Onguma, The Fort

Discover true luxury near Etosha National Park in Namibia where a truly unique luxury safari experience awaits intrepid wildlife lovers at Onguma The Fort, part of the Onguma Collection and in the depths of Onguma Private Reserve. Dramatic sunsets and views, burnished reds and oranges in this unique desert landscape overlooking Etosha, wildlife mecca of note.

Visitors to Onguma The Fort get to traverse some of the 34 000 ha of conservation land, enjoy supreme accommodation and service and simply relax. This top of the range Namibian safari lodge is found on the eastern side of Etosha National Park, near the entrance from the Von Lindquist gate, making it the prefect base to visit Etosha.

An earthy, unusual Moroccan design blends in to the landscape here, mostly barren with scrubby thickets and some thorn trees dotted around. Game viewing is easy as hundreds of plains game come to the Onguma water hole including kudu, giraffe, eland, oryx, hartebeest, zebra and impala – followed by their predators, mostly cheetahs, lions and leopards. The abundant wildlife is boosted with the presence of rare black rhinos so get those cameras ready! Bird lovers will also revel in the rich diversity of bird species migrating to these wetlands formed after the rains in summer.

Choose one of 11 exquisite safari suites plus the decadent Fort and Sultan Suites – the Sultan suite takes prime position in the tower of the lodge and boasts a vast bedroom with lounge and private viewing deck, all decorated in the rich fabrics and colours of Moroccan royalty. Suites created with hints of a northern African region where sultans once reigned are all beautifully decorated and contain the luxuries guests appreciate such as air-conditioning, satellite TV, private lounges with soft cushions on sofas, large modern bathrooms featuring open showers and lovely baths to end the day. 

In winter, light the fire and snuggle in the large bed before a good dinner in the dining area with the other guests. All the suites overlook Ficher’s Pan, a stimulating active waterhole and the entire Onguma The Fort is ideally placed for surreal sunsets over this burnt copper landscape. 

We love the Fort for its eccentric tastes in design – a Moroccan style villa in the middle of Africa adds spice to the journey and suites the climate here, a dry desert landscape requiring the cooling interiors of such a structure. Take incredible photos of the indigenous camel thorn trees where giraffes feed and plentiful wildlife graze. Choose a safari lodge that does not follow any other safari lodge trends but sticks to its unique Moroccan flavour and style, massive stone walls and water channels designed to cool down the building. Honeymoon couples are catered for in the lavish honeymoon suite with its splendid views of the pans of the Onguma private Reserve. Excellent tours and safaris to this splendid part of a wonderful country called Namibia.

There is no other safari lodge quite like The Fort in Namibia. There is no other private game reserve quite like Onguma either, embracing a similar landscape to Etosha National Park, its neighbour and boasting quite the best sunset vistas ever experienced in these parts. As a privileged visitor to Namibia’s game reserves, you will be amazed at the sheer density of wildlife here, the stark desert landscape and the camel thorn trees so characteristic and beautiful, shade and food many animals and birds. 

The Moroccan style Onguma The Fort looms out of the sandy wasteland like a palace of stone made for Arab kings and queens. The thick walls, water channels and high towers all mimic architecture from this far northern African country, where sultans once ruled. The main suite, in the tower, at this safari lodge with a difference is called the Sultan Suite and it is made to stun thanks to its decadent décor featuring tasteful splashes of colour and silks and cottons. A large lounge leads from the king size bed on to the roomy deck while the modern bathroom features a bath and outside shower, satellite TV, bar fridge and aircon for those hot Namibian nights. 

All other accommodation at Onguma – The Fort comprises 11 Bush Suites and 1 honeymoon Suite, all found next to the Main Fort, reaching out on both sides to the south and north ‘wings’ of the establishment.  These safari suites are made for the heat and the winter’s chill – dep baths, inside and outside showers, aircon, mini bars, tea and coffee and more. Beautiful silks and cottons reflect the quality Indian and Moroccan cultures here in the middle of Namibia and everything has been stylishly created for the guests enjoyment and relaxation.

Take time out at the swimming pool and order a drink on the game viewing deck with unforgettable views of the waterhole. Ask us about our special packages, tours and safaris to this part of the Etosha region of Namibia.