Highlights
- Only lodge within Etosha National Park
- Unique salt pan setting
- Comfortable rooms with lovely views
- NWR Portfolio
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The only lodging option within Etosha National Park, Onkoshi Camp occupies a unique setting overlooking the 5000km² Etosha salt pan. Jutting out on an isolated peninsular, the camp has a peaceful and exclusive feel, offering spectacular views across the stark expanse. Ample game-viewing is available, with opportunities to see oryx, elephant, giraffe, lion, and cheetah. On arrival, guests are required to leave private vehicles at the secure Namutoni Restcamp, and are then transferred to the camp itself.
The camp is laid out over a network of raised wooden boardwalks, with thatch-covered main areas. In tune with the camp's environmental 'low-impact' objectives, the interiors incorporate natural fittings and neutral tones. Restaurant dining is offered, and a bar and curio shop are available. An infinity pool is set on the communal deck, surrounded by sun loungers with views across the salt pan. The views at sunrise and sunset are particularly special. Although complimentary WiFi is offered in the main areas, it’s worth bearing in mind that the camp's reliance on solar power may render this service unusable at times.
The camp features fifteen free-standing thatched chalets on stilts, extending in a row out from the communal spaces. The units have canvas walls and folding wooden doors that open onto a small private veranda overlooking the salt pan. Fourteen units are classified as standard, while one is a honeymoon suite—although really the only discernible difference is the upgrade to a king-sized bed from twin beds. Each unit is en-suite, with both indoor and outdoor showers and bath. Whilst the rooms are spacious, and the décor elegant and comfortable, the luxurious feel is somewhat limited by the minimal facilities. There is no air conditioning, although ceiling fans above the mosquito-netted beds may provide some relief.
Activities largely comprise guided 4WD safaris which operate in the morning and afternoons, giving guests exclusive access to areas of Etosha far from the public self-drive roads, including exploration of the north-eastern Sanveld area. While there is little wildlife in the immediate vicinity of the lodge, there are waterholes not too far away where a spectacular abundance of wildlife can be seen, with carnivore action a possibility. Note these drives are usually shared with other Onkoshi Camp guests. Guided day-time hikes and charming moonlit walks on the salt pan are also available.
For those travelling as a family, each chalet contains a sleeper couch on which one child may stay. Children over the age of six are welcome, although as the camp is within a nature reserve where animals are free to roam, it is essential that children are supervised by parents at all times.
Onkoshi Camp offers a peaceful stay in comfortable accommodation. While it’s not hugely luxurious, it’s certainly an upgrade on alternative camping options within the park. Although there is somewhat variable service and a comparatively high price tag, the stunning scenery and interesting wildlife will make for a memorable visit.
Nicola and I had a brilliant time - the weather made it pretty
challenging at times, but Mustafa and Mohammed looked after us
superbly. We loved the variety of scenery and places - as you mention,
the only downside is the rubbish in the villages, such a shame. The
meals that Mohammed drummed up on the hillside tracks were amazing - I
am glad we knew that our mule would eat the leftovers because there was
no way we could finish them! The standard of the breakfasts were far in
excess of the bread and jam you mentioned, even in the basic gite which
was freezing - we were warm once in bed, but the temperature in the
living room was a bit depressing after a very windy descent, sitting
wrapped in coats, hats and blankets while we waited for our dinner! The
sleeping bags provided were excellent and we were toasty with our fleece
liners and an extra blanket. We were very grateful that Mustafa's boss
upgraded us to the eco lodge the next night (don't know whether this was
because of the gale force winds on our descent the day before...) - it
was lovely.We were incredibly lucky with precipitation - although we were walking
in a few inches of snow on day one and it absolutely poured that night,
we experienced no rain during the day until we were lining up for our
farewell photo at our pickup point, when the heavens opened!Due to the weather, I think I'd describe the terrain slightly
differently - a few good paths, but often we were on very stony ground,
slippery wet mud (oh, that clay does stick to one's boots!), slidy thin
gravel or else just making our way down a hill after rain had washed the
original route away. Occasionally we walked short distances on roads,
which Mustafa was apologetic about, but it was hardly the M6! We took
our time and never felt unsafe, but people with dodgy knees or hips
might need to be careful. Mustafa looked after us very carefully in the
high wind gusts (as a sailor, I reckon at least Force 9 - over 50 mph on
a bare hillside), promising Nicola that he wouldn't let her mother blow
away!Although we needed to be back in Marrakech on the fourth night, I think
if I were going again, I would prefer to trek for four days and spend 3
in Marrakech, which I found a bit overwhelming, but this is just
personal taste!Our room in Daar Housnia was lovely, and we appreciated the heating -
the rest of the building is definitely built for summer! There seemed
to be some confusion over our arrival - the manager said we had
originally been booked into the downstairs suite with double bed and
bath in the middle of the room, but that he thought it was more suitable
"for two ladies, not a couple" to upgrade us to exactly the room you had
shown us photos of! The breakfasts were delicious. The wifi was fine
for Nicola's meetings.
Monica S
reviewing Morocco Trek & Marrakech Holiday
on 16 February 2026
We had such a good holiday. You did a fantastic job!
The house in Marrakesh was ridiculous. We effectively had it to ourselves. The accommodation was borderline palatial.
I actually think that the time we had in Marrakesh was sufficient. We could potentially have done a day by a pool but I think we’d done enough souk-ing by the end of Day Two.
The hotel in the mountains was a shade more rustic than I was expecting, but all great fun. Stunning views. The guide / mule / cook team were excellent and our guide (Hassan) tailored the treks to our capabilities well. He was superb, and really made an effort with the kids. The second and third day of trekking were particularly good. Such an adventure for the kids.
All the logistics worked seamlessly. Every aspect went like clockwork. Top marks. The advice on tipping was also much appreciated (I hate thinking that I’m getting mugged off or am potentially not giving enough…).
From my seven-year-old son:
I thought it was GREAT. The food was amazing and the culture was very interesting. My favourite bit was scrambling up rocks in the Atlas Mountains.
In retrospect, I’d probably do the trip in reverse. Flopping on the roof terrace after the rigours of the mountains would have been even more satisfying.
Henry O
reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains
on 05 June 2025
We had an extraordinary time. It was magical and we couldn't hav asked or hoped for more. Thank you both so much for all of your time and assistance.
Emma M
reviewing Best of Botswana for Families
on 18 November 2024