Northern Namibia
Anderssons at Ongava
Anderssons at Ongava is a luxurious eco-retreat located on the edge of Etosha National Park in Namibia. Each suite is crafted with natural stone and wood, featuring a curved roof and glass frontage that allows for breathtaking views of the surrounding bush. Guests can enjoy private decks with 180-degree panoramas, as well as en suite facilities that include both indoor and outdoor showers.
The lodge’s social areas are equally impressive, with an open-air dining space, a sunken observation terrace, and an infinity pool overlooking a well-frequented waterhole. For photography enthusiasts, the sunken wildlife hide offers a unique, water-level perspective of any visitors thirsty for a drink.
What sets Anderssons at Ongava apart is its commitment to conservation and education. The lodge is home to the Ongava Research Centre, a hub for scientific exploration and ecological studies. Visitors can explore the interactive exhibits at the adjoining Visitor Centre, gaining insights into the region’s flora, fauna, and the ongoing efforts to balance human needs with environmental preservation.
Facilities
Complimentary Wi-Fi, undercover social area, open-air dining space, spacious lounge with open fireplaces, bar, infinity edge swimming pool with waterhole views, water level wildlife photography hide adjacent to waterhole, curio shop, library, gas heaters for during winter.
The Ongava Research Centre and the Discovery Centre are on-site.
Each of the nine suites have 220V power points, air-conditioning, en suite bathroom, separate WC, double indoor shower, outdoor shower, double wash basin, mosquito net, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer and electronic safe.
There is one family suite which consists of two adjacent twin/double rooms.
Local Wildlife
Mammals: black rhino, white rhino, elephant, lion, leopard, springbok, gemsbok, wildebeest, Burchell's zebra, Hartmann's mountain zebra, waterbuck, red hartebeest, giraffe, eland, black-faced impala.
Birds: (over 340 species recorded) ostrich, kori bustard, white-tailed shrike, short-toed rock thrush, Rüppell's parrot, greater kestrel, Namaqua sandgrouse, double-banded courser, yellow-bellied eremomela, spike-heeled lark, acacia pied barbet.
Optional Activities
Day and night game drives in Ongava Game Reserve, half and full day (with picnic) excursions into Etosha National Park, guided nature walks in Ongava Game Reserve, rhino tracking, stargazing, photography hide, Ongava Research Centre and Planetarium.
Alan Godwin
Area Specialist
If you have any questions regarding our Namibia tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
This was our second visit to Namibia in just over 12 months, with Reef and Rainforest and our seventh consecutive wildlife trip with them. I think that speaks for itself. This year we were particularly keen to try and observe some desert adapted Lions. The Lions found in ‘The Namib Desert’ are genetically identical to those found in the rest of Southern Africa but have adapted to live in one of the harshest environments on earth. They number around 150 and have a huge range, and are rarely seen. They came to prominence in the outstanding documentary film ‘Vanishing Kings’. The best chance of observing members of this subset of Lions is during a stay at Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, although sightings cannot be guaranteed and weeks can pass by without any success. Therefore a stay at this camp was at the heart of our itinerary and we were very lucky to spend time with a Lioness and her niece who had killed an Oryx in the conservancy. The camp itself is absolutely outstanding in every respect and the location is just spectacular.
Visitors should be aware that this is not ‘The Serengeti’ and that the wildlife is quite thin on the ground. However you would have to be very unlucky not to see Elephant, Giraffe and several other species. Whilst we were out in the desert we were lucky to bump in to Dr P. Stander who has dedicated the whole of his adult life to the conservation of The Desert Lion, what a thrill. The day trip out to the coast was pretty special as well.
The rest of the itinerary worked very well and we were very pleased to have three full days in Etosha N.P. where we recorded 25 mammal species, including 32 individual Lions, observed the aftermath of 4 zebra kills, 11 Rhinoceros (both Black & White), an African Wildcat and the rarely seen in Etosha, elusive Leopard.
So a big thank you to ALL at Reef and Rainforest, another highly successful trip, you certainly delivered again.
