Ongava Lodge is perched on a hillside with uninterrupted views of Etosha National Park and the Ongava Game Reserve. Surrounded by Cacti and mopane trees, the lodge is a luxurious property with far-reaching views, a busy waterhole and opportunities to track rhino on foot.
Awarded: Bronze
Location
The lodge sits on the southern edge of Etosha National Park within a 74,000-acre private game reserve. The property skirts the edges of the hilly Ondundozonanandana Range with a popular waterhole sitting adjacent. Just moments away from Anderon’s Gate, the parks busiest entrance, guests have easy access to the 8,000 square miles of parkland where big game roam. Meaning ‘great white place’ in the Oshindonga language, these vast saltpans are shared by zebra, eland, leopard, cheetah and lion among many more.
Rooms
14 spacious chalets are built from stone and thatch, decorated tastefully in neutral tones and warm red and orange details. Huge beds face floor-to-ceiling glass windows which open onto wooden decks offering vast views across the plains. Black and white wildlife photographs adorn the walls and interiors are very bright and airy. En-suites have walk-in showers, an outdoor shower and a selection of complimentary toiletries.
 Communal Areas
The main area compromises a large lounge where sofas surround a central fireplace and additional seating provides more secluded places to relax. The space is flanked by a bar and a small library, and just down some steps, you’ll find a deck with plenty of pink granite tables to dine on with views of the waterhole.
Escape the midday sun with a cool dip in the swimming pool by the main lodge.
 Activities
Activities at the lodge focus on game drives and rhino tracking on the surrounding reserve and into Etosha National Park. Usually, afternoon drives explore the Ongava Reserve and morning drives head to the Okaukuejo area of the park. Guests will have the exciting opportunity to track rhinos on foot with experienced guides. Ongava also has a private hide just metres from the nearby waterhole where comfortable seating and a camera mount await.
Fully inclusive
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
This is the peak of the wet season, yet days with rainfall are very spread out.
A beautiful season to visit as the landscape transforms into many shades of green. Great birding with migratory species present. This period also marks calving season with the birth of many young animals. Wildlife is however well spread out and the vegetation thick, making game viewing difficult.
Temperatures are pleasant, averaging 30°C/86°F midday, while the nights average 18°C/64°F.
Like the rest of Namibia, the Etosha has very distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur, the rest of the year is dry. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the waterholes whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
This is the peak of the wet season, yet days with rainfall are very spread out.
A beautiful season to visit as the landscape transforms into many shades of green. Great birding with migratory species present. This period also marks calving season with the birth of many young animals. Wildlife is however well spread out and the vegetation thick, making game viewing difficult.
Temperatures are pleasant, averaging 30°C/86°F midday, while the nights average 18°C/64°F.
Like the rest of Namibia, the Etosha has very distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur, the rest of the year is dry. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the waterholes whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
This is the peak of the wet season, yet days with rainfall are very spread out.
A beautiful season to visit as the landscape transforms into many shades of green. Great birding with migratory species present. This period also marks calving season with the birth of many young animals. Wildlife is however well spread out and the vegetation thick, making game viewing difficult.
Temperatures are pleasant, averaging 30°C/86°F midday, while the nights average 18°C/64°F.
Like the rest of Namibia, the Etosha has very distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur, the rest of the year is dry. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the waterholes whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
A beautiful season to visit as the landscape transforms into many shades of green. Great birding with migratory species present. This period also marks calving season with the birth of many young animals. Wildlife is however well spread out and the vegetation thick, making game viewing difficult.
Temperatures are pleasant, averaging 30°C/86°F midday, while the nights average a chilly 16°C/61°F.
Like the rest of Namibia, the Etosha has very distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur, the rest of the year is dry. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the waterholes whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies and dry conditions dominate. This is the best safari period in Etoshia as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water holes. The thinning vegetation also makes it easy to spot game.
Midday temperatures are surprisingly cool, averaging around 25°C/73°F, while nice temperatures average a low of 10°C/50°F making warm clothes essential for those early morning activities!
Like the rest of Namibia, the Etosha has very distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur, the rest of the year is dry. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the waterholes whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies and dry conditions dominate. This is the best safari period in Etoshia as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water holes. The thinning vegetation also makes it easy to spot game.
