The Camp
Encounter by Ongava
Encounter by Ongava, formerly Ongava Tented Camp, lies deep in the private Ongava Game Reserve on the southern edge of Etosha. The camp is unfenced and surrounded by mopane woodland, so animals move freely through it and the bush is always close.
There are eight spacious walk-in tents: seven twin tents and a Paired Tent of two rooms for families or friends. They keep you comfortable without shutting out the sounds of the bush around you.
Days are spent on drives on the reserve and into Etosha, and on guided walks with a chance of approaching white rhino on foot. The camp has a pool, a bar and a library, and laundry is included.
Rooms
The Rooms
Seven walk-in tents, each with twin beds, an en-suite bathroom, an outdoor shower and a deck looking into the woodland.
Two identical rooms set at an angle to each other, each with its own bathroom and entrance, linked by a short curved walkway. Good for families or two couples travelling together.
From the camp
Things to do
Game drives on the Ongava reserve
Guided drives on the 30,000-hectare Ongava Game Reserve, known for its rhino and lion, zebra and the black-faced impala.
Game drives into Etosha
Guided morning drives into Etosha National Park to see the great salt pan and the springs that draw its big game. A packed lunch comes with the full day.
Guided nature walks
Walks with a walking guide, when one is available, looking at the plants and smaller animals, with a chance of approaching white rhino on foot.
IncludedOngava Visitor Centre
Displays on the geology, animals, plants and research of the reserve at the Ongava Research Centre's visitor centre.
Ask us about prices for the drives when you book.
Good to know
Information
When to go
Dry months, roughly June to October, bring the animals to the waterholes. November to April is the green season: lush scenery, great birding and fewer visitors. Tap or hover over a month for more.
On our itineraries
Safaris with a night at Encounter
Itineraries we have planned that stop at Encounter by Ongava. Each one is a starting point we adapt to your dates, budget and pace.
Encounter by Ongava in pictures
Gallery
Etosha & the North
Explore the Area
Encounter by Ongava sits on the private Ongava Game Reserve, which borders Etosha National Park on its southern side. Andersson Gate, the main entrance to Etosha, is close by, so it is easy to spend days driving between the park's waterholes, where elephant, lion and giraffe come to drink.
Where you'll stay
Find the Camp
Encounter by Ongava · Ongava Private Game Reserve, on the southern boundary of Etosha National Park near Andersson Gate.
Before you go
Questions answered
Is Encounter the old Ongava Tented Camp?
Yes. Ongava Tented Camp was renamed Encounter by Ongava in 2026.
Is the camp fenced?
No. The camp is unfenced and animals move through it, so guests are walked to their tents after dark.
Can children stay?
Children from 12 years old are welcome.
Are the walks included?
Yes, the guided nature walks are included. They are offered seasonally, when a walking guide is available.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
Ongava
Pair it with
Close to the wild
Let our experts add Encounter by Ongava to your Namibia journey.
We reply within 24 hours · Rated 4.9 ★★★★★ on Google (45 reviews)