Designed for privacy, luxury and an intimacy with the land, Little Ongava is arguably Namibia’s most luxurious accommodation with pristine views across the Ongava plains.
Little Ongava is perched on the crest of a hill commanding magnificent vistas of the plains stretching for miles to the horizon, offering an extraordinary experience as the focal point of an Etosha journey.
This intimate camp has only three spacious suites each with its own plunge pool, en-suite bathroom, “sala”, and outdoor shower. The lounge and dining areas have wonderful views of a productive waterhole below the camp, the open deck allowing for relaxed, stylish dining under the African sky. Guests at Little Ongava share a dedicated guide and vehicle, ensuring the best possible nature experience at one of Africa’s great wildlife destinations. Day and night wildlife-viewing drives, visiting hides overlooking waterholes, walks and white rhino approaching with experienced guides can all be enjoyed exclusively on this reserve. Game drives and day trips into nearby Etosha National Park are also offered.
Images
Video
360 Panoramas
Rooms
Facilities
Activities and Services
Little OngavaCredit: Le Roux van Schalkwyk | OngavaMain Area
Little OngavaCredit: Le Roux van Schalkwyk | OngavaLittle Ongava walkway
Little OngavaCredit: Le Roux van Schalkwyk | OngavaGuest suite interior
Little OngavaCredit: Le Roux van Schalkwyk | OngavaGuest suite interior
Little OngavaCredit: Le Roux van Schalkwyk | OngavaGuest suite interior, his and hers vanity
Little OngavaCredit: Le Roux van Schalkwyk | OngavaMain pavilion and deck
Little OngavaCredit: Le Roux van Schalkwyk | OngavaGuest suite interior
Little OngavaCredit: Le Roux van Schalkwyk | OngavaGuest suite interior
Little OngavaCredit: Le Roux van Schalkwyk | OngavaGuest suite interior
Little OngavaCredit: Le Roux van Schalkwyk | OngavaLittle Ongava Walkway
Little OngavaCredit: Le Roux van Schalkwyk | OngavaGuest suite interior, private living room
Little OngavaCredit: Le Roux van Schalkwyk | OngavaLittle Ongava walkway
Little OngavaCredit: Le Roux van Schalkwyk | OngavaGuest suite interior, private living room
Little OngavaCredit: Andrew Morgan | OngavaGuest suite private day lounge
Little OngavaCredit: Le Roux van Schalkwyk | OngavaHoneymoon bucket list
Little OngavaCredit: Le Roux van Schalkwyk | OngavaIn suite private dining
Little OngavaCredit: Le Roux van Schalkwyk | OngavaIn suite private dining
Little OngavaCredit: Le Roux van Schalkwyk | OngavaLacing up
Little OngavaCredit: Le Roux van Schalkwyk | OngavaOut of Africa
Little OngavaCredit: Le Roux van Schalkwyk | OngavaIn suite private dining
Little OngavaCredit: Le Roux van Schalkwyk | OngavaIn suite private dining
Little OngavaCredit: Le Roux van Schalkwyk | OngavaWarm welcome
Little OngavaCredit: Le Roux van Schalkwyk | OngavaHospitality of the highest order
Little OngavaCredit: Le Roux van Schalkwyk | OngavaLunch in the main pavilion
Little OngavaCredit: Le Roux van Schalkwyk | OngavaGourmet dining
Little OngavaCredit: Le Roux van Schalkwyk | OngavaGourmet dining
Little OngavaCredit: Le Roux van Schalkwyk | OngavaIn suite wellness treatments
Little OngavaCredit: Le Roux van Schalkwyk | OngavaGourmet dining
Little OngavaCredit: Le Roux van Schalkwyk | OngavaIn suite private dining
Little OngavaCredit: Le Roux van Schalkwyk | OngavaIn suite private dining
Little OngavaCredit: Le Roux van Schalkwyk | OngavaIn suite private dining
Little OngavaCredit: Andrew Morgan | OngavaAl fresco dining
Little OngavaCredit: Andrew Morgan | OngavaMain pavilion and deck
Little OngavaCredit: Andrew Morgan | OngavaMain pavilion breakfast
Little OngavaCredit: Andrew Morgan | OngavaGuest suite bathroom
Little OngavaCredit: Stefan Redecker | OngavaA slice of heaven on earth
Little OngavaCredit: Stefan Redecker | OngavaEarly breakfast for two
Little OngavaCredit: Stefan Redecker | OngavaViewing deck
Little OngavaCredit: Stefan Redecker | OngavaPrivate villa
Little Ongava Credit: Dr Olwen Evans | OngavaBird’s-eye view over the suite
Little Ongava Credit: Hazel Spencer Chapman | OngavaReading time at Ongava