Midday temperatures are surprisingly cool, averaging around 25°C/73°F, while nice temperatures average a low of 10°C/50°F making warm clothes essential for those early morning activities!
Like the rest of Namibia, the Etosha has very distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur, the rest of the year is dry. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the waterholes whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies and dry conditions dominate. This is the best safari period in Etoshia as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water holes. The thinning vegetation also makes it easy to spot game.
Midday temperatures are surprisingly cool, averaging around 25°C/73°F, while nice temperatures average a low of 10°C/50°F making warm clothes essential for those early morning activities!
Like the rest of Namibia, the Etosha has very distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur, the rest of the year is dry. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the waterholes whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies and dry conditions dominate. This is the best safari period in Etoshia as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water holes. The thinning vegetation also makes it easy to spot game.
Midday temperatures are surprisingly cool, averaging around 25°C/73°F, while nice temperatures average a low of 10°C/50°F making warm clothes essential for those early morning activities!
Like the rest of Namibia, the Etosha has very distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur, the rest of the year is dry. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the waterholes whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Game viewing can be fantastic during September and October; temperatures continue to rise before the start of the rains, with average midday temperatures 33°C/91°F, it is not uncommon for much warmer days than this, with temperatures occasionally over 40°C/104°F. Morning temperatures average a surprisingly chilly 16°C/61°F.
Like the rest of Namibia, the Etosha has very distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur, the rest of the year is dry. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the waterholes whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Game viewing can be fantastic during September and October; temperatures continue to rise before the start of the rains, with average midday temperatures 33°C/91°F, it is not uncommon for much warmer days than this, with temperatures occasionally over 40°C/104°F. Morning temperatures average a surprisingly chilly 16°C/61°F.
Like the rest of Namibia, the Etosha has very distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur, the rest of the year is dry. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the waterholes whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
The start of the wet season, with the occasional short sharp thunderstorm.
Temperatures are quite hot, averaging 33°C/91°F midday, it is not uncommon for much warmer days than this, with temperatures occasionally over 40°C/104°F. Morning temperatures are more pleasant with an average minimum of 18°C/64°F
Like the rest of Namibia, the Etosha has very distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur, the rest of the year is dry. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the waterholes whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
The start of the wet season, with the occasional short sharp thunderstorm.
Temperatures are quite hot, averaging 33°C/91°F midday, it is not uncommon for much warmer days than this, with temperatures occasionally over 40°C/104°F. Morning temperatures are more pleasant with an average minimum of 18°C/64°F
Like the rest of Namibia, the Etosha has very distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur, the rest of the year is dry. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the waterholes whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
Explore Etosha National Park Properties
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Anderssons at Ongava
Anderssons at Ongava
Named after Swedish explorer, Charles Andersson, Andersson’s Camp is a stylish property on the Ongava Private Reserve on Etosha National Park’s doorstep. With a ..
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Etosha Safari Lodge
Etosha Safari Lodge
A Gondwana Collection owned property, Etosha Safari Lodge is a world away from the hustle and bustle of life yet close to the activity of Etosha National Park. ..
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Little Ongava
Little Ongava
Little Ongava is a slice of five-star safari luxury within an intimate setting boasting incredible panoramic views of the private reserve it occupies. With just three ..
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Ongava Tented Camp
Ongava Tented Camp
Ongava is a luxury bushcamp on a vast private reserve offering a homely atmosphere, an active waterhole and the chance to track rare black and white rhinos. With ..
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Onguma Tented Camp
Onguma Tented Camp
Onguma Tented Camp is a relaxed retreat isolated in the Onguma Game Reserve. A truly wild camp, Onguma boasts beautifully furnished tents, excellent food, modern décor ..
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Onguma The Fort
Onguma The Fort
Overlooking the sparse Etosha Pans, Onguma The Fort stays true to its name. With a Morrocan inspired design, the hotel truly resembles a fort and offers guests all the ..
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Safari House
Safari House
Safari House is a traditional Namibian farmhouse on a private reserve close to Etosha National Park. With just three rooms which can be booked on an exclusive basis and a ..
What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
