Onguma – The Fort is a luxury safari camp on the eastern border of Etosha National Park. Overlooking Etosha and Fisher’s Pan. From here experience great game viewing, romance, tranquility, and adventure!
The Fort is unlike any other, the only one of its kind. Built in exactly the right spot to give guests one of the best sunset views in the whole of Namibia. In addition, it overlooks the beautiful scarceness of the Etosha Pans. Decorated only with its wild animals and hundreds of Camelthorn trees. Upon arriving at The Fort, you will be received; not only by the friendly staff; but also by massive raw walls, stunning stone-clad features, and a huge tower. With views toward Etosha and Fisher’s Pan. The Fort will surprise you at every corner. A classical African feel combined with a touch of Moroccan and Indian flavors. Characterized by a selection of the most beautiful antique windows and doors.
The main guest area consists of a lounge, two dining areas, a small safari shop, a tower bar. As well as a swimming pool. There is free WiFi in the main areas and in all rooms.
Onguma – The Fort is also home to a wonderful Spa that has an excellent reputation.
An overview of Onguma – The Fort in Etosha National Park
Onguma – The Fort Accommodation
Accommodation consists of 11 x Bush Suites, 1 x Honeymoon Suite as well as 1 x Sultan Suite. Every Bush Suite is completely private and about 50 meters apart from one another. They all have a bar fridge and also an air-conditioner for those warmer days. The spacious bathroom has both an inside shower as well as an outside shower area. From every area of the room, wooden decks lead you towards the outside seating area and sun loungers. For just relaxing and enjoying the extraordinary view. The Bush and Honeymoon Suites have fireplaces for the winter months and air coolers for the summer months. Each Bush and Honeymoon Suite has an indoor and outdoor shower and views that will enchant.
Bush Suite accommodation
The main difference between the bush and Honeymoon suites is that Honeymoon Suite has the added luxury of a lounge, TV, and an outside bath. Heaven on earth!
Honeymoon Suite with outdoor bath
In addition, the one and only Sultan Suite is found inside the Main Tower of the main complex. For guests who want a little more luxury. It has a large beautifully designed bedroom. That leads into a lounge area and out onto a small private viewing deck. The lounge has a satellite television system, a bar fridge, and telephone facilities. And for those warm evenings, you have an air conditioner as well. The large bathroom has a wonderful open shower area. As well as a bath; in which to relax and reflect upon your day’s experiences.
Sultan Suite at The Fort
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. Featuring 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 romantic adventure in Etosha
Etosha Family Safaris at Onguma – The Fort
Onguma The Fort is unfenced and for safety reasons, therefore; no children under the age of 7 years are allowed. Kids from 7 to 11 years of age sharing with adults, pay 50% of the adult rates.
Children under 10 years old are not permitted on scheduled game drives. You need to book a private game drive at an extra cost. They are subject to availability and should be booked in advance.
Activities from Onguma Nature Reserve
Game Drives are in the morning and afternoon into Etosha National Park. In addition, sunset drives are offered on the Onguma Nature Reserve. A great way to get a new perspective is to experience a safari on foot. These depart in the early morning after full safety briefings; should you encounter wildlife; which is frequent. Learn how to identify spoor and droppings and get close to birds and animals. This is a ‘must-do’ activity.
Lion in EtoshaLeopard
There is also a fantastic safari offering at Onguma at 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.
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. There has been an increase in the sophistication of the methods used by poachers. 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. With the aim to bring the world’s black rhino populations back from the brink.
Since then, all Black Rhino 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 have 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 on a permanent basis. Of which 80% are women. Up to 100 additional people are also employed seasonally.
Getting to Onguma – The Fort
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 The Fort 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 The Fort on a dirt road.
Dinner, Bed, and Breakfast Rates
Rates are valid from 1st November 2023 until 31st October 2024.
Onguma – The Fort Dinner, Bed and Breakfast Rates
Per Person Sharing
Single Supplement
Children 7 – 11 years
Bush Suites
N$ 8,120
N$ 2,710
N$ 4,060
Sultan Suite
N$ 9,890
N$ 3,010
N$ 4,945
Honeymoon Suite
N$ 11,340
N$ 5,700
N$ 5,670
A lot of self-drive clients prefer to use the Dinner, Bed, and Breakfast (DBB) rates. As they will be using their vehicle for game drives, etc. Lunch packs can be arranged for you to take with you on your day’s adventure. Alternatively, arrange activities with the lodge on arrival.
The DBB rate also includes transfer from and to the Onguma airstrip, VAT, Social Development Levy, and NTB tourism levy.
Onguma – The Fort Fully Inclusive Rates
Per Person Sharing
Single Supplement
Children 7 – 11 years
Bush Suites
N$ 11,590
N$ 2,710
N$ 5,795
Sultan Suite
N$ 13,360
N$ 3,010
N$ 6,680
Honeymoon Suite
N$ 14,810
N$ 5,700
N$ 7,405
The fully inclusive (FI) rate includes: Accommodation, Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner (4 courses), 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. Other activities are available subject to time restrictions and availability. These include interpretive bush walks, Onkolo Hide and afternoon Etosha game drive. Transfer from and to the Onguma airstrip, VAT, Social Development Levy, and NTB tourism levy.
*This is compulsory and is utilized exclusively to guard and protect the rhino population on the reserve. This is currently N$150 per person per night.
Onguma The Fort Accommodation Package and Offers
Receive discounted rates on a 3-night dinner, bed, and breakfast package at Onguma The Fort.
Onguma – The Fort 3-Night Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Package
Per Person Sharing for 3 nights
Children 7 – 11 years
Bush Suites
N$ 19,386
N$ 9,693
Sultan Suite
N$ 23,388
N$ 11,694
Honeymoon Suite
N$ 27,318
N$ 13,659
The single rate for the 3-night package is based on the above single supplement on dinner, bed, and breakfast.
The Rhino Levy is payable for all three nights. Add on as many or few activities as you like.
Honeymoon Package
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.
2 and 3 night Fly In Safari Packages are also available. Ask us about these as rates are dependent on number of people.
