About this hotel
General information
Ongava Lodge runs along a rocky ridge in a range of dolomite hills called the Ondundozonanandana, a local name recalling a legend that translates as “the mountain where the boy took the calves”. Its fourteen chalets of rock and thatch sit easily into the slope, and the split-level main lodge looks out over the plains to a waterhole that rhino visit often, so the life of the bush plays out in view from dawn to dusk.
The lodge stands on the private Ongava Game Reserve, which borders Etosha National Park and acts as a buffer to it. The reserve is known for the successful return of both white and black rhino, and is home to lion, wildebeest, springbok, gemsbok, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, red hartebeest, giraffe, eland and the largest population of the endemic black-faced impala outside Etosha. Power comes from the sun. The fully inclusive rate covers accommodation, all meals, two scheduled activities a day, laundry and local drinks, premium imported brands and champagne aside.
Location
The Ongava Game Reserve lies in northern Namibia along the southern boundary of Etosha National Park, south of Okaukuejo, with its entrance opposite Ombika Gate, the closest way into the park. Windhoek is about 430 km away by paved road, followed by a short gravel stretch to the lodge. Private and charter aircraft land on the reserve’s own 1,200-metre Ongava Airstrip, roughly 15 minutes from the lodge by road, and airstrip transfers are included. The nearest major airport is Windhoek’s international airport.
Spa
Wellness treatments are given in the privacy of the chalet: a choice of massages, from soothing to revitalising, each tailored to the guest.
Sports & leisure
Days revolve around the reserve and neighbouring Etosha:
- morning and late-afternoon game drives on the reserve in an open 4x4, with no more than six guests so that everyone has an outside seat;
- night drives by searchlight in search of nocturnal wildlife;
- half- and full-day excursions into Etosha National Park;
- seasonal guided walks that can bring guests close to elephant or rhino on foot (16 and over);
- a photographic hide at the waterhole (11 and over);
- birdwatching, with more than 300 species recorded on the reserve;
- the Discovery Centre beside the Ongava Research Centre, with displays on the area’s geology, wildlife and plants;
- a boutique of handcrafted pieces by African artisans.
A private vehicle and guide can be arranged at extra cost, subject to availability. Guests arriving by car may not drive themselves on the reserve.
Restaurants & bars
Meals are served in the thatched dining area overlooking the waterhole, and dinner is often taken out under the stars. A light breakfast comes before the morning outing, a hearty meal follows on return and tea is laid out in the afternoon; in the evening the bar and the two decks above the floodlit waterhole come into their own at sunset. The main lodge also has a library corner, seats by the fireplace and a private sala, and the night can end with a quiet drink around the fire.
Swimming
The main lodge has an outdoor swimming pool with a lounging area set into the natural surroundings.
Rooms
The lodge has 14 chalets of rock and thatch, 13 for two guests and one family chalet for four, each with its own wooden deck looking over the reserve.
Each chalet has an air-conditioned bedroom, ceiling fan, mosquito nets, electronic safe, tea and coffee station, hairdryer, bathrobes and toiletries, and a bathroom with a separate toilet, indoor shower, double vanity and an outdoor shower.
Rock-and-thatch Chalet
A rock-and-thatch chalet with two twin beds that can be made up as a double on request, a bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers and a private deck over the bush; for two guests.
Family Chalet
The single family chalet has two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom; it sleeps four.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.