Little OngavaCredit: Stefan Redecker | OngavaPriceless solitude
Little OngavaCredit: Stefan Redecker | OngavaHidden casette doors open to reveal the en-suite
Little OngavaCredit: Stefan Redecker | OngavaVanity with a view
Little Ongava Credit: Hazel Spencer Chapman | OngavaPlunge pool with a view
Ongava Game Reserve Credit: Hazel Spencer Chapman | OngavaGame Drive at Ongava Game Reserve
Ongava Game ReserveCredit: Dr Olwen Evans | OngavaSundowner on the Ongava Game Reserve
Ongava Game ReserveCredit: Dr Olwen Evans | OngavaSundowner on the Ongava Game Reserve
ORC Visitor Centre Aerial ViewCredit: Stefan Redecker | Ongava ORC Visitor Centre Aerial View
ORC Visitor Centre Credit: Stefan Redecker | Ongava ORC Visitor Centre
ORC Visitor Centre Credit: Stefan Redecker | Ongava ORC Visitor Centre
ORC Visitor Centre Credit: Stefan Redecker | Ongava ORC Visitor Centre
ORC Visitor Centre DisplayCredit: Stefan Redecker | Ongava ORC Visitor Centre Display
Luxury Suites
There are three luxury suites. Each suite comprises of an air-conditioned bedroom and en-suite facilities with separate toilet, indoor and outdoor shower, double vanity basin and a bath with a view. The private sala provides a comfortable seating area with an indoor fire place, tea & coffee making facilities, hairdryer, mini-bar fridge and an electronic safe. Outside a private plunge pool with own viewing deck.
Property Facilities
Bar, Chapel, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Library, Restaurant, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Dressing Gowns, Fireplace, Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Safe, Sala, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Complimentary)
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing Hide, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Night Drives, Rhino Tracking, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Game Drives, Game Viewing
Guided afternoon/evening game drives take place on the private Ongava Game Reserve. The reserve has a diverse range of wildlife and is famed for its population of rhino and lion, as well as other game such as the endemic black-faced impala. Private vehicles can be booked at an extra cost (subject to availability).
A full- or half-day guided morning game drive in the Etosha National Park, Namibia’s prime savannah wilderness area (with a packed lunch on full day), allows you to see the massive salt-pan and perennial springs that provide the water required by the Park’s high-density big game population. Private vehicles can be booked at an extra cost (subject to availability).
Offered seasonally and subject to an available walking guide, the guided nature walks through the reserve will proudly showcase the abundant array of life, from the unusual plants to the arid-adapted animals with a chance of potentially approaching white rhino.
A hide is a fantastic place to while the hours away up close and personal with wildlife slaking its thirst at a waterhole. This arid environment where little water occurs makes this a popular drinking spot for game.
Guests can interface with science and research across the Ongava Game Reserve and part of this experience is an immersion into the world of natural history and science at the new Ongava Visitor Centre. With dozens of in-depth displays that feature information on the geology, animals, plants and ecological functioning of this fascinating region, guests are encouraged to meander through the self-guided exhibition area.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
Special Interests: Birding, Flora, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife, Wine
Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp | Hoanib River
4 Mar 2024 - 7 Mar 2024
The name “Skeleton Coast” conjures up romantic images of desolate beauty, and proudly remote Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp in the Kaokoveld does not disappoint. The dry bed of the Hoanib River supports a thin green ribbon of vegetation and the wild beaches of the Atlantic coast are within reach, with their noisy seal colonies and eerily quiet shipwreck remnants.
