Overview

Nature First at Ongava

Ongava – Herero for rhino – was founded in 1993 with a single lodge, Ongava Game Lodge. In the intervening years our commitment to sustainable conservation enabled us to add Ongava Tented Camp, Little Ongava and Andersson’s Camp

From the outset Ongava committed to ‘Nature First’, striving to restore biodiversity and ensuring that natural processes are perpetuated. Sharing a common boundary with Etosha National Park, Ongava is considered one of the finest private game reserves in the region, enjoying global recognition for exceptional conservation and exciting safari experiences.

To have achieved this in a sustainable manner provides us enormous satisfaction.

The apex predator of the African savannah lords supreme at Ongava, the pride’s roaring reverberating deep into the African night transmitting shivers of ancient fear through the restless herds.

Our flagship, Little Ongava, is idyllically perched on a rocky outcrop with panoramic vistas of the African savannah. Quite possibly Namibia’s most luxurious safari destination, Little Ongava has only three spacious units, offering an exclusive experience. Each sumptuous unit features its own plunge pool, a sala, en-suite bathroom with both indoor and outdoor showers and a bath that takes in those breathtaking views.

From the impressive vantage point of the dining and lounge areas, this magnificent setting lends itself to relaxed, stylish dining under the African skies.

Ongava Game Lodge overlooks a waterhole frequented by thirsty wildlife. Choose from fourteen luxurious air-conditioned thatch lodges with viewing decks overlooking the plains.

Nestled in a hidden valley Ongava Tented Camp has eight large walk-in tents. Meals are taken at the thatched dining area overlooking the popular waterhole.

The family friendly Andersson’s Camp, with eighteen Guest tents and two family units, features an easily accessible underground photographic hide.

Activities revolve around exploring the 30,000 ha private reserve on guided drives, nature walks with experienced guides and visits to Etosha.

Our founding principle – Nature First – continues as our mantra. We’re honoured to contribute to sustainable conservation, groundbreaking wildlife research and to be one of the few private game reserves in Africa where there is a chance of seeing both black and white rhino.

Video overview

Activities offered

  • Accommodation
  • Honeymoon safaris
  • Photography
  • Walking Safaris
  • Eco tourism
  • Adventure tourism
  • Flying Safaris
  • Safaris - Fixed Camp
  • Bird Watching

Where we operate

  • Namibia

Where we’re based

  • Namibia
Charities
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Ongava Research Centre

Website http://www.orc.eco/

As an institution built by private investment in 2005, Ongava Research Centre (ORC) has the independence and potential to answer major questions and understand processes fundamental to the functioning of the natural environment.


ORC comes to you with three major purposes:

1. To explore, discover and understand important features of the natural world.

2. To support the management of conservation areas , in particular the Ongava Game Reserve, the Rhino Belt and Etosha National Park

3. To support the development of young people with potential to be dedicated scientists and conservationists

ORC seeks:

To fill major gaps in humanity’s comprehension and awareness of the natural world.

To generate benefits for humanity and its only environment.

To encourage curiosity, long-term vision, and the liberty to pursue research worth doing.

To develop dedication and passion among young people who will be the next generation of committed scientists and conservationists.

ORC has already built an impressive collection of data, which it continues to expand. For instance, over 7 million camera trap images of Ongava wildlife have been tagged with keywords to facilitate analyses.

ORC continues to assemble a collection of bio-indicator samples of natural materials and organisms to help us understand processes and consequences of environmental change.

ORC’s small staff will be curious, energetic in pursuit of science, fellowship, and conservation in collaboration with scientists and students who conduct studies of the highest standard.

Our campus features office and laboratories, plus accommodation for resident researchers, associates, interns and students. We also maintain a state-of-the-art visitor centre.

ORC will support scientists and students who conduct studies of the highest standard that contribute new information and understanding on the topics described here. In pursuance of these goals ORC will foster opportunities to collaborate with international leaders in specific fields, gaining linkages, knowledge, inspiration and experience. By developing these partnerships, ORC will promote and encourage Namibian science, researchers and students. Generous scholarships will be offered to promising students to pursue post-graduate studies, especially those destined to make research and environmental management their career.

Likewise, ORC will provide fellowships to select scientists to pursue research programmes that will improve our knowledge and understanding in major scientific spheres.

Please contact us on [email protected] for further information on research and studentship opportunities.

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