Ongava Private Game Reserve

Pros & Cons

• Outstanding Etosha wildlife
• Exclusive accommodation choices
• Quiet safari trails
• Never crowded
• Night drives, nature walks and walking safaris possible
• No budget accommodations
• Often booked out months in advance

Wildlife

Most animals that you can see in Etosha National Park also inhabit Ongava. In particular, there’s a good chance that you’ll see lion, elephant, black and white rhino, zebra, giraffe, gemsbok and more. There’s also a large number of antelope present in the reserve, including wildebeest, black-faced impala, red hartebeest, waterbuck, eland, greater kudu and klipspringer. The birdlife is similarly varied, with many of Etosha’s 340 recorded species also possible here, depending on the time of year.

Scenery

Ongava is like a smaller version of Etosha, with arid plains, smaller salt lakes and dry woodlands. There are lots of waterholes that are popular with animals during the Dry season (May to October), and they also draw rhinos after dark. Most of the lodges in the reserve overlook at least one of the waterholes.

Activities

Guided game drives are the main activity in the reserve. These will be organized by your tour operator, or through your lodge or tented camp. Self-guided game drives are not permitted. Visitors on a self-drive safari must drive to a designated pickup point, where you’ll have to leave your vehicle. Guided night drives, nature walks and walking safaris are also possible in Ongava.

Weather & Climate

The weather and climate of Ongava is similar to that of Etosha National Park. More info:

• Weather & Climate – Etosha NP

Best Time To Visit

Ongava is at its best during the Dry season (May to October), with fine conditions and cool evenings. In an arid climate like Etosha’s, animals increasingly gather around the last remaining waterholes as the Dry season progresses, which makes them easier to spot. For birding, the best months are during the Wet season (November to April), when migrants from Eurasia and North Africa spend time in the area.

Getting There

You can only enter Ongava if you’re staying at one of the private lodges or tented camps within the reserve’s boundaries. If you’re self-driving, you may be met at the gate for a transfer to your accommodations. Most travelers arrive by road (usually 4WD vehicle) or by flying in a small plane into one of Ongava’s airstrips.

Health & Safety

Please read our malaria and vaccinations page for Namibia, and our general ‘Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions’ below for more info:

• Malaria & Vaccinations – Namibia
• Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions

Want To Visit Ongava GR?

Ongava Safaris

• Ongava Safaris & Tours
• Tour Operators for Ongava