Family Namibia Adventure—Custom Safari

Ongava Tented Camp

Location
Etosha National Park, Namibia

Ongava Tented Camp, built of stone, canvas and thatch, accommodates 16 guests in eight large Meru-style tents, furnished in a palette of natural earth tones in perfect harmony with the surrounding environment. All tents have en suite facilities, open-air showers and private verandas. The family unit sleeps four. Activities at this comfortable camp typically take place around the common area with its relaxing bar and swimming pool fronting a much-frequented waterhole.

Ongava is ideally located near Etosha National Park, Namibia's premier wildlife destination. Nearly the size of Switzerland, Etosha is one of Africa's largest game parks. Large herds of plains game concentrate around the waterholes in the dry season, while the summer months’ sporadic rainfall produces a profusion of life. Yet, while Ongava's proximity to Etosha allows for game drives to see a plethora of wildlife in the national park, it has the advantage of being located on the private Ongava Game Reserve, equally rich in wildlife though without tourist crowds. The Ongava reserve holds one of the largest rhino custodianships and is one of the few private game reserves where visitors may see both black and white rhino.

Other species guests are likely to see include elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, springbok, gemsbok, kudu and the diminutive Damara dik-dik. Birdlife is prolific, with ostrich and local specials including short-toed rock thrush, Hartlaub’s francolin, Rüppell’s parrot, white-tailed shrike and chestnut weaver. In addition to wildlife drives, activities include guided walks and viewing wildlife from hides, neither of which is offered in the national park.

Ongava Lodge

Location
Etosha National Park

Ongava Lodge is situated along the southern boundary of Etosha National Park in the privately owned Ongava Game Reserve. The lodge offers luxury accommodations in 14 en-suite units made of rock and thatch. The main lounge, bar and dining areas offer impressive views, as they are situated close to the top of a hill, surveying the foothills of the unpronounceable Ondundozonanandana Range. An inviting pool beckons guests to cool off in the heat of the day. Meals are either served in the main dining area under thatch with a view over the camp's waterhole, or on the dining deck under the stars. Ongava Lodge was listed on the Condé Nast Traveler's Gold Reserve List for 2005.

Etosha National Park is Namibia's premier wildlife destination and one of Africa's largest game reserves. Large herds of wildlife teem around the waterholes and the endless plains offer breathtaking vistas. Activities include game drives in open 4x4 vehicles into the Okaukuejo area of Etosha where lion, elephant (seasonal), gemsbok, springbok, black rhino, greater kudu and red hartebeest are seen at numerous waterholes and fringing habitats. Apex predators like leopard, cheetah and spotted hyena are also present in this area.

In addition, hides and guided walks are available on the private reserve. Ongava is one of the few private reserves in southern Africa with resident white and black rhino, allowing guests the unique opportunity to see both of these charismatic species. For those who enjoy close wildlife encounters, tracking white rhino on foot with a guide is a highlight not to be missed.