ONGAVA LODGE – ONGAVA GAME RESERVE – ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK

The well-established and luxurious Ongava Lodge is situated in the privately owned Ongava Game Reserve along the southern boundary of Etosha National Park and is perched 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.

The lodge offers luxury accommodation in 14 rock and thatch ensuite chalets and there are stunning views over the camp’s waterhole from the main lounge and dining areas. Cool off in the heat of the day at the lodge swimming pool and 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 and high densities of big game including lion and plains game. Get involved with wildlife research by monitoring the black-faced impala and visit the Ongava Information System and Visitor Centre and get a flavour of the work undertaken on the reserve.

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

Situated close to the top of a hill with wonderful views across the plains and waterhole, Ongava Lodge has 13 chalets plus a family chalet with two ensuite bedrooms which sleeps up to 4, joined by a boardwalk between the chalets.

The air conditioned chalets are built with rock under thatch and have paved walkways on the ground – rooms 13 and 14 have elevated walkways. Each chalet has ensuite facilities with separate toilet, shower, double vanity basin and outside shower (except for the family unit) with a view, ceiling fan, electronic safe, tea and coffee making facilities and hairdryer.

Bath robes, liquid soap, body wash, shampoo and conditioner, body lotion, room spray, insect repellents, washing powder (for smalls), sewing kit, shower caps, cotton-tip swabs, cotton balls, tissues dispensers, umbrella and laundry bag are supplied in each chalet. During winter hot water bottles and extra blankets are provided.

Outside the chalets have private wooden viewing decks overlooking the reserve.

There are fans, lights and electrical plug power points in the rooms to charge batteries and use appliances such as sleep apnea machines, hairdryers or electric shavers during your stay.

The main area of the lodge has a split-level thatched main area with a lounge, dining room and bar with views over waterhole and there is a swimming pool, library corner, curio shop, spotting scope and private sala.

There is a computer station in the main area including complimentary WIFI access and during winter a gas heater is stationed in the main area and chenille blankets are provided during dinner. Please note that there are multiple steps on access and throughout the lodge therefore no wheelchair access.

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.

ONGAVALODGE 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