Highlights
- Easy access to Etosha National Park
- Active Waterhole
- Authentic Tented Camp
- Small & Friendly
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our specialists on 855 686 7694
EnquireOngava Tented Camp is situated in a hidden valley in Ongava private reserve, adjacent to Etosha National Park, North central Namibia. One of four lodges in the Ongava reserve, this is the most authentic of the collection, with traditional Meru style tents and single table dining.
Small and friendly, Ongava tented camp is built around a stone and thatch mess building. This main building houses a comfortable lounge area, terrace and open air dining area that looks out onto a man made but active waterhole. The lodge also has a modest swimming pool to keep kids entertained or to unwind after a long hike.
Activities at Ongava Tented Camp 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.
The accommodation in camp is split into eight Meru style tents; six twin beds, one double bed and one family suite. Each tent is luxurious and spacious, with your own private verandah, indoor and open air showers and ensuite bathroom with double basins. The family suite sleeps a family of four and connects two tents, although sharing for children can be accommodated in any of the rooms. Safari tents are a great way to truly feel part of the landscape and enjoy a traditional safari experience.
There is a minimum age of six years old to stay at the tented camp 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.
With large, walk in tents, communal dining and nearby waterholes this is a classic African safari. The camp is intimate and friendly, with easy access into Etosha National Park and its diverse wildlife. Perhaps lacking in a feeling of wilderness and with a slightly more contrived waterhole than the neighbouring Ongava Lodge, this is still a great choice for families and couples alike.
Dear Lisa. On behalf of the three generations of the Rowland family. Thank you, so much, for organising our wonderful holiday to Botswana and the Victoria Falls. The trip of a lifetime. The week mobile camping in the bush, with our guide Nandos and his crew was a fantastic adventure. How they manage to cook such wonderful food on an open fire is amazing. The sites were constantly visited by monkeys and once by elephants. We were even lucky enough to see two packs of wild dogs, once with a kill. Waterberry Lodge on the Zambezi River is a wonderfully tranquil place. Ideal to relax after the adventures of our safari and visiting Victoria Falls. Very many thanks once again
Godfrey R
reviewing Private Mobile Family Safari in Botswana
on 25 September 2023
We had a great time - even with the flight between Governors and the coast being two flights and a car! We also experienced a power cut At Nairobi airport on the way home so 2+ hours late taking off. Governors. Wonderful people and dealt with the flight delay very well - taking us back and letting us know that we could stay there if the flight was delayed overnight. The game drives were excellent and our guide (Erick) obviously very experienced and managed to find all the key animals - no rhino in that part of the Masai Mara but everything else in abundance - never seen so many herbivores (many many elephants as well as all the others) as well as two prides of lions. Could not have asked for more. The ‘tent’ was excellent and comfortable and well serviced. The only ‘complaint’ would be that the food - especially dinner - could be improved (I think we got a bit bored of soup as a starter for every meal bar one) and the main courses were not at the same level as Kinondo Kwetu and while all were explained there was no choice offered. The breakfasts were just what was needed after an early game drive. Kinondo Kwetu. What a great location and the welcome when we arrived at just gone 11.00pm was better than you could have ever thought possible - they we’re disappointed that we did not at that time want the full dinner experience! The rooms we’re comfortable. The food was excellent but again no choice was offered - other than for allergy reasons (which we do not have). May be some choice would be nice. Having said that the food we did have was excellent as were the wines (albeit a short list!) and other drinks. There were (as you know) lots of facilities/sports options - but we spent our time relaxing which was exactly what we needed and there were lots of places to do that. Overall. We would go back to both places - perhaps a few more nights at Kinondo Kwetu next time but 3 nights at Governors was perfect for us. Thank you for organising and recommending both places. That you and your colleague for trying to find out about the plane (flat tyre) but communication by the flight company left a lot to be desired (Governors were furious that they were not told and had taken us to the airstrip). Phil
Philip R
reviewing Masai Mara Safari & Kenya Beach
on 01 September 2023
It was certainly a holiday of a lifetime for us and we loved every minute!! The standard and location of each accommodation was excellent, as was the variety of each different accommodation type. Our schedule was perfect and we managed to achieve everything on our to-do task list. Your documents were also really helpful, as were the driving directions. We all thank you for making this such a wonderful holiday. Happy to leave a review publicly if you point me the right way. Best Steve
Stephen H
reviewing Classic Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari
on 01 September 2023