Eight large en-suite tents (including one family unit) and the main area provide shady viewpoints, while nature drives into the surrounding area reveal a wealth of desert-adapted wildlife. Desert-adapted lion and brown hyena may also be glimpsed in this vast but far from lifeless landscape.
INSIDER'S TIP: On a stay of three nights or more, a coastal excursion to The Skeleton Coast is included. Usually involving a drive down to the coast and a flight back to camp, to see such a diverse area both on the ground and in the air.
The camp comprises seven pale olive, luxury tents peaking like whitecaps on an ocean of sand. These well-insulated tented suites – with free-flow stretch canvas roofing, floating concrete foundations on stilts, en-suite facilities, and spacious private deck – offer a perfect escape from the excursions of the day. Gravel pathways link the tents to the convivial main area.
One stylish family unit consists of two bedrooms, each with two three-quarter beds and own en-suite facilities. Separate entrances lead to each bedroom, while a shared spacious outdoor deck offers shaded seating for relaxing and taking in the spectacular views of the surrounding desert with a sundowner in hand.
Property Facilities
Bar, Library, Pool
Room Facilities
Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Hair Dryer, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Safe, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
Credit Card Facilities
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Game Drives, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Nature drives showcase the magnitude of this wondrous lunar-like landscape and offer the best possibilities of seeing unique desert-adapted wildlife. Morning or afternoon drives are available, as well as full-day excursions. Attractions include true desert oases found in the Hoanib floodplains; as well as habitats being home to desert-adapted elephants, gemsbok, giraffe, and springbok.
Guided nature walks from camp take in the magnificent surrounds, as well as offer a glimpse at vestiges of the Strandloper (Beachcomber) lifestyle from hundreds of years ago. A thought-provoking opportunity to study the smaller creatures that survive in this seemingly barren landscape, and be astonished at the fascinating plant life of the concession.
* Weather permitting and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide.
On a stay of three nights (or more) full-day excursions to the Skeleton Coast are offered. This fascinating 4x4 trip to the coast takes you via the wilderness and wildlife of the Hoanib River and floodplain, which include Klein Oases Spring and driving through a dune field – while the Skeleton Coast itself reveals a rocky coastline with its huge Cape fur seal colonies and shipwreck remains. Following a picnic lunch, the return flight back to camp offers a magnificent perspective of your journey from the air.
* Typically, harsh desert conditions prevail in this area with regards to heat, fog rolling in from the sea, high winds and flooding rivers. On occasion, these conditions may affect the duration and routing of the excursion, with guests being driven both ways or – as is the case when it rains and the floodplains fill with water – flown both ways.
Operating within our concession area and on offer to all guests, these trips leave camp early in the morning, include a picnic lunch, and return to camp in the mid to late afternoon. It includes Mudorib Springs, exploring remote areas in the south of our allocated exclusive concession area, with the red basalt landscapes of the Damaraland. Amongst other general game species, guests have the chance of seeing Hartmann's mountain zebra and the desert-adapted rhino. In the northern and eastern area of the Hoanib, the valleys offer spectacular scenery.
* Subject to private vehicle availability, to guarantee this excursion a private vehicle needs to be booked and paid for.
At the Hoanib Research Centre, presentations by, and interactions with, wildlife researchers are possible when they are in camp. These valuable insights cover all current research being supported at Hoanib, in particular the vital work conducted by Dr Philip Stander and his team studying the unique desert-adapted lion. Learn about the tragic Vanishing Kings lion coalition, as well as the ancient stories and legends of the Skeleton Coast.
* Subject to the availability of researchers when in camp, and conducted in the research centre.
