Okaukuejo Rest Camp | Etosha National Park

The Etosha Park (from 1958) is located 435 km (Okaukuejo Camp) or 530 km (Namutoni Camp) north of Windhoek. The park can be entered through either Von Lindeq The Etosha National Park Namibia

uist (Namutoni) or Andersson Gate (Okaukuejo). It is one of the Africa's largest parks covering area of 22 270 square kilometres. The Etosha pan's size is 4 590 square kilometres, while all pans cover more than 5 100 square kilometres.
Name. The word ''etosha'' means place of dry water or, according to other sources, huge, white area.
History. Game Reserve 2, proclaimed by German Governor Friedrich Von Lindequist in 1907, comprised the Etosha pan and most of Kaokoland and covered almost 100 000 square kilometres. The park was reduced in 1947 by allocating Kaokoland to Herero. According to recommendations of Odendaal Commission (1962) park's area was reduced even further. The present size of the park is 77 per cent less than before the Odendaal Commission.

Best time for visit. Winters are cool and dry in the park. Game tend to stay closer to water holes and chances to spot species are better. The rainy season normally begins at the end of October - beginning of November.
Average rainfall figures: Okaukuejo: 412 mm, Halali: 430 mm, Namutoni: 442 mm. The Etosha National Park Namibia

Camps.

Okaukuejo. The oldest camp in the park, opened in October 1957, is the home of Etosha Ecological Institute. Established in the end of last century as a control post to combat the spread of foot-and-mouth disease of cattle, illegal hunting and gun trading. Attractions: water tower (1963), floodlit water hole in the camp frequently visited by elephants, rhinos, lions and different species of antelopes.
Namutoni. The camp was opened in 1958. The first fort (1902-03), erected as a border post and was attacked in 1904 by 500 Ovambos. The garrison of seven German soldiers successfully defended fort for the whole day and retreated later during the night. Next day fort was completely destroyed by Ovambos. After Herero uprising Namutoni fort was rebuild and later used as a police post but during the course of time fall in disuse. Restoration works began on the end of 30s when one of the towers was destroyed by lightning. In 1950 the Namutoni fort was declared a National Monument. The restaurant, additional accommodation units and shop were added in 1983.

Halali. The newest camp was opened in 1967. The name derived from the sound of traditional German hunting horn used to announce the end of the hunt. The only hills in the park are located here.

Vegetation. The vegetation groups can be identified as follows: grass plains along the pan (e.g. Andoni, Chudob), mopane woodland (Okerfontein), mixed thorns and terminalias (Namutoni), dense woodlands (tamboti, thorns, mopane) (Namutoni-Okerfontein).
Altitude. The average height of the park is around 1000 m above sea level.
Attention: SPEED LIMIT IN THE PARK IS 60 KM/H

Okaukuejo information

Okaukuejo, located 17 km from the southern entrance of the park, was the first tourist camp to open in Etosha. Okaukuejo is famous for its flood – lit waterhole, where visitors can observe at close quarters a spectacle of wildlife congregating and interacting. Home to the Etosha Ecological Institute, Okaukuejo also offers an educational view on the evolution and growth of the park and its species.

How to reach the resort (directions from Windhoek)
Etosha National Park is easily accessible in a day from Windhoek .Take the B1 from the capital and turn onto the C38 from Otjiwarongo through Outjo to the Anderson Gate (Windhoek to Anderson Gate 400 km). Okaukuejo is then another 17km from the gate.

Landing Options
Landing is only permitted, with permission, at either Ongava Lodge outside of Okaukuejo or at Mokuti Lodge on the outskirts of the von Lindequist Gate by Namutoni. Transfers from the air strip to Halali can be arranged with prior notification.

GPS Coordinates
19°10'43.36"S
15°55'8.55"E

Accommodation
Accommodation is provided to suit every need, offering a maximum of 104 units (222 beds) in Premier double-storey Waterhole Chalets with balconies overlooking the waterhole, Waterhole Chalets, Bush Chalets, Family Chalets and Double Rooms. All units are provided with tea stations and fridges, and the Bush Chalets are also equipped with braai facilities. Family Chalets are fully equipped for self catering. Camp sites are also available.

