Okaukuejo waterhole
Okaukuejo waterhole
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
1,413 reviews
Excellent
896
Very good
334
Average
115
Poor
47
Terrible
21
Ken
11 contributions
May 2022
We were here mid-may and right after sunset both nights we saw so many rhinos and they even interacted. They just came and went one at a time with up to 3 at the waterhole at a time. Even saw a lone elephant and giraffes drinking (which is an amazing sight) one of the nights.
Written May 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mid-Kate
London, UK448 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
We stayed at this resort and visited the waterhole in the afternoon and also after dinner. There is a small covered platform with seating area and benches around the waterhole. We saw giraffes and a rhino family.
There is also a parking area nearby but it wasn’t a long walk from the restaurant area.
There is also a parking area nearby but it wasn’t a long walk from the restaurant area.
Written December 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
elycee
Toronto, Canada699 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
Experience the wonders of nature at a safe distance. There are benches around the waterhole as well as a small section of bleachers. Great spot for lunch or anytime. Guests staying at the lodge get to watch at night, after the park closes!! Day trippers must leave by 6:20pm, closing time
Written August 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michael A
Koping, Sweden561 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
At sunset people gathörn around the waterhole. A couple of lights light up thr water hole so you can see the wildlife. The problem is that alot if spectators bring drinks and wine so after a while it is more like a festival...
Written May 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
topojack
Eindhoven, The Netherlands56 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We went to this waterhole around 15
00 and we must have seen 200 zebras. There is a covered seating place to observe the animals at the waterhole. Very convenient. It was amazing to see how the leader of each group of zebras led his or her group to the water and told them when to leave. Very organised in order all zebras got a chance to drink.
00 and we must have seen 200 zebras. There is a covered seating place to observe the animals at the waterhole. Very convenient. It was amazing to see how the leader of each group of zebras led his or her group to the water and told them when to leave. Very organised in order all zebras got a chance to drink.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
peter hatch
30 contributions
May 2020
The old saying wait and you shall see is true is true. arrive during the day and the waterhole may be unoccupied but as the sun goes down so does the action I have seen 33 Elephant 6 rhino and 2 lions at the same time at this waterhole . Superb
Written June 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
suewL9337BT
Swakopmund, Namibia63 contributions
Oct 2020
As a Namibian, the best part of our experience was that we had the waterhole, the park and ther roads to ourselves!!!!!!
Because of the Pandemic, there were no tourists and so we did not have to view game in a traffic jam of Overlanders, self drive 4 x 4-ers and buses. But, sadly, this has had devastating effects on our tourism industry and economy in general. Many have lost their jobs and the future looks bleak!
Because of the Pandemic, there were no tourists and so we did not have to view game in a traffic jam of Overlanders, self drive 4 x 4-ers and buses. But, sadly, this has had devastating effects on our tourism industry and economy in general. Many have lost their jobs and the future looks bleak!
Written October 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
thepeckster
Cape Town Central, South Africa153 contributions
Jul 2022
Spare yourself the bone-jarring roads. Sit at the waterhole as we did for our entire last day in the park. Car will last longer and you'll see some great wildlife. This waterhole is the only reason to visit this camp.
Written August 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
leon b
Rotterdam, The Netherlands85 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
We visited Okaukuejo waterhole in the early morning in transit. The waterhole is located in a settlement where you can refuel, can do some shopping and spend the night.
When I read all the reviews, it is worthwhile to visit the waterhole in the evening, at night or the very early morning. We had bad luck that morning and saw, except a few stray birds no wildlife. It is surrounded by a wall, benches and lighting. For us a bit too touristy and artificial. We enjoy more of our wlidlife observations at the waterholes in the park itself. The disadvantage is that you can visit these obviously not in the evening.
Conclusion: if you take for granted the crowds, do not bother with the artificial setting and stay at least one night, Okaukuejo waterhole is a good place to spot wildlife.
When I read all the reviews, it is worthwhile to visit the waterhole in the evening, at night or the very early morning. We had bad luck that morning and saw, except a few stray birds no wildlife. It is surrounded by a wall, benches and lighting. For us a bit too touristy and artificial. We enjoy more of our wlidlife observations at the waterholes in the park itself. The disadvantage is that you can visit these obviously not in the evening.
Conclusion: if you take for granted the crowds, do not bother with the artificial setting and stay at least one night, Okaukuejo waterhole is a good place to spot wildlife.
Written August 11, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dries K
Cape Town Central, South Africa19 contributions
Sep 2013 • Friends
The atmosphere of years gone by has gone, and many tourists are noisy and disrespectful. NWR staff and their noisy children are loitering and laying about.
At least the animals are still a highlight, if one is able to ignore the above.
At least the animals are still a highlight, if one is able to ignore the above.
Written October 8, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GoguLondon
London, UK36 contributions
We are staying at Okakuejo in August 2020 and considering the game drives. Does anyone know the timings for morning, afternoon and night game drives? And are game drives worthwhile in Etosha?
Linda L
North Vancouver, Canada1,680 contributions
We did a self drive and saw lots! Save your money and drive yourselves if you have a car. The watering hole at dusk was magical - we saw 8 rhinos, 9 giraffes and so many elephants! We drove from okakuejo to Namutoni in one day, and took all the side roads to see as much as we could. Spent one night in each place which was enough.
David M
London, UK1 contribution
Can you visit the waterhole at Okaukuejo even if you are not staying at the camp, or is it for camp residents only?
