Guest Reviews

“Tip Top Marks”
Margaret Allen, Hiuston, Texas via Tripadvisor.com

"OMG is all I can say. We stayed here only one night and did not take any game drives BUT that being said, the stay was fantastic and I wish we had more time. The tented rooms are large and comfortable. Two luggage spaces, two clothes hanging areas, lots of counter space for your stuff, three places to bathe (outdoor shower, indoor shower and huge tub), super comfy beds, oddly no mosquito net, luxe linens and soaps. No internet. The public area is an outdoor living room and bar, very stylish decor. There is a seating area around the firepit (even the dirt is raked in an artistic pattern - there is such attention to detail), nice for evening drinks. Evening is very romantic with candles in the rooms and public areas. The entire facility overlooks the waterhole. Top marks to the chef, best food we had in 11 days in Namibia. The set menu didn't appeal to two of the four diners in our party and something else was easily arranged and delicious. Onguma is located immediately outside the eastern gate of Etosha; there is a short ride to get to the different camps/lodges on the Onguma property. Can't say enough good things about our stay here."

“The most beautiful bush lodge I've ever stayed at”

Reviewed April 3, 2013

My husband and I stayed for 3x nights at the Fort and I cannot rave enough about this lodge. Firstly, it is breathtakingly beautiful and very unexpected in the middle of the bush. The architecture and décor are perfect and the best part of the lodge is that there are no fences or guardrails anywhere, so you are literally "in" the bush - but with amazing luxury as well. We were upgraded to the honeymoon suite on arrival and adored our suite, since it is the furthest away from the main lodge; which makes it the quietest, but also the nearest to the pride of lions that live (and walk around outside the suite) at night. Going to sleep with lions roaring nearby is such a special experience and we loved the feeling of openness and naturalness of living in the bush.

The general manager, Stefan, was wonderful - nothing was too much trouble. We were also served by Kalomho, who seemed to be our own private butler and gave us magnificent service at every meal. At each mealtime, the chef comes and personally presents the menu - what a treat and such a lovely touch. The food is excellent and there is a fabulous wine list. We also never saw anyone who cleaned our suite - the staff are all so well trained, they are almost invisible and you never feel their presence. We also had David as our guide, who took us on drives to both Onguma reserve itself, which is beautiful and unspoiled and Etosha, which was also incredible.

My husband and I travel extensively and I can honestly say this was one of the best places we have ever stayed - so magical and peaceful and mystical. An absolute must for the bucket list.

“Absolutely incredible, cannot recommend this place enough!”
The Meerkats, Cape Town, South Africa

"We stayed for 2 nights in March 2012 and absolutely loved it! The lodge is built in the Moroccan style with water features and towers, like a real fort. The reception was amazing, we had our hands washed and enjoyed a welcome drink. The views from the main area are great, there's a busy waterhole directly in front of the lodge where we saw zebra, giraffe and wildebeest come to drink.

The rooms were so luxurious, huge bed with mosquito net, well-equipped bathroom with his and hers basins, patio with outdoor shower and just so much attention to detail. Complimentary sherry in the rooms, special towels to clean your shoes (so you don't mess up the white ones), at turndown we received a rolled up page with an African tale printed on it and placed on the bed.

And now for the food: again, incredible! I'm talking fine dining here, the presentation is excellent and the dinners were 4 course, lunches 3 course with an extensive buffet for breakfast. There's a wine cellar and you can choose your own wines if you'd like. Stephan, the manager was great and presented a tasting comprising mostly of South African wines. We really looked forward to mealtimes here!

Our game drives were great, not fantastic game viewing as it was the rainy season with lots of water around. But loved the sundowners at a scenic spot. The lodge has a lovely pool with sun loungers - there's even a cocktail bar with tables and chairs placed inside the shallow pool! In short, will not hesitate to recommend this to everyone I know. Excellent service - excellent food - luxurious rooms - an insanely capable management team. Keep up the good work!"

Stayed March 2012, traveled as a couple

“Treetop Experience Not To Be Missed”

Having driven from the west of Etosha right through the National Park to the east, we were intrigued by the thought of staying in a treetop tent. On the way we saw great fire devastation, enormous expansive salt flats and hundreds of animals varying from the striped mongoose to our first sight of the most beautiful grown lion. The journey was just inspiring.

The track towards the end of the park turns to a made up road which feels strange to drive along after the tracks to which we had become accustomed. The treetop camp is situated just outside the park and lies about twelve kilometers from the main road, along a sand track which borders the the fence line of Etosha National Park.

The gate person must have alerted the staff of our arrival for we were greeted by our helpers, the chef and our guide, who had warm smiles, cold refresher towels and refreshing drinks ready for us.. After a quick introduction to the facilities and safaris that we could enjoy, we were taken along the wooden walk way to our treetop tent, overlooking a natural waterhole.

The facilities are unique, very comfortable with wondrous views. Do have a look at the web page, it tells no lies, and in reality we were delighted by the whole experience.

After having settled ourselves we sat with drinks which were brought to us whilst we watched the sun go down. On arrival at our dining room a fire had been lit out on a huge deck area, so that we could watch the waterhole, under false moonlight whilst we had per-diner drinks. At breakfast time our table was placed beside another fire of which we wre deeply gratefull since until the suns rays became warmer, it was decidedly chilly.

The food was delicious, every meal cooked just for us with service second to none. Isaac our chef was only to happy to please and indeed he certainly did please us. We felt very welcome and overly spoiled by the personal service they gave us. Although there are treetop units for four couples we wre the only people there and this made the experience even more personal and enjoyable.

Lots of animals and birds visited the waterhole, some of them so close that we felt that we could have touched them.

Could we fault our stay, the accommodation, the food, the service? Decidedly not ...it was a unique and not to be missed experience. Thank you all so much.

“Perfect Part of an Etosha Visit”

AC from Washington, Washington DC, USA via Tripadvisor.com

"We went in Feb during rainy season, and boy was it! But that didn't hamper one of the best holidays we've had. Bush camp is superb in every aspect: accommodations, food, hospitality, and, most important, the safaris. Unbelievably knowledgeable staff and guides - flora, fauna, history, culture - whatever your interests, the Onguma team will make it happen.

Proximity to Etosha is a big plus. Onguma reserve is cool and when combined with excursions into Etosha and down time by the pool we had a near-perfect experience. Take advantage of sunsets and dinner at the Fort...a quick ride from Bush Camp. Our little lodge was awesome. Clean, comfortable...more amenities than I ever expected in Africa.

Fabulous experience. We're going back with kids next time!"