LITTLE ONGAVA – ONGAVA GAME RESERVE – ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK

Designed for privacy, luxury and an intimacy with the land Little Ongava is one of Namibia’s most luxurious places to stay. Perched high on the crest of a hill the lodge has pristine views across the Ongava plains and to the horizon.

This intimate camp has just three spacious suites – each with its own plunge pool, ensuite bathroom, “sala”, and outdoor shower. The lounge and dining areas have wonderful views of the waterhole below the camp, and you can enjoy stylish dining under the stars.

Whilst staying at Little Ongava enjoy day and night wildlife-viewing drives, visit hides overlooking waterholes, experience walks with the opportunity to approachwhite rhino on foot. Game drives and day trips into nearby Etosha National Park are also offered.

LOCATION

The 30 000 hectare private Ongava Game Reserve is situated in northern Namibia along the southern boundary of the Etosha National Park, south of Okaukuejo with Ombika Gate being the closest access to Etosha. Access is via a road transfer, self-drive transfer or light aircraft flight to Ongava Airstrip.

LODGE

Little Ongava has just 3 rock, wood and glass luxury villas under thatch linking the main area via elevated wooden walkways.

Each air conditioned suite has a king size bed and ensuite bathroom with double basins, a bathtub with a view, indoor and outdoor showers. Bath robes, liquid soap, body wash, shampoo & conditioner, body lotion, room spray, insect repellents, washing powder, sewing kit, shower caps, cotton-tip swabs, cotton balls, tissues dispensers, umbrella and laundry bag are supplied in each villa.

The rooms have mosquito netting, tea and coffee making facilities, a hairdryer, mini-bar fridge, electronic safe, private sala and sitting room with own viewing deck. During winter hot water bottles and extra blankets are provided

Outside there is a plunge pool on the deck and in-room dining can be arranged.

The main area of the lodge features a thatched outdoor dining area and bar with waterhole views, a swimming pool, curio shop and WIFI.

ACTIVITIES AND WILDLIFE

Etosha Pan is the result of a geological shift that dramatically changed the course of the Kunene River which was formerly an ancient lake. Today the Pan is mostly dry and the edges of the Pan give way to a surprising variety of vegetation types: from woodland and broad swathes of mopane, to open acacia-strewn plains and grasslands. Fringing the Pan are several productive waterholes that sustain the high density of large mammals from elephant and lion to vast herds of springbok, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe and gemsbok.

On the southern boundary of Etosha National Park and forming a buffer to the Park lies Ongava Game Reserve, a 30 000-hectare private reserve. It is a haven to large concentrations of wildlife: notably lion, wildebeest, springbok, gemsbok, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, red hartebeest, giraffe, eland and the largest population of the endemic black faced impala outside of Etosha. The Reserve is also known for the successful reintroduction of white and black rhino. Ongava also provides easy access to the prime game viewing areas of central Etosha, Namibia’s flagship national park.

Guests staying on Ongava Game Reserve have the opportunity to view game both on Ongava and in neighbouring Etosha National Park. Large herds of plains game concentrate around the waterholes in the dry season, making for exciting wildlife viewing.

The waterhole and nearby underground photographic hide offer a water level view of the wild and birdlife on Ongava Game Reserve. For specialist photographic parties there is a dedicated photographic nook for review and editing of images.

Excursions into Etosha National Park – enjoy a full or half-day guided morning game drive in the Etosha National Park and see the massive salt-pan and perennial springs that provide the water required by the park’s high-density big game population. Full day activity on request and comes with packed lunch.

Guided Nature Walks – offered seasonally and subject to an available walking guide the guided nature walks through the reserve will showcase the variety of life from unusual plants to arid-adapted animals with a chance of potentially approaching white rhino.

Photographic Hide – Andersson’s hide allows for unobtrusive game viewing of the camp’s waterhole. Often frequented by plains game including warthog, zebra, giraffe and antelope the waterhole also attracts larger game such as rhino and sometimes even lions.

Game drives on Ongava Game Reserve – guided afternoon/evening game drives take place on the private Ongava Game Reserve which is well known for its population of rhino and lion as well as the endemic black faced impala.

Ongava Information System and Visitor Centre – an immersion into the world of natural history and science with dozens of in-depth displays that feature information on the geology, animals, plants and ecological functioning of the region.

GIVING BACK

Ongava Game Reserve in Namibia is home to some of the most rare and endangered species of wild animals on the planet. Our mission at Ongava Research Centre is to help protect them.

Cutting edge research into the genetics of Ongava’s rhino population is just one example of how the work being done at Ongava Research Centre is making a difference to conservation not only in Namibia but also throughout Africa.

Through our parentage analysis of Ongava’s closed white and black rhino populations, we are continuing to play a leading role in the conservation and recovery of these species.

Together with research and habitat management, we aim to manage Ongava Game Reserve’s precious natural resources for the benefit of all the wild creatures that share this fragile environment, protecting them now and for generations to come.

LITTLE ONGAVA IS OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND

THE LODGE WELCOMES FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGED 6 YEARS AND OLDER. CHILDREN AGED 3 – 5 CAN BE ACCOMMODATED IF THE CAMP IS PRIVATELY BOOKED

FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN 6 – 12 YEARS ARE REQUIRED TO BOOK AND PAY FOR PRIVATE ACTIVITIES

THE MINIMUM AGE FOR WALKING ACTIVITIES IS 13 YEARS AND 16 YEARS FOR RHINO APPROACHING ON FOOT