Conservation Chronicles

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Ongava Through Their Lens

Behind the Scenes

Delve into a collection of reviews, features, and articles from those who have journeyed through Ongava. Gain insight from personal reflections and professional accounts that highlight the reserve's unique charm. This space offers a rich tapestry of perspectives, bringing Ongava to life through the eyes of others.

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For Stanley Tono Gowaseb, every day at Ongava is a lesson in the unexpected. 

From observing a cautious oryx grazing at a waterhole to tracking the subtle movements of a stalking predator, Stanley has learned that true understanding of wildlife comes from patience, practice, and presence. 

His journey from laundry staff to senior guide reflects the same dedication and curiosity.

From Laundry to Leading Safaris: Stanley Tono Gowaseb’s Journey at Ongava

Every great guide has a story. Stanley Tono Gowaseb's didn't begin behind the wheel of a safari vehicle, or out in the bush tracking a stalking predator. It began in the laundry department, where curiosity, patience and a willingness to learn quietly laid the foundation for an extraordinary career.

Today, Stanley is one of Ongava's senior guides, helping guests experience Namibia's wildlife through knowledge, patience and a deep respect for the natural world. His journey is a reminder that the best guides are shaped not only by training, but by years of observation, humility and simply paying attention.

Stanley, from Outjo, joined Ongava Game Reserve on 25 June 2012, in the laundry department at Wilderness. "I wanted to learn everything," he recalls.

Rather than settling into one role, he rotated through nearly every department, from maintenance to hospitality, each step laying a little more of the foundation for what would come next.

In 2013, Stanley took a step that would change the course of his career, moving into a role as a waiter, one that brought him into closer contact with the guiding team and opened the door to guide training.

He enrolled in entry-level guiding courses at Tamara Lake and later Paterberg, completing both, and shadowed senior guides on drives and bush walks to absorb the terrain, the wildlife and the judgement required to lead guests safely and with confidence. "I also did my weapons training levels one and two, and whenever guides went out on walks or to the shooting range, I joined them," he says.

Even while still working as a waiter, Stanley began leading waterhole tours and bird-watching walks, gaining hands-on experience long before it was officially his job.

By November 2015, Stanley had officially become a guide, first at Ongava Lodge and later at the Adventure Camp at Inosence. Through continued training and certification with AFCA and Field Guiding Levels One and Two, he steadily advanced to senior guide, known today for his expertise and his calm, steady presence in the field.

What Stanley treasures most about guiding is the connection it offers, to nature and to people. Over the years, he's learned as much from his guests as from the bush itself.

"Within these ten years of guiding, I've learned a lot from our guests," he reflects. "I start reading their behaviour, their body language, their interests. Going out with different people from different cultures, you learn a little and sometimes a lot from them. That is also part of guiding."

He's equally candid about what nature demands of those who enter it. Recalling a recent incident in which tourists blocked wildebeest during their migration, Stanley doesn't hide his disappointment. "From the ground, animals see us as predators," he explains. "Wildebeest may have to return to strong flowing river currents with crocodiles, or even jump off cliffs, which can cause injuries. We need to respect animals' space, because unnecessary interference can also lead to fatal accidents for guests."

"In nature, you have to expect the unexpected," he adds. "Reading books helps, but experience is the real teacher. Observing animals every day teaches you so much."

Looking ahead, Stanley dreams of taking his love for the bush further still, perhaps as a host, an assistant manager, or a care manager. For now, he leads with humility, knowledge and a deep respect for the wilderness, embodying the spirit of Ongava in everything he does.

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Namibia has long stood as a beacon of conservation tourism, and at the heart of this movement is Ongava Game Reserve. More than just a safari destination, Ongava is a living example of how tourism and conservation can thrive together. I have had the privilege of experiencing Ongava both as a curious guest and as an associate research scientist at the Ongava Research Center, an experience that has shaped my understanding of what’s possible when passionate people work together for wildlife.

Discovering Conservation Through Collaboration: From Namibia to Nepal

At Ongava Game Reserve, every corner of the wilderness tells a story. Some are easy to witness on safari, such as lion prides lounging in the shade or rhinos grazing peacefully at a waterhole. Others remain hidden in the quiet of the night or deep in the bush. To reveal these unseen moments, we had the privilege of working with renowned British wildlife photographer Will Burrard-Lucas, whose groundbreaking camera trap systems have transformed the way we view wildlife.

Capturing Ongava’s Secrets: Will Burrard-Lucas and His Camera Traps

At Ongava, the dining table is as much a part of the safari as the waterhole, the lion’s roar, or the rustle of wind through mopane trees. Food here isn’t just sustenance between game drives – it’s an experience layered with place, people, and passion.


A Feast in the Bush: Ongava’s Food Experience

At Ongava, we are passionate about the wildlife that thrives in our unique corner of Namibia. To help you capture the beauty of the natural world, we’ve teamed up with renowned wildlife photographer Will Burrard-Lucas, whose work speaks to the heart of conservation and the wild spaces we cherish. Will’s tips will not only help you take better photos but also deepen your connection with nature as you document its wonders.

6 Tips for Taking Great Wildlife Photographs by Will Burrard-Lucas

"Mwalalapo!” says Loide, her smile as bright and warm as the Namibian sun. As she welcomes guests to Little Ongava, where she is a senior host, her Oshiwambo word of greeting erases every barrier of language and culture.


Meet Loide - Ambassador of care and service at Little Ongava

Nestled on the edge of Etosha National Park, Ongava Game Reserve is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike. With its vast landscapes, diverse wildlife, and expertly guided safaris, it offers the perfect setting to capture breathtaking images of nature in its purest form. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer with a telephoto lens or a traveler with a smartphone, Ongava provides endless opportunities to frame the beauty of Africa, from a rhino silhouetted against a golden sunset to a lion’s piercing gaze just meters away. 

Capturing the Wild: A Photographer’s Paradise at Ongava

Ongava For The Photographer

Nestled within the pristine wilderness of Ongava Game Reserve, For Tracy, the walkway is a new stand-out feature.

Ongava Through Their Lens