The final stop on my tour of Namibia was the Ongava Tented Camp in a private game reserve just next to Etosha National Park. This area is famous for its enormous Etosha salt pan but is also Namibia’s best region for game viewing. This area must be included in any itinerary to Namibia, especially if you are interested in the wildlife.
What makes Ongava Tented Camp so special is the unique location, which is mere feet away from a watering hole. In the dry season, water can be very scarce, and wildlife will be concentrated around the watering holes. Guests can see plenty of wildlife without ever leaving the camp, and dinners on the outdoor deck are a real highlight on the lucky occasions when nighttime animals visit the watering hole. While I was there, a mother rhino and her baby visited us! This must be the quietest dinner table in all of Namibia! A salt lick strategically placed near the camp’s deck can help produce some pretty incredible photos.
The tents are comfortable, with great views, spacious bathrooms, and outdoor showers. What I loved about the tents was that there was zero barrier to the surroundings. Staying here definitely puts you more in tune with nature. It can get hot here, and afternoons can be a little uncomfortable if there isn’t a breeze, but it does tend to cool down at night. The camp’s public area serves as a communal living room since this is where guests congregate to watch the animals at the watering hole. There is a lovely energy around the camp in the evenings as many guests opt out of the bush sundowner in favor of drinks at the watering hole
If you can tear yourself away from the watering hole, the Ongava Reserve offers even more wildlife viewing opportunities. During my visit, I saw lions chasing a Kori Bustard, A Caracal stalking a Steenbok (very rare!), and many birds.
The Etosha pan is very unique and worth seeing
With Etosha right next door, most visitors will spend at least half a day exploring that area. The Etosha pan is unique and worth seeing, but there isn’t much more to do there once you see it. It is something to check off the list but nothing to break your back trying to fit it into an itinerary. The wildlife in Etosha is intense, so you can expect to see some good sights at the watering holes along the way. I saw large herds of zebra, kudu, waterbuck, wildebeest, oryx, springbok, giraffes, elephants, and ostriches. Again, the birds are plentiful. Namibia, in general, is an excellent destination for birders!
Little Ongava, which is stunning and would be perfect for honeymoon couples.
If you’re not interested in staying in a tented camp, Wilderness Safaris operates two other camps nearby. Ongava Lodge is another classic camp but a bit more comfortable with larger rooms and air conditioning. Little Ongava is the premier option, and it is stunning and would be perfect for honeymoon couples. Also, this camp only has three rooms, so a takeover with a group of friends would be an enjoyable option.
