The quintessential
Namibian Safari at Ongava
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rom the back of a game viewer driving through Ongava Game Reserve, it is hard to imagine what the area must have looked like 30 years ago when it was still a cluster of unproductive cattle farms. Today it is a protected piece of land where antelope are plentiful and lion, rhino and elephant freely go about their business, all part of and contributing to a healthy, thriving biome. Thanks to a massive drive towards the reintroduction of wildlife, unwavering conservation efforts and tireless research – not to mention four exceptional lodges on the property – Ongava offers its guests a truly authentic safari experience in an African paradise. Situated on the southern boundary of Etosha National Park, just west of Andersson Gate, the 30 000 ha Ongava was founded in 1991 when several families bought four cattle farms to turn it into a sanctuary for wildlife. Since then, Ongava has grown to become one of the premier safari destinations in Namibia.
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Apart from offering guests the opportunity to visit the worldrenowned Etosha, being situated literally on its doorstep, Ongava’s guided drives are unforgettable experiences. The reserve boasts more than 100 different mammal species, including anything from white and black rhino to the nearendemic Damara dik-dik, Koakoveld rock hyrax (dassie) and black-faced impala. Setting the experience apart from others are Ongava’s guides. Their passion for the land and its wildlife is contagious as they share their understanding and love of the wild with guests. Their intimate knowledge is truly showcased when asked to also point out the smaller inhabitants of the reserve and to explain why white-browed sparrow-weavers build nests on the west side of the tree or how to find mopane worms in trees by looking for their droppings. Rhino approaching on foot in the company of your trained guides is part of their quintessential African adventure.