Kylie G
Vancouver, Canada278 contributions
Yes but only on foot. Most activity here is in the morning and evening. Gaseb waterhole has animals most of the time especially at 12 and I think it was Sueda get there before 11 am to get a good viewing spot then just sit and watch the parade of wildlife.
robalveston
bristol63 contributions
Are the game drives worth doing or better to stay by the waterhole t okaukuejo?
Michael V
Suva, Fiji92 contributions
Waterholes are where the action is. If you can get there on your own then no need to do a game drive unless perhaps at night or for more information and answers .
Poodle's T
Tillac, France95 contributions
I'm arriving in Cape Town mid January and want to go to Namibia during my 6 week trip. What would you suugest... drive to Namibia or fly to Etosha
Leo B
Oosterhout, The Netherlands186 contributions
Drive for sure otherwise you will Miss a lot
Irene M
anapolis md25 contributions
I'm starting my research for a visit to Etosha National Park. I can use any info from those with experience - where do we fly into, how many days would it take to get the whole experience, has anyone stayed inside the park, etc. Where do I start? Thanks for any advice!
PS: Have been to Kruger and S. Africa, so want to concentrate this trip on Etosha and maybe something nearby that I shouldn't miss..
Jonas Gunnarsson
Stockholm, Sweden518 contributions
We flew into Windhoek, and from there, it is a 5h drive to Etosha. I'm not sure if there is an airstrip somewhere around Etosha. It is an easy drive on good roads, however.
It is possible to stay just by the waterhole in Okaukuejo, but we had difficulties in making reservations there. They release all rooms at a certain date, and shortly thereafter, all rooms were booked the dates we wanted them. Maybe you need to go through some kind of agent to get a reservation for those.
We stayed 30 minutes outside the park instead. There are plenty of places at different price ranges. I believe all of them can arrange a safari with a guide. Our place did through a neighboring property.
Etosha is a great place. We only went to the waterholes around Okaukuejo, but had great success. I have never been able to capture so many species in one single shot. Quite different from my experiences in Tanzania and Zimbabwe, where the species came one by one to drink.
Maybe this had to do with the fact that we went at the very end of the dry season (early Nov), and hence, that water was scarce.
We went on a full day safari with an elevated, open air vehicle (Think Toyota truck with a canopy) around Okaukuejo, which was great. We did the same thing the next day with our own sedan, but that experience was not as good. We didn't have a guide, who would have radio contact with other guides, and sitting lower in the vehicle made it more difficult to get a good view at times.
We didn't go far East to Halali and Namutoni. There was plenty to see around Okaukuejo. We had lunch at Okaukuejo, and after the meal, we went down to the waterhole without expecting much. But that place was teeming with wildlife. I believe that the waterhole offers 24hr entertainment.
On the way to or from Etosha, you could spend a day or two in Okonjima to see cheetah, leopard and other predators. It is a great place. Otherwise, Namibia is a huge country, so the expression "nearby" is a matter of definition.
Jolie J
Gatineau, Canada261 contributions
Do people who stay at Okaukuejo Camp get to enjoy the Okaukuejo waterhole even after hours when the park is closed? Are they able to view the animals at the waterhole without leaving the camp?
We were unable to book at Okaukuejo Camp because it's already fully booked ... and I hear that the best time to see the animals at the waterhole is at dawn so does this mean I won't be able to enjoy seeing the waterhole at the best time for the animals if I'm not staying inside the camp?
Thank you!
worldview2016
Newport Beach, CA173 contributions
I don't think you would be able to be there at dawn. If you are staying outside of the park you would have to wait for the park to open and then go to the waterhole. What we don't know is if you could sleep in your car or camper in a regular parking spot. I don't think you could because they have security in the park. They do check for entry and exit of cars daily. I am sorry, to say, but I don't think you could be there before dawn or at night. But, you could be first in line for the park when it opens in the morning. Yet they change the times daily. It is rather confusing, I know. If I can help you further, please let me know.
giacomogalli
Brescia, Italy237 contributions
quali sono i mesi migliori per visitare il parco della Namibia?
PopPackers Travel Blog
Monza, Italy35 contributions
Ciao! Ogni momento è buono per visitare la meravigliosa Namibia...tuttavia il mio consiglio è di andarci nella stagione secca (la nostra estate) per tante ragioni: meno vegetazione=> più facilità di vedere gli animali; poca acqua=> animali concentrati alle pozze (artificiali o naturali che siano) a dissetarsi; e infine niente zanzare o altre insetti (per me è stato un plus vivere la Natura senza ronzii e punture fastidiose).
Paula F
London376 contributions
How efficient and easy is it to get a pass into Etosha for the day from Okaukeujo? What is the cost for a car and 2 people - we have booked to stay here for 2 nights and want to go out and about while here. Thanks
Okaukuejo waterhole (Etosha National Park) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Okaukuejo waterhole
- We recommend booking Okaukuejo waterhole tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 11 Okaukuejo waterhole tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Okaukuejo waterhole:
- 11 Day Breathtaking Namibia Guided Tour (From $3,803.56)
- 6-Day Dunes and Wildlife Accommodated Safari from Windhoek (From $1,481.90)
- Etosha Express Safari 3 Days / 2 Nights (From $745.00)
- Namibian Grand Tour (From $6,296.54)
- 8-Day Sossusvlei, Swakop, Twyfelfontein & Etosha (Camping) (From $2,100.00)