Ongava Reserve

Central to the design of the new Anderssons at Ongava is the connection to the wild, and it is most keenly felt at the waterhole and nearby underground viewing hide. Here guests have a water level view of the prolific wild and birdlife on Ongava Game Reserve, in a setting that inspires intimacy without intrusion.

A centrally positioned infinity-edge swimming pool and surrounding lounge area allows for relaxing in sheltered nooks with views of the waterhole and beyond.

The social area, where guests gather for meals and to meet fellow wildlife enthusiasts, guides and naturalists, encompasses an undercover and open-air dining area, a spacious lounge and bar, a sunken observation terrace, and open fireplaces to take away the winter chill.

For specialist photographic parties, there is a dedicated photographic nook for review and editing of images. Completing the camp are features such as a uniquely Namibian curio shop, library, complimentary Wi-Fi, and connectivity to the research data developed over years of diligent and cutting edge scientific endeavours on Ongava. 

A short walk away with the camp’s bounds is the Ongava Research Centre where resident scientists are at home in the lab and within the Game Reserve. Guests to interface with the science and research will primarily take place at the Ongava Visitor Centre, where at their leisure, guests are encouraged to meander through the self-guided exhibition area. The adjacent 36-seat auditorium is designed for interactive presentations and discussions.

Immersed in the African Mopani bush, Ongava Tented Camp is a natural extension of this wild, wonderful landscape.

The classic safari style camp is tucked in a hidden valley at the foot of a dolomite hill in Ongava Game Reserve bordering Etosha National Park.

Adventure is second nature at Ongava Tented Camp. Here, the spirit of a traditional sojourn in the wild is redefined in comfort and style, as you settle into the welcome of your spacious walk-in tent.

Our A-frame Meru tents, inspired by the shape of Mount Meru, the “mountain of shining light” in Tanzania, are equipped with modern conveniences to make you feel at home, even when you’re just a heartbeat away from the wonders of nature.

Ongava’s proximity to Etosha allows for game drives in the Etosha National Park and on the Ongava Reserve itself. Other possibilities include guided walks, birding and visiting hides. Ongava holds one of the largest rhino custodianships for the Namibian government in the country and is one of the few private game reserves in southern Africa where guests can see both black and white rhino.

Every stay in the bush has its own touch of magic, but there’s something extra special about a stay in a tented camp.

You’ll feel like an explorer, immersed in the landscape, with your senses finely attuned to the rhythms of the wild.

A waterbuck ambling right by your tent; a little rock hyrax darting across your path; an elephant dipping its trunk into a waterhole, just a heartbeat away from where you’re sitting.

At Ongava Tented Camp, you’re in nature’s domain, enjoying a special touch of luxury to add to that touch of magic.

Designed for privacy, luxury and an intimacy with the land, Little Ongava is arguably Namibia’s most luxurious accommodation with pristine views across the Ongava plains.

Little Ongava is perched on the crest of a hill commanding magnificent vistas of the plains stretching for miles to the horizon, offering an extraordinary experience as the focal point of an Etosha journey.

This intimate camp has only three spacious suites each with its own plunge pool, en-suite bathroom, “sala”, and outdoor shower. The lounge and dining areas have wonderful views of a productive waterhole below the camp, the open deck allowing for relaxed, stylish dining under the African sky. Guests at Little Ongava share a dedicated guide and vehicle, ensuring the best possible nature experience at one of Africa’s great wildlife destinations. Day and night wildlife-viewing drives, visiting hides overlooking waterholes, walks and rhino approach with experienced guides can all be enjoyed exclusively on this reserve. Game drives and day trips into nearby Etosha National Park are also offered.

Ongava Lodge is one of Namibia’s premier lodges on one of the country’s most important private game reserves.

The well-established Ongava Lodge is situated in the privately owned Ongava Game Reserve along the southern boundary of Etosha National Park. Placed as it is close to the top of a hill in the foothills of the Ondundozonanandana range, the vantage point is beautiful and overlooks a well-frequented waterhole and the plains beyond.

Ongava Lodge offers luxury accommodation in 14 rock-and-thatch en-suite chalets. There are impressive views over the camp’s waterhole from the main lounge and dining areas and there is also an inviting pool to cool off in the heat of the day. Meals are either served in the main dining area under thatch or on the dining deck under the stars.

Activities include game drives into Etosha, spending time in the camp hide, and nature drives and walks on the reserve. Ongava has resident white and black rhino, giving guests staying at Ongava the opportunity to see both species.