Ongava Private Game Reserve

Adjacent to Etosha National Park, Ongava is one of Namibia's premier private reserves, offering exclusive safari experiences. It's particularly famous for...

Ongava Private Game Reserve at a Glance

Location
Etosha & Central North, Namibia, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-19.342962, 15.797958
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Low
Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry winter) for Etosha wildlife. Year-round for Sossusvlei and the Skeleton Coast.

Safari Activities in Ongava Private Game Reserve

  • Game drives
  • Walking safaris
  • Hide viewing
  • Educational experiences at Discovery Centre
  • Wildlife photography
  • Sundowners

Getting to Ongava Private Game Reserve

Nearest airport: Tsumeb Airport (TSB), 203 km away.

Nearest international airport: Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH), 390 km away.

Big Five in Ongava Private Game Reserve

5 of the Big Five can be found here: Black Rhinoceros, Lion, Leopard Tortoise, White Rhinoceros, Leopard.

Weather & Climate in Ongava Private Game Reserve

The warmest temperatures in Ongava Private Game Reserve occur in October, averaging 27.6°C (up to 35.0°C). The coolest conditions are in June at 18.1°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in June with average rainfall of 0.0mm. Average humidity: 27.7%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 25.0°C (rainfall: 99.4mm)
  • February: 25.5°C (rainfall: 80.6mm)
  • March: 25.4°C (rainfall: 53.4mm)
  • April: 24.6°C (rainfall: 10.8mm)
  • May: 21.9°C (rainfall: 1.5mm)
  • June: 18.1°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • July: 18.5°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • August: 21.7°C (rainfall: 0.7mm)
  • September: 25.6°C (rainfall: 0.1mm)
  • October: 27.6°C (rainfall: 0.9mm)
  • November: 27.6°C (rainfall: 17.3mm)
  • December: 27.3°C (rainfall: 31.9mm)

Best Time to Visit Ongava Private Game Reserve

The best months to visit Ongava Private Game Reserve are April, May, June, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 24.99°C, rainfall 99.4mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 52.3%
  • February: Great, temperature 25.46°C, rainfall 80.6mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 51.4%
  • March: Great, temperature 25.37°C, rainfall 53.4mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 50.7%
  • April: Great, temperature 24.62°C, rainfall 10.8mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 40.6%
  • May: Great, temperature 21.95°C, rainfall 1.5mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 27.9%
  • June: Great, temperature 18.13°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 27.7%
  • July: Great, temperature 18.48°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 23.6%
  • August: Great, temperature 21.73°C, rainfall 0.7mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 19.4%
  • September: Great, temperature 25.55°C, rainfall 0.1mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 17.7%
  • October: Great, temperature 27.64°C, rainfall 0.9mm, sunshine 11.8 hrs, humidity 20%
  • November: Great, temperature 27.58°C, rainfall 17.3mm, sunshine 12.1 hrs, humidity 28.3%
  • December: Great, temperature 27.29°C, rainfall 31.9mm, sunshine 12 hrs, humidity 31.7%

Wildlife in Ongava Private Game Reserve

Home to 90 recorded species including 25 iconic birds, 25 birds of prey, 13 waterbirds, 6 antelope & gazelle, 5 big five, 5 tropical birds.

Recommended Packing List for Ongava Private Game Reserve

Based on average temperature of 24.1°C, typical conditions, humidity 33%.

  • Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 24°C weather calls for light fabrics
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Ongava Private Game Reserve

22 safari lodges available.

Other

ultra-luxury

luxury

Similar Parks in Etosha & Central North

Visitor Tips - Ongava Private Game Reserve

We find Ongava's unique position bordering Etosha National Park, combined with its own thriving private reserve, offers an unparalleled safari experience. The strategically placed hides, especially at Ongava Lodge, provide intimate, unhurried wildlife viewing opportunities that are truly exceptional, allowing for incredible photography and deep immersion. Don't miss the educational insights at the Ongava Discovery Centre, which adds a valuable layer to your understanding of conservation efforts.

