and chicken and assorted salads. Our drinks were included, so we sampled some of the large variety available, including lovely scotch whiskies and some beautiful African wines. Nice! Time for bed, and under armed escort we made our way back to our tent. When I say tent I really mean a luxury timber cabin, complete with indoor and outdoor showers, stylish bathroom and large twin beds surrounded by mosquito netting. Surprisingly there were no mossies to be seen as the area had had very little rain, so deployment of the netting was not required. Around 3am I awoke to the sound of a roaring lion who seemed to be just outside the tent, and as the hairs on the back of my neck stood up I remembered the emergency air horn that was provided to alert people should a dangerous animal approach too closely. Happily, I didn't nee

Stayed at Ongava Tented Camp three nights as part of our two week self driving holiday around Namibia. After entering the gate you drive about 22 km to the camp. Upon arriving we were greeted by a herd of waterbuck, black faced impala and a giraffe. There is a very active waterhole and we were assigned the three tents nearest the waterhole - 3, 4, 5. Ongava is one of the largest private reserves in Namibia. Because it is private, you are permitted to drive off road, which you cannot do in the national park. They limit the number of vehicles at a sighting, which is also good. The first afternoon we found lions within 5 minutes of departing the camp. They were doing what lions do - lounging around. Which makes for great amateur photos. That night the lions hung out at the camp. Lots or roaring at 4:30 am. At 5:30 am they made quite a ruckus, scaring one of the kitchen staff, guides chasing them off. There were tracks all around our tent. The area is not fenced, so guides walk you to and from your tents when it is dark. There are hundreds of rock hyrax (dassies) jumping out of the trees, running across the path. We spent our afternoons by the waterhole. Visited by large groups of breeding elephant herds, herds of kudu, springbok, baboons. Each night the waterhole attracted black and white rhinos. The reserve has 50+ anti poaching rangers and cameras throughout the hills. They have not yet (knock on wood) lost a rhino to poaching. The next day we approached a large male elephant on foot. One can only experience the true size of these creatures when you are looking up at them. Then we approached five white rhinos on foot. Seriously, we were less than 25 meters from them. Such amazing and wonderful experiences. The following day we went into Etosha. So many animals, including two honey badgers and a female leopard and her cub. My only issue was that the way Ongava has designed their vehicles the viewing space (window) in the top row is very small. The roof is low, and we have one friend who is quite tall, so he and his wife took the 2nd row. Another friend who had an issue climbing in and out, so he and his wife took the first row. I like the top row, because normally you have a great view out both sides. But, I couldn't even see out my husband's side of the vehicle because of the low roof. So, the day we went into Etosha I sat next to the driver in the passenger seat. Our guide Binius was fantastic. The meals were delicious. I think we drank them out of pinotage and cabernet. The large rooms (tents) are raised, with indoor and outdoor showers, inside seating and a desk as well as a large deck area looking out to the waterhole. We had several bull ellys walk right by on their way to the waterhole. They are closing down in January 2024 and reducing the number of tents to make it more exclusive, which probably will come with a price increase. So, we were all happy to have been able to go stay at this wonderful

One of the best places we stayed in Namibia. Everything was outstanding. However the water hole in front of the restaurant and bar area was what made it so wonderful. We saw the full array of African wildlife there while eating or just relaxing. Elephants, giraffes, rhinos: they all appeared. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and during a 4 night stay managed 7 game drives and we never disappointed. Even a honey badger! Cannot recommend this place enough.