OVERVIEW:
All in all, Okaukuejo ticks a lot of boxes. With accommodation options to suit everyone, and a fabulous location, this popular property is still going strong after almost sixty years!
ACCESS & LOCATION:
Okaukuejo Rest Camp is located in the south of Etosha National Park - by a floodlit waterhole.
ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT OKAUKUEJO REST CAMP:
At the heart of the camp is the famous white tower, which is actually a remnant from the German fort built there in 1901. This is a popular place for guests to relax with a drink and watch the beautiful sunsets over the mountains. Okaukuejo boasts a large modern restaurant – this provides buffet-style meals, with inside and outside seating, a well-stocked and friendly bar, and a kiosk from which to buy light snacks during the day. There are three sparkling pools, including a shallow one for children – all are great for taking the heat out of the day and relaxing between activities! The post office is very handy for sending those important postcards home, while the curio shop is perfect for picking up a little something to help you remember your time here.
Guest accommodation at Okaukuejo is extremely varied, so you can plan exactly the type of stay you are looking for! There are five different styles of chalets. Premier Waterhole Chalets (five in total) are situated closest to the waterhole and based over two storeys. They are a luxurious option, featuring a twin bedroom with en-suite, a double bedroom with a view of the waterhole, and a private balcony. They have a shower, lounge area and wardrobe too. This type of chalet is normally booked as half board. Waterhole Chalets also boast a private patio and contain one double bedroom, again with en-suite facilities. The majority (26 out of 30) provide a lounge area and all are booked on a bed-and-breakfast basis. Family Chalets (just two) are a little roomier and contain well-equipped kitchenettes and your own braai (barbecues) area, in addition to a very welcome shaded veranda with outdoor seating. They also have two twin rooms with en-suite facilities. Bush Chalets (25) consist of a double room, bathroom, living area and braai facilities. Okaukuejo also offers double rooms, which are comfortable and well equipped with en-suites. All the accommodation comes with tea- and coffee-making facilities and is decorated in a muted, understated fashion with earthy hues, so as to let the beauty of the surrounding area shine. Campers are well accommodated with access to ablution blocks, power points, water, and braai areas – as well as being able to truly appreciate the natural beauty of their surroundings!
ACTIVITIES AT OKAUKUEJO REST CAMP:
- Okaukuejo’s main, and most breathtaking, attraction has to be the waterhole. Flood-lit so as to enhance your viewing experience, from the seating area surrounding it you can view a wide range of animals, including lion, elephant, zebra, antelope – and even the increasingly rare black rhino! The parade of animals stopping to quench their thirst here continues day and night and is especially prolific from July to October.
- If you want to venture farther afield, you can either take a guided safari or self-drive outside the camp – the area is very well signposted and there are numerous other waterholes complete with parking areas within Etosha National Park.
- As a guest staying at Okaukuejo, you have the privilege of being able to tour the park when it is closed to those staying at other camps. This means that you are able to take night-time and early morning drives and experience the area at less crowded times. The lush and verdant surroundings of the camp give way to the nearby Etosha pan – a breeding ground for flamingoes!
- The name Etosha translates as ‘Great White Place’ and the park’s contrasting colours make for awe-inspiring photographs. It is a good idea to fling your binoculars in your bag as well as your camera so as to make the most of the birdwatching opportunities here – there are an estimated 340 varieties!