Gate Times

We recommend confirming specific game drive departure and return times with your lodge, as these are tailored to animal activity and guest preferences. Access to the reserve is exclusively for guests staying at one of Ongava's lodges or camps, so your booking serves as your entry permit. There are no public access gates; all movements are managed internally by your lodge.

Tipping

We suggest tipping your safari guide separately, typically around 10-20 USD per guest per day, as they are central to your experience. For general camp staff, a communal tip box is often available, and we recommend 5-10 USD per guest per day. It's always appreciated to tip in local currency (Namibian Dollars) or US Dollars.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Namibia

Travel advisory for Namibia

Ongava Private Game Reserve FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit Ongava Private Game Reserve for optimal wildlife viewing, especially rhinos?

The dry season, from May to October, is generally considered the best time to visit Ongava. During these months, water sources diminish, concentrating animals, including Ongava's famous rhinos, around the reserve's permanent waterholes for easier viewing. The cooler, drier weather also makes for more comfortable game drives and walking safaris.

How does the safari experience at Ongava differ from visiting the adjacent Etosha National Park?

While Ongava is adjacent to Etosha, it offers a significantly more exclusive and private safari experience with fewer vehicles and the unique privilege of off-road driving, which is not permitted in Etosha. This allows for more intimate and unhurried wildlife encounters, particularly with its renowned black and white rhino populations, and a greater sense of wilderness immersion. Guests also benefit from guided walking safaris and educational experiences at the Discovery Centre, which are not available within Etosha itself.

What unique opportunities does Ongava offer for learning about and experiencing rhino conservation efforts?

Ongava is celebrated for its successful rhino conservation and breeding programs, providing visitors with exceptional opportunities for close-up sightings of both black and white rhinos, often on foot during guided walking safaris. Guests can also delve deeper into these critical efforts and the local ecosystem by visiting the Ongava Discovery Centre, which offers educational insights and presentations from resident naturalists.

What is the typical cost range for a safari at Ongava, and what does it generally include?

As a premier private reserve offering an exclusive experience, a safari at Ongava typically ranges from $800 to $1500+ USD per person per night, depending on the specific lodge, season, and package. This cost generally includes luxury accommodation, all meals, and two daily guided activities such as game drives, walking safaris, and hide viewing, providing comprehensive value for a high-end safari.

Beyond traditional game drives, what distinctive activities can guests enjoy at Ongava Private Game Reserve?

Ongava offers several distinctive activities that enhance the safari experience beyond standard game drives. Guests can embark on guided walking safaris for an immersive, close-to-nature encounter, spend time in well-positioned hides for intimate wildlife photography opportunities at waterholes, and engage with the educational exhibits and resident naturalists at the Ongava Discovery Centre.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia by Lonely Planet - Covers the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Etosha, Sossusvlei, and the Skeleton Coast. Essential for self-drive safaris through two of southern Africa's wildest destinations.
  • Lonely Planet Zambia & Mozambique by Lonely Planet - From Victoria Falls and South Luangwa to Mozambique's pristine coastline. Practical advice for two of Africa's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path destinations.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • Lonely Planet Southern Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Practical planning information with detailed park and city guides.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Roberts Bird Guide by Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies & Ingrid Weiersbye - Comprehensive southern African bird guide covering 960+ species with detailed range maps and illustrations. The birder's bible for safaris in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Sasol Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey & Warwick Tarboton - The southern Africa birding bible. Covers over 950 species with detailed illustrations, distribution maps, and habitat notes. The most trusted bird field guide for South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Bradt Guide: Namibia by Chris McIntyre - Comprehensive guide to Namibia - Etosha, Sossusvlei, Skeleton Coast, Damaraland. Self-drive routes, camp reviews, and wildlife guides.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.