- Location: Private reserve on Etosha’s southern boundary, about 9 km (15 minutes) from Andersson’s Gate
- Size: Roughly 30,000 hectares with four camps: Ongava Lodge, Anderssons at Ongava, Encounter by Ongava and Horizon by Ongava
- From: NAD 11,800 per person sharing, full board (Ongava Lodge, 2026)
- Mandatory levy: Conservation fee NAD 1,200 per person per day (children NAD 600), billed separately at every camp
- Best for: Combining Etosha game drives with private-reserve freedoms such as night drives and guided walks
Ongava Game Reserve is a private reserve of roughly 30,000 hectares that shares a fence line with Etosha National Park. Its entrance sits just off the C38, the tarred road to Andersson’s Gate, so guests reach the park in about 15 minutes.
The reserve carries four camps at four price points, from the classic 14-chalet Ongava Lodge to three exclusive-use villas at Horizon by Ongava. What unites them is the combination most visitors want: full days inside Etosha, then activities the national park cannot offer, including night drives and walks with armed guides.
Why stay on Ongava Game Reserve
- Two safaris in one. Guides run excursions into Etosha through Andersson’s Gate by day, then night drives and guided walks back on the private reserve, where park rules do not apply.
- Rhino country. Waterholes in front of the camps are frequented by rhino, and approaching big game on foot with a walking guide is a signature of the reserve.
- Serious research credentials. The reserve hosts the independently funded Ongava Research Centre, with a visitor centre at Anderssons that documents the wildlife and conservation story.
- Location. Okaukuejo and the western side of the Etosha Pan are within easy reach, and the drive from Windhoek is on tar the whole way.
The four Ongava camps
Ongava Lodge
The original camp: 14 rock-and-thatch chalets along a dolomite ridge, looking down on a floodlit waterhole with its own photographic hide. It is the reserve’s most accessible option and a strong first-safari base. From NAD 11,800 per person sharing, full board (fully inclusive NAD 17,300).
Read the full Ongava Lodge page →
Anderssons at Ongava
Eight contemporary stone-and-glass suites beside the Ongava Research Centre, with an underground photographic hide at the camp waterhole and a live waterhole feed in every room. Built for photographers and guests who want the science behind the safari. From NAD 23,400 per person sharing, fully inclusive.
Read the full Anderssons at Ongava page →
Encounter by Ongava (formerly Ongava Tented Camp)
Nine tents in an unfenced corner of the reserve, reopened in February 2026 after a full rebuild and rebrand. This is the closest Ongava gets to a classic under-canvas camp, with wildlife moving freely past the tents. From NAD 17,300 per person sharing, fully inclusive.
Enquire about Encounter by Ongava →
Horizon by Ongava (formerly Little Ongava)
Three villas on the crest of the ridge, each with a private pool, and every booking includes a sole-use guide and vehicle. It is the reserve’s flagship and suits families or couples who want a safari run entirely on their own clock. From NAD 50,800 per person sharing, fully inclusive.
Enquire about Horizon by Ongava →
Ongava rates and the conservation fee (2026)
| Camp | Season | 2026 from-rate (per person sharing) |
|---|---|---|
| Ongava Lodge | 11 Jan 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 | NAD 11,800 full board / NAD 17,300 fully inclusive |
| Anderssons at Ongava | 11 Jan 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 | NAD 23,400 fully inclusive |
| Encounter by Ongava | 11 Jan 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 | NAD 17,300 fully inclusive |
| Horizon by Ongava | 11 Jan 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 | NAD 50,800 fully inclusive |
Fully inclusive rates cover meals, two guided activities per day, Etosha park fees, local drinks, laundry and VAT. On top of any rate, Ongava charges a mandatory conservation fee of NAD 1,200 per person per day (children NAD 600), billed separately; it funds the reserve’s protection work.
Published 2026 rack rates from the lodge’s official rate sheet. We confirm live availability and any specials when you enquire.
Getting to Ongava
From Windhoek, take the B1 north through Okahandja and Otjiwarongo, then the C38 through Outjo towards Andersson’s Gate; the reserve entrance is signposted off the C38 shortly before the gate. Allow four and a half to five hours, all on tar. See our Etosha park gates guide for gate hours and entry formalities.
Check availability on Ongava Game Reserve
We are an independent Namibian booking agent and arrange stays at all four Ongava camps, including Encounter and Horizon. Tell us your dates and party below and we will reply within 24 hours (Mon–Fri 8:00–17:00 CAT) with availability and one clear recommendation.