5 Premier Chalets: 4 beds, 2 rooms; Newly develop exclusive double story chalets offering a game viewing experience from the privacy of one’s own balcony overlooking the waterhole. Two en-suite bedrooms; downstairs with two single beds as well as private patio an upstairs with queen size bed, lounge area and tea-station.

2 Family Chalets: 4 beds, 2 rooms; Spacious self-catering units with two en-suite bedrooms; fully equipped kitchenette as well as a comfortable lounge for recreation. Shaded outside veranda ideal for relaxation, equipped with a braai area; car park also available adjacent to chalet.

20 Bush Chalet: 2 beds, 1 room; Comfortable 2-bed chalets with one bedroom, bathroom, lounge and braai area. Equipped with fridge and tea-station.

30 Waterhole Chalet double 2 beds, 1 room; Sophisticated double-rooms with en-suite bathroom, fridge and tea-station; private patio outfitted with table and chairs from which to enjoy the surrounding wildlife; suited in close proximity to the waterhole.

45 Double Rooms 2 beds, 1 room; Comfortable room with en-suite bathroom equipped with fridge and tea-station.

2 Disabled Access Chalet 2 beds, 1 room; Leisurely Chalet in close proximity to waterhole with spacious bathroom fully equipped with low appliances to provide a wheelchair and disabled friendly environment. Tea-station and fridge on hand as well as braai facility.

26 Camping Site Demarcated shaded sites with 3 Ablution Blocks (photo album camping ablutions) all with showers and toilets;
3 Field Kitchens equipped with cooking areas
All camping sites are outfitted with braai facilities, power points and cold & hot water.
NB: In addition to the rate per night there is a refundable N$500.00 room deposit payable upon check in at reception.

Other Facilities: Swimming Pool, Restaurant & Bar, Post Office, Curio Shop, Tourist Shop, Tourist Centre, Kiosk, Conference Facilities, Fuel Station, State Clinic

Reception opening hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Check In and Check Out Times:
Check In time on day of arrival is 12h00 and Check out time on day of departure is 10h00. Late departures can be arranged through reception.

Restaurant Opening Hours: During Winter (May – August)
Morning Breakfast Buffet 05h30 - 10H00
Afternoon Lunch Buffet 12h00 – 14h00
Evening Dinner Buffet 18h00 – 21h30
Lunch pack

Restaurant Opening Hours: During Summer (September – April)
Morning Breakfast Buffet 06h00 - 10H00
Afternoon Lunch Buffet 12h00 – 14h00
Evening Dinner Buffet 18h00 – 21h30
Lunch pack

Attractions and Activities: Flood-lit Waterhole, guided morning and afternoon Game Drives, Nature Walks within the camp, Etosha Ecological Institute

Game Drive Schedule
Morning
Afternoon
Evening

The duration of the game drive is 3 hours and departure times can be confirmed at Reception

Children between the ages of 6 and 12 are charged at half price.
No children under the age of 6 are permitted.
Book your seat at least 1 hour before the trip commences.
The morning drives are according to the gate opening times.

Park fees are payable up on arrival at Okaukuejo, children under 16 years are not chargeable
Fees are non-refundable, and not transferable
Namibian and SADC discount rates are available on production of valid identification.
Visitors to the park should reach the park before sunset and should only leave after sunrise.

Unit type	Number of units	Daily rates per person	Single rate	Note
Premier Waterhole Chalet (new double story chalet with balcony overlooking the waterhole)	5	-	-	Dinner, bed and breakfast Maximum 4 adults
Waterhole chalet double room 2 beds	30	-	-	Bed and breakfast Maximum 2 adults
Family chalet 4 beds	2	-	-	Bed and breakfast Maximum 4 adults
Bush chalet 2 beds	20	-	-	Bed and breakfast Maximum 2 adults
Double room 2 beds	40	-	-	Bed and breakfast Maximum 2 adults
Camping	26	-	-	Maximum 8 persons per site
Accommodation only: children under the age of 6 stay free of change, 6-12 years old pay 70%. Provision for children will be made upon arrival; however the booking must be made in advance.
Activities
Guided morning drives	-	on request	-	No children under the age of 6 permitted
Guided afternoon drives	-	on request	-
Guided night drives	-	on request	-

Camp	Morning	Afternoon	Night
Okaukuejo	on request	on request	on request