Best hotels in Etosha

Namibia's Etosha National Park is well-known for its prolific wildlife and austere landscapes that are described, like many of the country's landmarks, as "strange" and "beautiful". Even the most severe habitats within the park, like the 4,760 square-kilometre salt pan, are a magnet for wildlife – pink flamingos and pelicans flock here to nest after summer rains. Set within a private reserve on Etosha's southwestern edge is the revamped old favourite, Andersson's at Ongava (open March 2019). Backed by a spine of mountains and fronted by a busy waterhole, Andersson's offers exceptional up-close encounters in this weirdly wonderful setting.

Etosha National Park is one of Africa's great game parks but it can get busy and facilities here cater to the masses. Ongava, which is a sizable private reserve on its southern border, capitalizes on its proximity and provides what the park cannot: exclusivity, luxury and flexibility. Little Ongava provides these in great measure - it combines the best of Etosha with top class service and a personalized guided experience in a much less restrictive environment. Here you can combine world class accommodation with great game viewing and a visit to Etosha Pan and its springs that attract vast amounts of wildlife in the dry season.

Etosha is one of Africa's great game parks but it can get busy and the facilities aren't what they could be. Ongava, which is a sizable private reserve on its southern border, capitalizes on its proximity and provides what the park cannot: exclusivity, luxury and flexibility, whilst maintaining an intimate camp feel. Ongava Tented Camp combines the best of Etosha with great service and the chance to benefit from a more personal guided experience in a less restrictive environment. Here you can combine comfortable accommodation with great game sightings and still experience Etosha Pan.

Just a short drive southeast of Anderson Gate, this newly minted lodge sits rather cleverly on a 5,000-hectare private reserve that shares a 10-kilometre border with famous Etosha National Park. The location is no accident – it's a masterstroke that allows you to dodge the crowds whilst still being on the doorstep of one of Africa's greatest wildlife spectacles. The approach via a curved timber walkway through grassland and twisted trees instantly sets the tone for what's to come. This isn't just another pretty lodge – it's a front-row seat to the African bush.

Perched on a hill, overlooking a watering hole, this lodge boasts excellent views and a variety of activities, including guided game drives into the southern part of Etosha National Park, plus walks and drives on their private Ongava Concession. With 14 thatched stone chalets, it is one of the larger lodges of this price bracket, with less emphasis on communal dining, although that is an option too for swapping stories. A secluded pool with loungers is a lovely spot to relax between safari activities, and their Hide is a great place for close encounters with thirsty wildlife at the watering hole.

This lovely stone and canvas lodge in private Onguma Reserve embraces a floodlit waterhole that can be seen from both the main areas and the suites. The camp (one of five lodges in the reserve – the others are Onguma Bush Camp, Onguma Tree Top, Onguma the Fort and Onguma Plains Camp) lies on the eastern edge of Etosha National Park, so there are great opportunities to see wildlife in both sanctuaries. Expect fresh decor, solicitous staff, varied animal and bird sightings and extraordinary views.

Also known as Onguma Plains Camp, Onguma The Fort sits on Etosha National Park's eastern boundary overlooking the impressive Fischer's Pan. The lodge makes a bold architectural statement by resembling a fort, likely inspired by the nearby Fort Namutoni in the park. This is a good option for those wary of tent camping and the park's high density of tourists, though it will mean day-trips in to make the most of the area. The Onguma reserve itself doesn't exactly pump with wildlife but trips into Etosha provide opportunities to see lions, black rhino, elephants and loads of giraffe and plains game.

Bordering Fischer's Pan, near Etosha National Park's Namutoni Gate, Onguma Bush Camp is the perfect base from which to explore both the private Onguma Game Reserve and the eastern side of the national park. One of five camps in Onguma, this is the only one that is fully fenced, except for three of its newest rooms. At the heart of the camp is a floodlit waterhole that can be seen from both the main areas and the rooms. The decor is fresh and modern, the food is good, the welcome is authentic and nature is all around.

If you’re looking for a great base to explore the wonder that is Etosha National Park, then look no further. This lodge is situated on a ridge with sweeping views of Namibia’s bushveld, only ten kilometres from the Park's central entrance, Anderson Gate. This family-friendly lodge ticks all the boxes for a safari rest camp. It has value for money, it’s modern, the food is good, there’s excellent service, the rooms are clean, there’s great facilities and it’s very easy on the eye.