It is a wonderful Thursday morning and the weather is perfect for a couple of hours’ drive across the country heading towards Ongava Game Reserve. Situated at the border of Etosha National Park, about 90km from Outjo, the trees and bushes surrounding the area bear testimony to the current drought, forcing the owners to scout for flora around the country so that the animals survive.
The lodge is nestled between mountains in an eco-friendly reserve boasting majestic 290-degree views of the Namibian savannah. If you’re not entranced by the broad horizon that appears to dig into the landscape, you would probably feel like you are witnessing a scene from ‘The Lion King’.
Right before check-in, you are briefed by the ever-so-bubbly assistant manager Mariette Venter, or Blommie, who shares some of the rules which should be strictly adhered to.
Don’t go prancing around the property after 19h00 without being accompanied by one of the guides who may or may not be armed for the sake of your safety. You are at one with nature, but nature is not at one with you. Wi-Fi is available in the lounge area only. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at specific times. In other words, be punctual. Oh, and have loads of fun. Because that is what Ongava Game Reserve offers – loads of fun activities to participate in with family and friends.
The History
Ongava Game Reserve transformed from unproductive cattle farms into one of the most private game reserves in Namibia in 1991, thanks to several families who bought out the area. The official opening was in 1993, by former Prime Minister and now President Hage Geingob, and has been a flourishing business ever since. In fact, the reserve is divided into four areas: Ongava Lodge, Little Ongava featuring luxurious chalets, Ongava Tented Camp as well as Andersson’s Camp. And each has a stunning feel they bring to the wild.
Through an interesting conversation with Rob Moffett, joint managing director of sales and marketing at the reserve, he explains that Ongava puts an emphasis on ecotourism – displayed in every turn at the lodge from the building material to the artwork, which happens to be proudly Namibian.
“Ecotourism is a jaded word and is loosely defined. The next generation are about to inherit a crazy world. It is filled with disappointment and we have spoiled our own nests.”
This is why it is important to conserve the environment as much as we can, and Ongava Game Reserve is doing its part by securing a successful number of the rhino population on the property, both black and white.
“A living rhinoceros represents a community’s pension and an enemy of the rhino is an enemy of the people,” Rob explained. “We protect them because they are natural. Namibians are proud to be looking after their communities.”
The reserve also takes poaching seriously, but Rob still admits that anyone would feel vulnerable, harbouring such precious cargo.
With an extensive range of rare and endangered animals living on the reserve, you may spot a few when out on a nature walks, game drive, while spending a wonderful night around the camp fire, or even on a visit to The Hide, a man-made cave where you get to witness animals at the waterhole from just a few steps away.
One of the most exhilarating sights include that of rhinos lazily occupying one of the makeshift waterholes in the area, which is definitely an experience on its own – as long as you dodge eye contact and refrain from making any sudden movements.
Words of Wisdom
Adriano Shimanya, one of the managers of Ongava Game Reserve, has been working at the lodge for 24 years, since it opened. “The owner met me in Tsumeb in 1992 on Christmas. I was working at a bar. He came to me and said he was opening a new lodge. We spoke about it and I signed the contract. He told me just to take a blanket. That was on 1 January 1993. At that time, the lodge only had 10 rooms.”
As part of the lodge’s eco-conscious efforts, they make use of a water-saving system – one in which guests are given a bucket to fill up while the hot water comes along, which is used by the housekeepers to clean the rooms.
Water wastage is a definite no-no. The reserve also refrains from using products with palm oil; a more environmentally aware option instead of the normal soaps and hand creams is utililed. Also, a water-friendly anaerobic aeration system is used and throwing chemicals down the toilet is discouraged.
After recommending friends, the Ongava Game Reserve family grew and Adriano developed his skills. “I took over the lodge after many years and I have worked with a lot of managers.”
The reason he stayed? For the love of nature. “I love the place and I love the owners. I am very happy to stay here with my colleagues such as Rob and the team. I’ve been working with Stewart for over 13 years. It has not been an easy road.”
In 2010 when the World Cup was in South Africa, he said, it was difficult to fill up the lodge, with tourists rather opting to travel down south. But now, the lodge boasts 43 staff members under Adriano including assistants, housekeepers, guides and waiters. Supporting four children and others to look after, Adriano has never been happier.
Meke Imbili, brand manager of Ongava Game Reserve, explained the reason for the pricing stems from the exclusivity, luxury and activities of the lodge. “Visitors from the SADC region are offered discounts at various rates,” she said.
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