Onguma Tented Camp is a beguiling mixture of sophistication and relaxation; elegance and the earth. It is this intriguing combination and the attention to detail that makes it, the ultimate safari chic accommodation in the Etosha National Park, in Namibia.
In the local Herero language, Onguma means, ‘the place you don’t want to leave’. With a stunning main building and seven tents providing private, exclusive accommodation; Onguma Tented Camp certainly lives up to its name.
An atmosphere of elegant dining prevails, complimented by the daily activities taking place around the watering hole; only ±60 meters away. The surrounding nature lends itself to long lazy afternoons, spent relaxing on the sofas in the lounge; while watching the wildlife pass by. And when things heat up; a gentle stroll to the pool; is all that is required. Sit and relax in the flowing waters; while enjoying a chilled drink. Alternatively, if a less strenuous activity is required; then relaxing on your patio while reading a good book; should provide you with all the exercise you may need.
The 7 x Luxury Safari Tents are situated around the waterhole. Each has air-conditioning, an indoor and outdoor shower, a bath and wood-fired hot tub. Such a romantic under canvas camp.
The tea & coffee station features a large SMEG fridge with state of the coffee station.
Accommodation overlooks the waterhole
The main guest area includes a reception area, a comfortable lounge, a rim flow swimming pool, a dining room, and a small safari shop; as well as an open fire pit to complement this classic camp. Free WiFi is available to guests.
Like the bush where soft air blows against sharp thorns; Onguma Tented Camp is a study in contrasts. Textures such as stone, suede, linen, and steel; create a setting that is sleek and modern. But also inherently of the earth. Inspired by a photograph of an Oryx on Etosha’s Fisher’s Pan, the interior echoes the colors of its natural surroundings. Grey, charcoal, black, white, and creams. Together with a touch of muted or unexpectedly bright green; add sophistication and earthiness to the atmosphere.
Children 12 years and over are welcome at Onguma Tented Camp and pay the full adult rate for accommodation.
The Dream Cruiser – A Romantic Adventure Sleep-Out
The Dream Cruiser is Onguma’s newest and most unique under the stars sleep-out experience. This sleep-out in the wilderness of the reserve is on a custom-built Land Cruiser. It features a full bathroom on the lower deck and a bedroom with a lounge area on the upper deck.
You will arrive in time to enjoy sundowners and take a tour of your overnight accommodation. A night on the Dream Cruiser calls for al fresco picnic-style dining. This is delivered to you by the chef. For you to enjoy as the evening turns to night and the stars dance in all their glory. A ranger is on call via two-way radio. So, make the most of this time and relax in the safety and complete comfort of this unique space.
After a good night’s rest, you can enjoy morning tea/coffee with homemade rusks. Before being collected for breakfast at the lodge.
A night under the stars on the Dream Cruiser
Activities from Onguma Nature Reserve
Morning and afternoon game drives in the Etosha National Park are a highlight. Sunset drives are offered on the Onguma Nature Reserve. Interpretive bush walks depart in the early morning after full safety briefings. With instructions on what you should do if you encounter wildlife while on foot. Learn how to identify spoor and droppings and get close to birds and animals.
There is also the Onkolo Hide; which is at a waterhole. Therefore, you get incredible sightings of birds and animals coming to drink from the scarce water source. A photographer’s dream.
Etosha game drives
Conservation & Sustainability
Onguma Anti-poaching Unit (APU)
The biggest threat that wildlife currently faces is poaching. This is due to the high value of rhino horn, ivory, and many other animal products. As a result, Onguma has a well trained, fully equipped Anti-Poaching Unit.
In 1993 Black Rhino numbers dropped by a staggering 96%. Namibia’s Ministry of Environment and Tourism decided to take matters into their own hands. And set up the ambitious Black Rhino Custodianship Program. To bring the world’s black rhino populations back from the brink.
Since then, all Black rhinos in Namibia are state-owned. The concept of Namibia’s Black Rhino Custodianship Program is that breeding populations of Black Rhino are relocated to a suitable habitat. Where the landholders are willing and able to undertake the responsibility of providing care and security to them. Onguma Game Reserve has been chosen to be one of these custodians. And they take their duty to the rhino and other wildlife very seriously. The Reserve is also home to White Rhino’s. Ensuring both species’ survival for future generations.
