Onguma Game Reserve

Onguma Game Reserve is situated on the eastern side of the Etosha Park in Namibia, bordering Fischer’s Pan and the national park. Animals are free to roam across the property to and from Etosha. There are five lodges inside this private reserve which cater to all tastes including a bush camp, a treetop lodge and a fort which houses a seriously romantic and luxurious lodge.

Regardless of which property you stay in, the game viewing opportunities are the same. As with all safaris, you just have to be in the right place at the right time. All of the properties have a water hole outside the main lodge building which are active throughout the day. Activities on offer include morning and afternoon game drives into Etosha as well as night drives on the reserve. Guests can also choose to self-drive into Etosha National Park.

Onguma Game Reserve covers more than 20,000 hectares of land which boasts over thirty different animal species. Predators such as lion, cheetah and leopard are common residents of the area. The latest addition to the already abundant wildlife at Onguma Nature Reserve is a family of black rhinos.

Birding is excellent with over 300 species recorded on the property including the largest breeding colony of White backed vultures in Namibia. In the summer months, thousands of bird species migrate to the wetlands created by the seasonal rains and ephemeral river systems.

Onguma Tented Camp
Onguma Tented Camp has seven luxury tents, built around a natural waterhole. The interiors are spacious and mix the canvas construction with elements of  natural materials such as wood pillars, stone interior walls and natural textiles. The result is a sophisticated and luxurious tented camp.  There is crisp linen, fluffy duvets and en-suite bathrooms with stone baths and a shower.

The living area is dominated by the waterhole over which it presides. An infinity pool, surrounded by wooden decking, leads into the open-sided interior of the main lodge building which houses a comfortable lounge and dining area.

The Fort at Onguma
The Fort is the most luxurious of the Onguma properties and is suited to those who like their creature comforts and perfect for a honeymoon. Moroccan and Indian influences combine perfectly with colourful accents and beautiful antique windows and doors. A courtyard with a relaxing water leads into the spacious lounge and open air dining room. The large wooden deck leads outside with views of the waterhole and to the side, a refreshing plunge pool.

There are 13 rooms in total. The Sultan Suite complete with a four poster bed is in the  turret of main building. The others radiate out on either side from the lodge as separate units. Each room is about 50m from the next, offering privacy and seclusion. There is a golf cart to ferry guests from their rooms to the main area and back, especially after dark when it is not safe to walk on your own.

The spacious rooms feature high-beamed ceilings and a décor of terracotta and browns mixed with bright colours. Glass windows offer a view of the waterhole and Fischer’s Pan, and any passing game. Outside is a shaded deck with sunloungers and a bench topped with colourful cushions. All rooms are equipped with a  minibar, tea and coffee-making facilities and air conditioning.

Onguma Tree Top Camp
The Camp is built on wooden stilts amongst the tree tops with excellent views over the beautiful watering hole. With just four rooms, it is ideal for a small group of friends or a family looking for a private getaway close to the Etosha National Park.

The main complex opens towards the front where the waterhole is situated, where guests can relax in the comfortable lounge, or in front of the fire place enjoying a beer or glass of wine.

There is an open plan kitchen and dining area. Guests are encouraged to interact with the chefs as they barbecue your meat, bake your bread and brew your coffee on an open fire. For breakfast there is a choice between the buffet or a typical English Breakfast. At mid-day a light lunch or simple hot meal is provided or you can order a picnic lunch to take to the bush. Dinner is a set ‘flexible’ 3 course meal of either traditional African fare or European cuisine.

The Camp consists of 4 thatched rooms with canvas walls. The rooms are designed in such a way that all of the sides can be rolled up leaving only the mosquito netting, allowing you to enjoy the view and animals. The canvas can be put down should the animal noises at night become just that bit too scary for you. There is an ensuite bathrooms with flushing toilet and a wonderful outside shower. Each rooms has a private deck on which you can relax and enjoy exactly the same views as from the main area’s deck.

For more information about safari holidays in Namibia, or staying at one of the Onguma properties, contact us here or call +44 208 249 5919 to speak to our Africa holidays and honeymoon team.