Conservation Chronicles

Research Insights

Wildlife Encounters

Guest Adventures

Ongava Through Their Lens

Behind the Scenes

Experience the thrill and excitement of our guests' adventures as they explore the wonders of our unique destinations. From exhilarating safaris and tranquil nature walks to breathtaking views and heart-pounding encounters with wildlife, each story brings the essence of adventure to life. Join us as we recount these unforgettable moments and share the joy and awe of discovering the untamed beauty of nature.

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December at Ongava is a time of transformation and celebration. 

As the first summer rains breathe new life into the landscape, the reserve becomes a vibrant tapestry of lush greenery, teeming wildlife, and a host of festive activities that make this an unforgettable destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking to celebrate the season in a unique way.

Discover the Magic of December at Ongava

December at Ongava Game Reserve is a time of transformation and celebration. As the first summer rains breathe new life into the landscape, the reserve becomes a vibrant tapestry of lush greenery, teeming wildlife, and a host of festive activities that make this an unforgettable destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking to celebrate the season in a unique way. 

The arrival of the summer rains marks a dramatic change in the environment. The once arid plains are now carpeted with fresh grass, and the air is filled with the earthy scent of rain-soaked earth. This lush transformation brings an abundance of wildlife, from herds of elephants and lions to the elusive leopards and rhinos that roam the reserve. Birdwatchers will delight in the arrival of migratory species, adding a symphony of colours and sounds to the landscape. Here the rains brought a long a serenity of hope and success after the drylands that once cohabited Ongava’s savanna. 

Festive Celebrations in the Heart of the Bush

December is not just about the natural beauty; it's also a time for celebration at Ongava. Guests can partake in special festive dinners under the stars, enjoy themed bush breakfasts, and experience the joy of the season with like-minded travelers. The lodges are beautifully decorated, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that enhances the holiday spirit.

: December offers romance at its wildest. Picture sharing a private game drive as the world glows in soft evening light, watching newborn antelope take their first steps, or enjoying a glass of wine together while a summer storm rolls across the savanna. The air feels alive, the sunsets are rich with colour, and every moment feels intimate and unforgettable.

: This is the season of abundance. Migrant birds arrive in full plumage, wildflowers dot the plains, and the reserve teems with life. You might spot elephants splashing through newly filled waterholes or rhinos grazing on fresh green shoots, with dramatic skies as the perfect backdrop for photographers.

: December brings a sense of renewal and discovery. The thrill of tracking wildlife through lush terrain, hearing the distant rumble of thunder, and feeling the cool air after a rainstorm creates an unmatched sense of connection to the wild.

Ongava offers a range of activities that allow guests to immerse themselves in the bush experience:

: Explore the reserve on guided morning and afternoon game drives, where you can encounter the Big Five and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

: Experience the nocturnal world of the bush on guided night drives, offering a different perspective of the reserve's inhabitants.

: Accompanied by experienced guides, embark on walking safaris that provide insight into the smaller details of the ecosystem.

: Spend time in strategically placed hides overlooking waterholes, offering unique opportunities for wildlife photography and observation. 

: Take day trips to the nearby Etosha National Park, renowned for its salt pans and abundant wildlife.

After a day of exploration, return to the comfort of Ongava's luxurious lodges. Whether you choose the elegant Ongava Lodge, the intimate Little Ongava, the eco-chic Andersson's at Ongava, or the adventurous Ongava Tented Camp, each offers a unique experience that blends seamlessly with the surrounding wilderness. 

Spending December at Ongava Game Reserve is more than just a holiday; it's a chance to reconnect with nature, celebrate the season in a unique setting, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Ongava provides an unparalleled experience that captures the essence of the Namibian bush. 

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Some journeys are shared. Others are deeply personal.

A solo safari offers something few other journeys can: the freedom to move at your own pace, lose yourself fully in the landscape, and experience the African wilderness exactly as you choose. Without the pull of everyday life, each sunrise, each game drive and every quiet moment in between becomes a chance to reconnect with the bush, and perhaps with yourself.

Experience the Freedom of a Solo Safari at Ongava

On April 11th, a new chapter unfolds at Ongava with the unveiling of Horizon by Ongava, formerly known as Little Ongava. This is more than a change of name. It is the evolution of an experience, a quiet yet powerful redefinition of what it means to be immersed in the wild.

A New Perspective: Introducing Horizon by Ongava

Encounter by Ongava is an immersive safari camp set deep within Ongava Game Reserve. Unfenced and surrounded by Mopane woodland, this is a place of immediacy, where wildlife moves freely through the landscape and the experience feels alive, unscripted, and close.

Where the wild is met most directly

Introducing Encounter by Ongava

As the year draws to a close, there is a particular stillness that settles over Ongava Game Reserve.
The light softens. The bush exhales. And in these final days, we find ourselves reflecting not only on the passing of time, but on the deeper rhythm of a year shaped by connection to land, to wildlife, and to one another.


As the year draws to a close, there is a particular stillness that settles over Ongava Game Reserve.

A Year Written in Tracks, Light, and Quiet Moments

On the rugged Etosha Ridge, where stone and sky meet in timeless harmony, stands a tree that has captured the imagination of generations: the Moringa ovalifolia. Known as the Phantom Tree or Sprokiesboom, this remarkable species is part of Namibia’s botanical heritage, and Ongava is proud to share its story with our guests as part of our immersive activities

The Ancient Moringa ovalifolia of Ongava

At Ongava, rhino conservation isn’t just a mission, it’s our legacy. Here are some key milestones in our journey. 

The Ongava Journey: From Farmland to Wildlife Haven

On September 21, 2024, Ongava came alive with a celebration dedicated to one of Africa’s most iconic and endangered animals - the rhinoceros.

Celebrating World Rhino Day at Ongava: A Day of Connection and Conservation

At Ongava, every moment is an opportunity for adventure, and our bush dinners are a prime example of this unique experience. Imagine dining under the vast African sky, surrounded by the sounds of the wild and the twinkling of lanterns around you. Our guests can always look forward to a magical evening that combines gourmet dining with the thrill of the African bush, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Guest Adventures