A luxury safari getaway at Ongava Game Lodge

Enjoy a luxury safari experience at Ongava Lodge, which sits on an outcrop in the foothills of the Ondundozonanandana range. Ongava is a 30,000-hectare nature reserve made up of former cattle ranches located next to Etosha National Park. Everything has been created with conservation in mind; Ongava is the indigenous word for rhino, and our strapline is “Nature First”, which is what we’re all about, harnessing tourism to protect this beautiful ecosystem and the animals who depend on it.

Our 14 luxury chalets are made from rock with thatched roofs to meld into the environment. Our lounge and restaurant offers panoramic views over the reserve and waterhole, which attracts a host of local wildlife. You can dine on a terrace under the stars – there’s also a spa and pool for relaxing afternoons. Guests love sitting on the deck at sunset with a cold drink, watching the sun light up the plains.

As one of the largest private reserves in Namibia, Ongava is home to all kinds of animals, from rhinos, lions and elephants to black-faced impalas, giraffes and rock hyrax. We have a brilliant hide at the waterhole where you can observe animals at eye level. There’s been a lot of action there recently, we’ve got some rhino calves and tonnes of elephants – guests rave about the wildlife sightings from our hide.

Morning and afternoon nature drives are also an essential part of Ongava and our guides have expert knowledge of the landscape and wildlife. Unlike in Etosha, there’s a limited number of safari vehicles on the reserve, so you get private animal sightings and feel alone in the bush. The photography is fantastic, particularly at sunrise and sunset when the light comes over the mountains. Guests love our walking safaris as you don’t often get the chance to be on foot in the wild – it’s a thrilling experience.