Onguma Forest Camp

Set along the dry Omuramba Owambo riverbed in the forested section of Onguma Nature Reserve, the camp lies nine kilometres from the entrance to the reserve, which adjoins Etosha National Park at the von Lindequist Gate. Eleven thatched bungalows are spread through the trees. Four Heritage bungalows hold twin beds, en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, and a private terrace. Three Explorer bungalows occupy secluded positions deeper in the forest. Three Bush Suites each contain two rooms — one with twin beds, one with a sleeper couch — linked by an interleading bathroom. The Honeymoon bungalow stands apart and includes an outdoor wood-fired hot tub on a raised deck and an outdoor shower. All rooms have mosquito nets, a minibar, tea and coffee facilities, and a safe.

The main areas include a pool, a bar, and a wine cellar. Most evening meals are served in the open air around the fire. A water-level hide sits beside a small waterhole and is open throughout the day. Guided sundowner drives depart each afternoon across the reserve; sunrise drives leave at first light. Both run in open vehicles and track lion, leopard, elephant, black and white rhino, and more than thirty plains-game species. Interpretive bush walks run for two hours with an armed ranger. Full-day and half-day guided drives into Etosha National Park depart through the Namutoni gate. The reserve covers thirty-five thousand hectares of savannah, bushveld, and dry pan. You can hear lions at night from the terrace. The camp is unfenced.