Okaukuejo Camp

Speke says – “This is a large lodge, and it can feel busy here, but the rooms are clean and comfortable. The food is ok, and the service can be a bit hit and miss sometimes but the location within the park, the facilities and services on site and the waterhole, with a steady stream of wildlife, more than make up for any shortcomings.”

Okaukeujo is located on the western side of Etosha, around half an hour from the entrance gate into the park. This is a large lodge with a huge range of facilities but the key draw here is the well-established waterhole. The viewing area is raised and floodlit which gives guests the chance to view the incredible wildlife day and night. Regular sightings include elephant, lion and black rhino as well a wide variety of other plains wildlife.

The facilities are extensive including a large restaurant serving evening buffet meals, a pleasant bar where daytime meals are served, three swimming pools including a shallow pool for children, a post office, gift shop, food and drink shop selling basic supplies and a fuel station. There is also a tourist information centre which is small but interesting, displaying park research.

The 102 chalets are made up of double rooms, bush chalets, family chalets, waterhole chalets and premier waterhole chalets. The 40 double rooms are simple but comfortable with twin beds, armchairs and coffee table, tea and coffee making facilities and ensuite facilities including a toilet and shower. The 25 ensuite bush chalets are slightly larger with a lounge area and have outside barbeque facilities and a seating area. The two family chalets are very large with two ensuite twin bedrooms, a fully stocked kitchenette and barbeque area with outside seating.

The 30 waterhole chalets are close to the waterhole but do not have views over it. Most, not all, have a private veranda and are similar to the bush chalets but do not have barbeque facilities. The two-story premium waterhole chalets, all with views over the waterhole, are very sought after and availability can be difficult. These come with a lounge, twin bedroom, tea and coffee making facilities and a fridge downstairs. Upstairs there is a queen-sized bed and ensuite facilities including twin washbasins, toilet, and a shower. The rooms opens out to a private patio with sun loungers where you can sit back and watch the drama unfold at the waterhole.