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Little Ongava

Our rating

9/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Only three guest villas
- Rhino Tracking
- Fantastic bungalow style accommodation
- Waterhole hide out

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Overview

Little Ongava is an intimate lodge in the south of Etosha National Park, North Central Namibia. One of four lodges in the private Ongava reserve, this is the most exclusive with only three villas available to guests and fantastic views across the plains.

This modern, private lodge is run by a professional team of staff and offers an easy, laid back safari experience. The main thatched building is reached via connecting boardwalks that wind around large boulders and trees. An all inclusive camp, meals are served in the traditional safari style around a single dining table, although private dining options are available. Also in the main building is a cosy sitting room and outdoor terrace with views over a floodlit waterhole (albeit not in as close range as at Ongava Lodge).

Activities at Ongava help guests explore the local area and include good game drives in the immediate vicinity and longer drives into the main Etosha National Park. Experienced guides point out wildlife including white rhino, lion, leopard, spotted hyenas and black-faced impalas. Day and night game drives are both included in the programme as well as rhino tracking on foot. Good bird watching and walking safari can also be enjoyed and there is an impressive hide out by the waterhole for avid photographers to get that perfect shot. All four lodges in this reserve are under the same ownership so you can expect the same high quality activities to be run from each.

Some of the largest accommodation you will find, Little Ongava offers three exclusive thatched villas, that offer total seclusion and privacy. Each villa is reached by a wooden boardwalk and features a wrap around verandah, private plunge pool, sala and open sitting room. Light open rooms include a cosy sitting room with fireplace, a king sized bedroom and an ensuite bathroom with double basins and indoor and outdoor showers. Although there is no specific family villa, sharing with children is easily accommodated. Accommodation here is the height of luxury, perfect for romantic getaways.

There is a minimum age of six years old to stay at Ongava and twelve years old to take part in the guided safari activities. Whilst the guides do their best to tailor the experience to their guests, there are no specific children’s programmes and constant supervision will be needed in these wild landscapes.

Little Ongava is a perfect choice for those looking for solid safari viewing from a peaceful and luxurious lodge. The accommodation here is some of the best you can find in the area, and although possibly not as remote as some other options, offers some reliable and unforgettable wildlife experiences.

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What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 536 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • Trip was great and all the arrangements were excellent so thank you for all the help!

    Drivers and transfers were all good - on time and very good service on each trip.

    Accommodation was lovely - Douar Samra was amazing (weather could have been better but lovely regardless). Riad in Marrakesh was also great!

    All in all a great trip and we loved the variety of the mountains, Marrakesh and the coast.

    Thanks you once again!

    MissingHardeep S reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains on 15 April 2024

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

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