Onguma Bush Camp

Northern Namibia

Rating:

highlights

Located close to the eastern gate of Etosha.
Popular waterhole in front of camp.
A family of black rhino roam the reserve.
Lodge offers sundowner and evening game drives on the reserve.

Onguma Bush Camp overview

This lovely bush camp is in the private 34,000 hectare Onguma Game Reserve, originally part of the greater Etosha Game Reserve, it's a prime safari destination and a great base fom which to explore the eastern region of the national park. The reserve itself boasts over thirty different animal species, including predators such as lion, leopard and cheetah and it is even home to a family of black rhinos!

It's the only fenced camp on the reserve which does make it more family friendly, children must still be supervised at all times though. There are 18 rooms in total, including several family units, which occupy different locations in the camp. All have high quality en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, ceiling fans and tea and coffee making facilities. The 6 'waterhole' rooms are located outside of the camp fence, and give you a feeling of being in the middle of the bush.

The main areas of the camp are set on an elevated deck right by the waterhole. You can pick a quiet spot or socialise with other guests in the bar as you sip a chilled drink and anticipate the next exciting game drive. There are some comfy sofas in the cosy lounge, and plenty of books and games to keep you busy if you like. Meals are relaxed affairs served in the open-sided dining room or out on the deck as you prefer. Breakfast is a buffet, lunch is a selection of light meals and and there is a set 3-course menu for dinner.

Unwinding in camp during the day you'll have time to lie back on a sun lounger and top up your tan, later cooling off with a swim in the pool. If you want a close up view of wildlife and some great photo opportunities head to the viewing deck by the waterhole which attracts wildlife throughout the day and night, so you'll still be able to watch the wildlife even when not out on safari. Whatever the time of day there's sure to be something to see.

From here you can explore Etosha in your own vehicle, should you wish to join any of the camps activities they include morning drives in Etosha National Park and sundowner drives and night drives on the Onguma Reserve. The entrace to Etosha is just metres away from camp so it's a perfect location to maximise your time in the park.

details

Open: Onguma Bush Camp is open all year.

Location: Etosha National Park (east), Namibia

Rooms: There are 18 rooms at Onguma Bush Camp. 8 standard rooms, 3 of these have a loft area for children, 3 family rooms, 6 waterhole view rooms and 1 Settler's room (honeymoon suite). The rooms have air-conditioning, mosquito nets, tea and coffee making facilities and en-suite bathrooms.

Activities: It's easy to self-drive into Etosha from here as you are minutes from the gate, the lodge offers guided morning game drives into the park, or on their own reserve you can join orgnaised night drives and sundowner drives. If you don't want to venture out, check out the waterhole for activity.

Facilities: The communal areas consist of a large reception area complete with a curio shop. The thatched lapa has a dining area and bar plus split-level lounge areas, all with views of the waterhole. There is a games room for children, and of course, a refreshing swimming pool complete with shaded sunloungers and a platform overlooking the waterhole.

Dining: Dining is at separate tables in the raised dining room. Breakfast and dinner are a buffet affair with plenty of choice. Lunch is from an a la carte menu.

Children: Children of all ages are welcome.

Health: This is a malaria area.

Communication: You may be lucky enough to get sporadic mobile signal here, but otherwise there is no means of communcation for guests (outside of emergencies).

Notes: The lodge accepts Visa and Mastercard and cash payments can be made in Namibian dollars, South African Rand, US Dollars, or GB Pounds.

AMANDA