Safari Holidays to South Africa and Namibia for independent travellers.

Check-In and Check-Out Times

Rooms may be occupied from 12 midday on the day of arrival. If possible, aim to arrive at the lodge around this time, so you can check into your room and relax before your first afternoon game drive, but if you don't think you can arrive by this time, you should aim to arrive by 3 pm at the very latest, or else you may miss the afternoon drive.

Rooms must please be vacated by 10 am on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests.

Published Rates Include

FI Basis: All meals, drinks on game drives, local drinks (including house wine, soft drinks and juice, mineral water, local beers, and some spirits) and activities are included.
DBB Basis: Breakfast and dinner only. Game drives can be arranged at an additional cost.

The rates exclude all imported and premier drinks and liquors (including South African bottled wine), telephone, if applicable, curios and child minding, any road or air transfers to and from the lodge, all airport taxes and applicable entrance fees.

Children Policy

Children aged 8 years and older are welcome. Rates available on request.

Other Useful Information

Game drives in search of animals in their natural habitat are conducted in specially customized open Land Rovers, seating up to 9 guests, providing comfort and safety. If you have a particular species you would like to see, please mention it to your ranger - he will be happy to merge your plans into the group.

Please note: For safety reasons, children under the age of 12 years will not be allowed on walks and children between 12 years and 16 years will only be allowed on walks at the discretion of the guide.

Etosha is Namibia's premier game viewing destination, large herds of plains game concentrate around the waterholes in the dry season and makes for exciting game viewing. Species that can be seen year round include Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Springbok, Oryx, Kudu and the Diminutive Damara Dik-Dik. Birdlife is also good with Ostrich and raptors in abundance. Local specials include the Short-toed Rockthrush, Haulaubs Francolin, Rockrunner, Ruppells Parrot, White-tailed Shrike and Chestnut Weaver.

Ongava Game reserve is one of the few private game reserves in Southern Africa where you have a chance of seeing both Black and White Rhino. The reserve also has a good population of Lion, Eland, Mountain Zebra, Black Faced Impala and a number of other antelope species.

We would like to recommend a few items that we suggest you take along:

Cotton clothing in neutral colours is recommended and keep whites to a minimum, as white attracts certain bugs at night. Shorts are ideal for walks and the warm midday periods.

Comfortable walking shoes, track shoes or boots are advisable if you want to go on a bush walk - otherwise sandals are ideal to wear at meals and within the lodge area.

Sun block / sun hat / sunglasses / lip balm are a good idea when out on game drives in the sun. Insect repellent - Peaceful Sleep is a recommended brand which can be purchased in South Africa.

Cameras, binoculars and your favourite film - the lodge does sell all types of film so if you run out, it's not serious, but prices may be high. Video camera and a spare battery (batteries can be recharged in your room or at Reception).

It is customary to tip your guide and tracker when you leave, and also leave something for the housekeeping staff, especially if they have done an exceptional job of looking after you. What you leave is totally at your own discretion, but the Lodge Manager will generally give you a guideline if you ask him / her.

SUGGESTED DAILY ACTIVITY SCHEDULE:

Below is only a suggestion as to what may happen in camp - as daily wildlife sightings tend to throw the schedule right out of schedule.

5.30 am - Wake up, full English and continental buffet breakfast
6.10 am - Depart for Etosha (15 minute drive to the gate)
12 midday - Return to the lodge for lunch
4 pm - Tea with snacks
4.30 pm - Depart on nature drive on Ongava property with sundowners
8 pm - Dinner - served on an elevated deck under the stars overlooking a floodlit waterhole. Dinner is buffet style serving international cuisine and also local game dishes

Return to the main property page for Ongava Lodge.