Onguma Safari Camps
Luxury Lodges on the Edge of Etosha National Park
Bordering the eastern edge of Namibia’s world-famous Etosha National Park, Onguma Safari Camps invites travellers to experience the perfect balance of wilderness, comfort, and purpose. Spanning 35,970 hectares of private wilderness, Onguma is a haven for wildlife and people alike, offering five lodges, two campsites, and a range of safari experiences that capture the essence of Namibia. As an official Black Rhino Custodian, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism Namibia, Onguma plays an active role in protecting one of Africa’s most endangered species while giving guests the opportunity to connect meaningfully with conservation in action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to come on safari?
The best time to visit Onguma and Etosha is between April and September, when the weather is cooler and wildlife sightings peak. May to July are dry and crisp; October to February are hotter, ideal for photography, young animals, and dramatic thunderstorms, also a great shoulder season with fewer crowds and better rates.
Is Onguma Nature Reserve situated near Etosha National Park?
Yes. The Onguma Nature Reserve entrance is just 500 metres from Etosha’s Von Lindequist /Namutoni’s Gate on the eastern side. Onguma borders Etosha but operates separately, offering the same wildlife, guided experiences, and ethical viewing with a maximum of three vehicles per sighting.
How does one get to Onguma Safari Camps from Windhoek?
From Windhoek, follow the B1 road north until the Tsumeb turn-off. The drive takes about 5½ hours on well-maintained tar roads. The final 12 km into Onguma is on a smooth dirt road, no 4×4 required.
How long should one stay at Onguma?
We recommend a minimum stay of two nights to enjoy at least two guided activities. Most guests wish they had booked three nights to fully experience all that Onguma’s 35,970-hectare reserve has to offer. True to its name, Onguma means “the place you don’t want to leave.”
What if I have specific dietary requirements?
We happily cater for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-intolerant, and allergy-sensitive guests. If you have unique requirements, please let us know before arrival and our chefs will gladly accommodate you.
What clothing should we pack for safari?
Pack layers, as temperatures shift quickly. Choose neutral colours and comfortable closed shoes for walking safaris. Essentials include a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, camera, and binoculars. In winter, add a scarf, gloves, and beanie for early morning drives.
What is the difference between national parks and private nature reserves?
In national parks like Etosha, visitors self-drive during set hours. On private reserves such as Onguma, only in-house guests enjoy safaris with professional guides who limit sightings to a few vehicles, ensuring an ethical, educational, and intimate wildlife experience.
Is the water safe to drink at Onguma?
Yes. Tap water is safe but has a naturally high mineral content that gives it a distinct “Namibian character.” For those who prefer a milder taste, purified mineral water is available at all camps.
Is Onguma a malaria-free area?
Onguma lies in a low malaria-risk area. Most travellers don’t require strong medication, but we recommend consulting your doctor about suitable precautions before visiting Namibia.
Unforgettable Safaris & World-Class Stays
From thrilling game drives to moments of absolute tranquillity, Onguma offers adventure, romance, and rest in equal measure. Guests can explore the neighbouring Etosha National Park, proclaimed a protected area in 1907 and home to four of the Big Five, on expertly guided day trips led by Onguma’s knowledgeable guides. Back at camp, each lodge offers its own interpretation of luxury, culminating in Camp Kala, one of Namibia’s finest five-star safari lodges, where elevated architecture, private plunge pools, and attentive butler service redefine the modern safari experience.
Let's Plan Your Stay
Whether you dream of an exclusive couples’ retreat, a family adventure, or an immersive conservation journey, Onguma’s team will help craft your perfect safari experience.
Key Highlights of Onguma Safari Camps
1. Exclusive Private Reserve Bordering Etosha
Onguma Nature Reserve spans 35,970 hectares and sits directly adjacent to the eastern border of Etosha National Park — offering guests an immersive wilderness experience with privacy and fewer crowds.
2.Ultra-Luxury Safari at Camp Kala
Launched in 2022, Camp Kala is an ultra-exclusive lodge with only four suites, blending discreet butler service, private plunge pools, raised decks, and impeccable design by Nick Plewman Architects and Fox Browne Creative.
3. Black Rhino Custodianship & Conservation Partnership
Onguma is a registered Black Rhino Custodian, working in collaboration with Namibia’s Ministry of Environment & Tourism to protect endangered rhinos, fund anti-poaching, and support vital wildlife conservation.
4. Diverse Experiences & Ethical Wildlife Access
Guests enjoy a wide array of curated experiences (game drives, bush walks, hide-based viewing, spa treatments) within Onguma’s reserve and into Etosha National Park. A limiting number of vehicles per sighting are allowed, to ensure ethical wildlife viewing.
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Latest News
The green season at Onguma and Etosha offers a quieter, more atmospheric safari experience marked by lush landscapes, newborn wildlife, and dramatic skies. With fewer visitors and exclusive access on a private reserve, summer reveals a softer, more intimate side of Namibia’s most iconic wilderness.
“We must have missed the birth by minutes. The tiny calf was still curled tightly on the ground, slick and wet from the world it had just left. The mother worked fast, cleaning him and removing every sign of the birth. Out here, any scent can draw the wrong attention. Predators are hungry at the end of the long winter dry season, and newborns are unbelievably vulnerable…”
'Beyond The Dust' Wins Gold at ITFFA Awards 2025
‘Beyond the Dust – A Tourism Conservation Success Story’ has won a Gold award in the Category Wildlife & Conservation Films, part of the International Tourism Film Festival Africa 2025
The festival’s seventh edition drew 448 entries from 60 countries. A diverse jury panel of 48, which brought together professionals with expertise in Marketing, Tourism, and Audio-visual, was dedicated to evaluating the audio-visual productions and selecting the winners.