Visiting Onguma is not only about experiencing wildlife in a natural environment. But more importantly, it is about helping to protect it.
Social Responsibility
Strategic plans were made to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the Onguma Nature Reserve to benefit the local community. Along with several other important factors, the founder of Onguma foresaw that the major threat to sustainability would be hunger.
Therefore; Oshivelo Farming was founded in August 2012. This creates jobs on a large scale for the Oshivelo community. Oshivelo Farming currently employs 180 previously unemployed local people permanently. Of which 80% are women. Up to 100 additional people are also employed seasonally.
Getting to Onguma Tented Camp
Access by Air
We can arrange a private charter to Onguma Airfield where you will be collected. Or to Mokuti Airstrip. A transfer fee is payable for this transfer.
Access by Road
Coming from southern Namibia, follow the B1 direction North/Etosha. Turn left onto the C38. After 25km you will reach Onguma Nature Reserve’s entrance on the right-hand side. Just before Etosha’s Namutoni entrance gate. Follow the signs to Onguma Tented Camp on a dirt road.
Coming from western Namibia, you will leave Etosha at the von Lindequist Gate, Namutoni. Turn left almost immediately at the entrance to Onguma Nature Reserve. Follow the signs to Onguma Tented Camp on a dirt road.
Onguma Tented Camp Accommodation Rates
Onguma Tented Camp Accommodation Rates 1st November 2023 until 31st October 2024
Safari Tents
Fully Inclusive Rate Per Person Sharing
N$ 8,970
Single Supplement
N$ 1,840
Onguma Tented Camp Accommodation Rates 1st November 2024 until 31st October 2025
Safari Tents
Fully Inclusive Rate Per Person Sharing
N$ 14,810
Single Supplement
N$ 3,040
The fully Inclusive (FI) rate includes: Accommodation, Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner, Bar and Mini Bar (beers, local spirits, soft drinks, water, and house wines) 2 x activities per night stayed – Sundowner Drive (on Onguma Reserve) and Etosha AM Game Drive. Transfer from and to the Onguma airstrip, VAT, Social Development Levy, and NTB tourism levy.
The above rates exclude the Rhino / Conservation Levy per person per night. This levy is utilized exclusively to guard and protect the Rhino population in Onguma Nature Reserve.
Onguma Tented Camp Accommodation Packages and Offers
Receive discounted rates on 2 or 3 night fully inclusive packages at Onguma Tented Camp. With flights from Windhoek – either From Hosea Kutako International Airport or Eros Airport.
Onguma Tented Camp Packages 1st November 2023 until 31st October 2024
From Hosea Kutako International Airport
From Eros Airport
2 nights
3 nights
2 nights
3 nights
1 person
N$ 54,520
N$ 65,820
N$ 50,500
N$ 61,510
2 people
N$ 33,320
N$ 42,000
N$ 31,310
N$ 39,850
3 people
N$ 28,340
N$ 37,180
N$ 27,000
N$ 35,750
4 people
N$ 24,290
N$ 32,440
N$ 23,280
N$ 31,360
Onguma Tented Camp Packages 1st November 2024 until 31st October 2025
From Hosea Kutako International Airport
From Eros Airport
2 nights
3 nights
2 nights
3 nights
1 person
N$ 73,170
N$ 93,920
N$ 69,700
N$ 89,700
2 people
N$ 46,590
N$ 61,970
N$ 44,860
N$ 59,860
3 people
N$ 41,180
N$ 56,490
N$ 40,020
N$ 55,080
4 people
N$ 35,890
N$ 49,870
N$ 35,020
N$ 48,820
Includes: Return flights from either Hosea Kutako or Eros airports in Windhoek. Accommodation, Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner, Bar and Mini Bar (beers, local spirits, soft drinks, water, and house wines) 2 x activities per night stayed – Sundowner Drive (on Onguma Reserve) and Etosha AM Game Drive. All activities are available subject to time restrictions and availability. Transfer from and to the Mokuti & Onguma airstrip, VAT, Social Development Levy and NTB tourism levy.
If booking 3 or more nights at Onguma we will include a Bush Dinner free of charge. Also, if a couple books a full body massage, you get an extra free scalp or foot massage to the value of N$525
Valid for couples who have been married in the last 6 months and provide a marriage certificate.
