Beyond Etosha: Why you should consider staying outside the park
Namibia is a rugged and beautiful country, known for its vast deserts, awe-inspiring landscapes, and superb wildlife. One of the country's top destinations is Etosha National Park, famous the world over for its incredible wildlife and amazing landscapes. For a great experience in Etosha, many travellers choose to stay in the park, either camping or staying at one of the lodges. However, another great option is to stay on a private reserve on the outskirts of the park.
One of the main reasons to choose private reserves instead of staying within the park, is to avoid the crowded lodges within its boundaries, which has left many visitors feeling underwhelmed and flustered. Even though Etosha National Park is one of the world's most famous parks, the wrong accommodation option can put a damper on an otherwise amazing trip.
Onguma Safari Vehicle
Accommodation options range from basic to extreme luxury, with something to suit every kind of traveller. The Bush Camp, for example, is an excellent option for those who want a more rustic experience. The camp consists of 19 luxury tents, each with its own en-suite bathroom, and is situated on the dry Onguma riverbed. The tents are elevated, ensuring privacy and breathtaking views of the surrounding bush, with the sounds of the night-time savannah filling the air.
For those who want to experience the ultimate in luxury, there's Onguma Camp Kala, a unique and stylish establishment that oozes sophistication and style. Camp Kala consists of 4 luxurious suites, each with stylish interior and design. The lavish decor, high-quality furnishings, and beautiful artwork evoke a sense of elegance and opulence, and the rooms have breathtaking views of the surrounding reserve. Each suite is equipped with its own splash pool and eco hot tub. Whatever accommodation option you choose, you're sure to have a comfortable stay on the reserve. The rooms are comfortable, well-furnished, and clean, and the staff is friendly and welcoming. One of the great things about Onguma is the range of activities available, including guided game drives, nature walks, and birding sessions.
From a photographic stand point the Lodge Collections offer outstanding photographic opportunities for nature lovers and professional photographers alike. The vast and diverse landscape, coupled with an abundance of wildlife, makes for some spectacular photographs. Here are some of the photographic opportunities that Onguma Namibia has to offer:
Wildlife Photography:
Onguma is home to a large number of wildlife species, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, antelopes, and giraffes. These animals can be photographed during the day and night in their natural environments, providing photographers with unique opportunities to capture some amazing shots. The waterholes at the reserve are a particular highlight for photographers as they attract a significant amount of wildlife, and it's not unusual to see numerous species drinking and bathing together at the same time. The waterholes also offer the ideal opportunity for night-time photography of animals, where you can capture beautiful images of nocturnal wildlife such as porcupines, honey badgers, and even leopards.
Bird Photography:
The reserve has over 340 different species of birds, some of which are rare and endemic to the region and the country. The waterholes offer perfect opportunities to photograph birds coming in for a drink or a quick bath. The reserve’s professional guides provide information on the species of birds available and help photographers identify rare birds in the area.
Night-time Photography:
The reserve's waterholes are also an excellent location for night-time photography. The waterholes are well lit, making it possible for photographers to capture nocturnal activities clearly. Moreover, Onguma's unique underground hides provide an excellent location to take images of wildlife in their natural nocturnal habitat.
Etosha National Park Photography:
The park itself is a mere 10 minutes from the gates of the Onguma reserve and remains a photographer’s paradise. Home to an abundance of wildlife and stunning landscapes, the beauty of the park is translated through the lens of the shooter. With its sprawling salt pans, grasslands and the savannas of the park, photographers have a wealth of scenic options to choose from.
Travel with Go Gravel Photo Safaris
If you are planning to stay at Onguma lodges near Etosha National Park and want to take your photography to the next level, we highly recommend booking a guided photo safari with Go Gravel Photo Safaris. Our professional photo guides can take you on a thrilling photographic journey through the wilderness, helping you capture stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife like never before.
Head Go Gravel Guide Jandre Germishuizen leading a tour to Etosha in the Go Gravel Photographic Landcruiser
One of our knowledgeable photo guides is paramount if you want to enhance your photographic experience at Etosha. Our guides not only have an excellent knowledge of photography, but they are also familiar with the best locations and hidden viewpoints in and around the national park. Not only that, but they can assist in providing valuable insights into the behavior and habits of elusive wildlife, which will in turn help you capture breathtaking photographs in the perfect natural light.
At Go Gravel Photo Safaris, we are very familiar with the lodge and the greater Etosha area. We have an excellent working relationship with Onguma Lodges and have extensive knowledge of the local wildlife and nature. We can take you on a photographic journey that meets your specific needs and interests while providing a unique perspective on the wildlife and natural beauty of Etosha National Park.
In conclusion, while Etosha National Park is an incredible destination, staying within the park itself can be a bit of a hit-and-miss experience. For a more relaxed and enjoyable stay, staying on a private reserve on the outskirts of the park, is a great option. The wildlife is abundant, the waterholes are superb, and accommodation options are wide-ranging and varied. With options from the basic to the extreme luxury, you are sure to have an experience that is both photographically viable and relaxing.