Ongava Private Game Reserve: An Exclusive Safari Experience

Just south of Etosha National Park is one of Namibia’s best safari destinations. Ongava Private Games Reserve offers an high-end wilderness experience. With 30,000 hectares of exceptional game viewing, luxury lodges promote conservation-driven tourism.

Etosha National Park is a bucket-list item. But accommodation in the park is limited. Visitors to Ongava enjoy the best of both worlds. You don’t have to choose: get world-class game drives on the reserve and easy access to the park. A safari in Africa has never been more comfortable.

Wildlife and Activities in the Heart of Namibia

Ongava used to be unproductive farmland. Now, it is home to an impressive variety of wild animals. Besides lions, leopards and elephants, you can see giraffes and many different antelopes. The reserve is particularly famous for its successful rhino conservation efforts. Guests have the rare opportunity to track rhinos on foot under the guidance of expert rangers.

There is something special about seeing these giants in their natural environment.

Activities at Ongava Include:

Game Drives let you explore the reserve’s diverse landscapes. From open plains to mopane woods, every area has plenty of game and birds.
Walking Safaris: Experience the thrill of tracking animals on foot. Trained guides take you through the reserve for the chance to see oryx, giraffes and the endangered rhinoceros.
Birdwatching: Ongava is a haven for bird enthusiasts. Discover over 300 bird species, depending on the time of year.
Photography: Breathtaking scenery. Free-roaming wildlife. Dedicated guides. Ongava is a dream destination for photographers.
Night Drives offer a special chance to spot nocturnal species. Porcupines, owls and wild cats are common. But even rhinoceros and other big game roam around under the cover of darkness.

Luxury Accommodation at Ongava

Ongava offers a selection of world-class lodging. Each provides a unique and immersive safari experience. The lodges seamlessly blend comfort with an authentic bush atmosphere. A stay at any of them is luxurious and intimately connected to the African bush.

1. Ongava Lodge

Perched on a hillside overlooking the reserve, Ongava Lodge is the flagship accommodation. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the waterhole from the main deck. An infinity pool complements elegant chalets with en-suite bathrooms and private verandas. This choice is ideal for those seeking a mix of the wild, and luxury safari ambience.

2. Little Ongava

The ultimate in exclusivity, Little Ongava is a high-end lodge. Three spacious suites each feature a private plunge pool and outdoor shower. The panomaric views are as distinguished as the personalized and luxurious service. This intimate retreat is perfect for honeymooners or distinguished travelers.

3. Ongava Tented Camp

Some prefer a more traditional safari experience. Ongava Tented Camp provides an unfenced tented setting amidst the Namibian bush. The Meru-style tents come with en-suite bathrooms and are set around a busy waterhole. Incredible wildlife sightings right from your room are very common.

4. Anderssons at Ongava

This modern eco-lodge focuses on sustainability. Featuring the Ongava Research Centre, conservationists engage with guests about ongoing wildlife research. Scientists and researchers show how visitors how to preserve the natural habitat for future generations. The lodge has worked hard to transform the once arid farmland into a sanctuary for black rhino and other wildlife species.

The lodge offers stylish suites with a contemporary design. There is also an infinity pool, and a waterhole-facing lounge area.

Best Time to Visit

Ongava is a year-round destination. The dry season (May to October) is the best time for wildlife viewing. Animals gather around water sources instead of ‘hiding” in the bush. The wet season (November to April) brings lush landscapes. Excellent for birdwatching opportunities, it’s a great time for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

How to Get There

The Ongava Private Reserve is accessible by road and air. It is approximately a 4-hour drive from Windhoek, or a short flight to Ongava’s airstrip. Many visitors take a day drive into Etosha for the ultimate safari experience.

Why Choose Ongava Private Game Reserve, Rhino Wilderness?

Exclusive wildlife encounters in a private reserve with fewer visitors than Etosha.
First-class accommodation options catering to different preferences and budgets.
Unique experiences, such as animal tracking, that are not available in Etosha.
Commitment to conservation, with a strong focus on research and sustainability.

The safe and responsible ecotourism practised at the four luxury lodges has resulted in thriving wildlife. Zebra, cheetah and springbok also call the “realm of the rhino” on the southern boundary of Etosha National Park their home.

Ongave Private Game Reserve promises an unforgettable experience of comfort and luxury. Adventure and conservation call seasoned safari-goers and first-time visitors alike. A stay here offers a close-up of Namibia’s wildlife. Book your stay and enjoy world-class hospitality in a truly spectacular setting.