Birding enthusiasts are sure to enjoy the diverse avifauna of the northern Palmwag Concession, from soaring raptors to charming Namaqua sandgrouse; as well as other regular endemics including Rüppell's korhaan, Benguela long-billed lark and Verreauxs' eagle.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
One of the most pristine areas on Earth, the Namib Desert is a world of vast spaces, endless horizons, dramatic landscapes and jagged mountain heights. Cradled against the ancient mountains, andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is renowned for its luxurious accommodation overlooking the starkly beautiful Namib Desert. Designed to capture the splendour and solitude of the desert, just ten stone and glass suites spread out along the curve of the escarpment, allowing absolute privacy. Each air conditioned suite is furnished to complement the majestic hues of the desert and features a private veranda, split-level bedroom and living room with fireplace, ensuite glass-encased bathroom and outdoor shower. The suites are equipped with a star-viewing skylight, discrete music system and custom-stocked personal bar. The guest area, where walls have become windows that fold away completely, boasts unimpeded desert vistas. The split-level lodge boasts a fire-lit bar, comfortable sitting room, wraparound veranda and Signature Shop. Guests can escape the desert heat with a revitalising midday dip in the pool, fed by water from an underground spring. At sunset, animals are drawn to a nearby waterhole, enhancing desert sundowner drinks. Get a closer look at the night sky from our sophisticated observatory and state-of-the-art telescope.
Images
Video
360 Panoramas
Rooms
Facilities
Activities and Services
andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert LodgeGuest area
andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert LodgeGuest area
andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert LodgeGuest area
andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert LodgeGym
andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert LodgeGuest area
andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert LodgeGuest area
andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert LodgeLodge shop
andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert LodgeGuest area
andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert LodgeGuest area
andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert LodgeGuest area
andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert LodgeOryx
andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert LodgeGuest area
andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert LodgeGuest suite
andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert LodgeSuite amenities
andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert LodgeSuite - Exterior
andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert LodgeGuest suite
andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert LodgeGuest suite - plunge pool
Designed to capture the splendor and solitude of the desert, just ten stone and glass suites spread out along the curve of the escarpment, allowing absolute privacy. Each air conditioned glass-fronted suite is designed to complement the expansive views of the different habitats, perfectly framed from the spacious internal areas. Featuring a private veranda, bedroom with retractable skylights for in-bed star-gazing, a living room with a fireplace, an ensuite bathroom with a glass-encased rain shower offering 180º views, and a perfectly-positioned private plunge pool for some sublime respite after a long day in the desert heat.
All suites include star-viewing skylights, discrete music systems and customised personal bars. One of the most innovative features of the accommodation design is the way in which the extremes of the natural environment are harnessed to create energy and recycle waste water. Each suite is like its own solar power plant, producing enough energy to not only power the air conditioning, and all the super-comforts of a luxury lodge, but also the water treatment and recycling systems.
Creating an ideal family environment, or an ideal option for groups of friends, the Star Dune Suite consists of two suites linked by a covered walkway, with a private lounge and dining space. The combined amenities of this extended accommodation provide the perfect space for one and all to enjoy. For those family groups, our &Beyond guides and lodge team will provide a host of fun and interactive children’s activities.
Property Facilities
Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Library, Malaria Free, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Detached Private Bathroom, Disabled Rooms, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, Fireplace, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mini Bar, Outside Shower, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah, Wheelchair Friendly
Available Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Meal on Request, Private Vehicle (Available), Room Service
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Cycling, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Massages, Quad Biking, Scenic Flights, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided)
Activities Nearby
Bird Watching, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Cycling, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Helicopter Rides, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Hiking, Historical Tours, Mountain Biking, Natural History Tours, Scenic Flights, Walks (Guided)
This half-day morning adventure takes you into the Namib Naukluft National Park. Learn about the ecosystem, Aeolian geological processes, walk to Deadvlei, perhaps climb a sand dune, and for the fit and adventurous, conquer the towering ‘Big Daddy’.
Set out to the dunes on our reserve, where the story of the deserts ecology is written in the sand. Explore the dunes on foot or by quad bike with a specialist guide who’ll uncover the secrets of the dunes.
