Conservation Chronicles

Research Insights

Wildlife Encounters

Guest Adventures

Ongava Through Their Lens

Behind the Scenes

Delve into a collection of reviews, features, and articles from those who have journeyed through Ongava. Gain insight from personal reflections and professional accounts that highlight the reserve's unique charm. This space offers a rich tapestry of perspectives, bringing Ongava to life through the eyes of others.

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Namibia has long stood as a beacon of conservation tourism, and at the heart of this movement is Ongava Game Reserve. More than just a safari destination, Ongava is a living example of how tourism and conservation can thrive together. I have had the privilege of experiencing Ongava both as a curious guest and as an associate research scientist at the Ongava Research Center, an experience that has shaped my understanding of what’s possible when passionate people work together for wildlife.

Discovering Conservation Through Collaboration: From Namibia to Nepal

In 2024, while advising a small, community-driven snow leopard conservation program in Nepal, we reached a crossroads. Interest was growing in using tourism to support conservation in the Himalayas, and I knew we could learn from some of the best. A plan was formed: bring my Nepali colleagues to Namibia to see, firsthand, how Ongava has successfully woven tourism and conservation into the fabric of its success.

Fast forward to June 2025. Ongava’s gracious team welcomed three of my closest Nepali conservation partners. Our time together was brief, but the impact was lasting. We explored every corner of Ongava, staying at the inviting lodge where thoughtful details make guests feel at home, and spending hours at the world-class Visitor Centre, a masterclass in storytelling and conservation messaging. The highlight of our visit was engaging with the bright minds at the Ongava Research Center, where we witnessed how science and tourism work hand in hand to safeguard Namibia’s iconic wildlife.

For my colleagues, the experience was transformative. One reflected, “I’ll never forget how Ongava so effortlessly blended a thriving business with conservation that truly matters.” Another was struck by the openness of the team, who generously shared knowledge big and small. Their notebooks and their imaginations were full of ideas to bring home to the Himalayas.

For me, this visit was a reaffirmation that travel, at its best, is about connection. It is about learning from one another, sharing what we know, and building something greater than ourselves. As the saying goes, teamwork really does make the dream work. And sometimes, all it takes is a collaborative journey, like the one we shared at Ongava, to turn inspiration into action.

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At Ongava Game Reserve, every corner of the wilderness tells a story. Some are easy to witness on safari, such as lion prides lounging in the shade or rhinos grazing peacefully at a waterhole. Others remain hidden in the quiet of the night or deep in the bush. To reveal these unseen moments, we had the privilege of working with renowned British wildlife photographer Will Burrard-Lucas, whose groundbreaking camera trap systems have transformed the way we view wildlife.

Capturing Ongava’s Secrets: Will Burrard-Lucas and His Camera Traps

At Ongava, the dining table is as much a part of the safari as the waterhole, the lion’s roar, or the rustle of wind through mopane trees. Food here isn’t just sustenance between game drives – it’s an experience layered with place, people, and passion.


A Feast in the Bush: Ongava’s Food Experience

At Ongava, we are passionate about the wildlife that thrives in our unique corner of Namibia. To help you capture the beauty of the natural world, we’ve teamed up with renowned wildlife photographer Will Burrard-Lucas, whose work speaks to the heart of conservation and the wild spaces we cherish. Will’s tips will not only help you take better photos but also deepen your connection with nature as you document its wonders.

6 Tips for Taking Great Wildlife Photographs by Will Burrard-Lucas

"Mwalalapo!” says Loide, her smile as bright and warm as the Namibian sun. As she welcomes guests to Little Ongava, where she is a senior host, her Oshiwambo word of greeting erases every barrier of language and culture.


Meet Loide - Ambassador of care and service at Little Ongava

Nestled on the edge of Etosha National Park, Ongava Game Reserve is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike. With its vast landscapes, diverse wildlife, and expertly guided safaris, it offers the perfect setting to capture breathtaking images of nature in its purest form. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer with a telephoto lens or a traveler with a smartphone, Ongava provides endless opportunities to frame the beauty of Africa, from a rhino silhouetted against a golden sunset to a lion’s piercing gaze just meters away. 

Capturing the Wild: A Photographer’s Paradise at Ongava

Ongava For The Photographer

Nestled within the pristine wilderness of Ongava Game Reserve, For Tracy, the walkway is a new stand-out feature.

Ongava Through Their Lens