Step back in time and bring to life the history of the area and its people. Follow your expert guide into the untamed Namib Desert scattered with San rock art. Explore heritage sites and gain insight into the San people.
Explore the unique landscape on this fascinating geological excursion, in a vehicle and on foot. View the varied topography, exposed due to the upliftment events after the continent of Gondwana split into Africa and South America. Observe young geology ‘in action’ as the dunes shape this awe-inspiring landscape.
Be mesmerised by the magnificence of the desert on morning or late afternoon desert drives that continue after nightfall. Explore four different habitat types and ecosystems. Learn about fairy circles, how deserts are formed and function, and how animals have adapted to this desolate environment.
Enjoy this exclusive experience at &Beyond Sossusvlei Private Desert Reserve, the only private reserve featuring the iconic star dunes of Namibia. Take the time to appreciate your surrounds and tuck into a delicious picnic breakfast.
Sossusvlei neighbours Africa’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, which has also been awarded Gold Tier status, declaring it an environment with little to no impact from artificial light. Get a closer look at the night sky from our sophisticated observatory and state-of-the-art telescope.
Indulge in one of our many relaxing treatments for a truly authentic African spa experience that rejuvenates the mind, body and soul. Our treatments promise to leave you feeling in harmony with the tranquillity of the surrounds.
Available at an additional cost.
Gain a bird’s eye perspective over the spectacular scenery surrounding the lodge, in the company of other guests. The balloons are unable to fly over the Namib sand dunes; however, you will still be treated to awe-inspiring views.
Available at an additional cost.
Traverse the stark beauty and vast expanse on an e-bike. Easy to ride and super fun, these nifty bicycles are fitted with a battery-powered ‘assist’ that gives a boost via a throttle when pedalling. There are two different options, an 11km (6.8mi) or a 19km (11.8mi) route.
Explore the lodge surrounds on foot, take the time to sit in the stillness and be enchanted by the views. There are two defined hiking trails, a 2.2km (1.4mi) or a 3.4km (2.1mi) route waiting to be explored.
andBeyond’s WILDChild programme, designed especially for children visiting our safari lodges and camps in Africa, is filled with fun, interactive activities that offer opportunities to learn and discover new experiences and cultures. Deeply rooted in the love for the African bush, it not only creates a series of unforgettable moments for the whole family but forges strong bonds between our young guests, our planet and its people.
Take off from nearby the lodge and soar over the vast expanse of the desert for an approximately 60 min helicopter flight. Hover over jagged mountain tops that emerge from the iconic Namib dunes, white mineral pans, rocky outcrops and unique fauna and flora. Be captivated as you fly over a landscape that has remained unchanged for millions of years.
Available at an additional cost.
Avid photographers will enjoy this 90 min photographic flight showcasing the best of the Namib Desert. This flight extends to the ocean, where the red dune belt drops 152m (500ft) into the sea. Observe a seal colony at Black Rock and fly with doors off allowing you to capture red dunes, resident desert-adapted wildlife, rocky mountains and sandy plains. This experience includes a stopover in the dunes to enjoy a glass of champagne.
Available at an additional cost.
Experience the desert from above on a 2.5 hour helicopter flight. Fly over the Devil’s Fork dune formation and soar past the gnarled, twisted trees of Deadvlei. Continue until you hit the coast where the dunes fringe the sea, turn north from Meob Bay and follow the shoreline towards the Eduard Bohlen shipwreck. Enjoy a champagne stop and head home with views of Witberg Mountain.
Available at an additional cost.
Take off from near &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge and soar over the vast expanse of the desert for a 45 min helicopter flight. Hover over jagged mountain tops that emerge from the shifting Namib dunes flying over a landscape that has remained unchanged for millions of years.
Available at an additional cost.
With a dedicated guide and a private vehicle, guests have the luxury of tailoring their own desert experience, choosing their own drive times, and spending as much time as they want exploring the desert.
Available at an additional cost.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities