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Onguma Trails Camp

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Intimate walking glamp-camp adjacent to Etosha

Step into a soft, sun-warmed clearing where canvas bell tents sit under fever trees and the bush exhales around you. Onguma Trails Camp pairs guided walking safaris with considered comfort: private wood-fired hot tubs, open-air bucket showers and meals cooked on an open fire. With just four tents and a maximum of eight guests, the experience feels personal, immersive and intentionally slow.

Top 3 reasons to choose Onguma Trails Camp

Pure walking-safari focus: Guided 6–8 km walks (fitness guideline up to 10 km) deliver intimate encounters with spoor, tracks and smaller bush life — with the chance to see four of the Big Five on foot. (See fact sheet.)
True disconnection with considered comfort: Solar lighting, no Wi‑Fi or mobile signal, private hot tubs and en‑suite bucket showers create a rustic-luxury balance ideal for travellers who want to immerse without sacrificing comforts.
Small, exclusive group size: Only four bell tents and certified walking guides ensure bespoke attention, safety briefings and detailed bushcraft lessons.

What to expect

The setting and style

Location: Onguma Trails Camp lies inside the 36,000-hectare Onguma Nature Reserve, adjacent to Etosha National Park. The camp sits at about 1,100 m above sea level among riverine scrub and grassy plains.

Character: An eco-minded glamp camp of canvas bell tents and a communal dining/living tent where meals are served around the fire. The layout keeps the bush visible and present at every turn.

Accommodation

Four spacious bell tents (king or twin beds) — maximum 8 guests.
Private en-suite outdoor bathroom with hot bucket shower; eco amenities provided (body wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, insect repellent).
Private wood-fired hot tub outside each tent.
Extra-length beds, warm bedding for cool nights, private outdoor seating.
No Wi‑Fi or mobile reception at camp; satellite communication for emergencies; charging stations for cameras and phones (solar-powered).

Meals & dining

All meals and drinks are included in standard itineraries and are prepared on an open fire in camp. Dining is communal and relaxed in the lounge/dining tent and around the campfire. Drinks include wines, beers, soft drinks and premium spirits; special preferences can be arranged before arrival.

Activities & daily rhythm

Guided walking safaris: Morning walks of 6–8 km teaching tracking, bushcraft, foraging and spoor interpretation.
Sundowner drives or afternoon walks: Short drives or relaxed walks to complement the main walking activity.
Stargazing: Night-sky presentations at the boma make the most of minimal light pollution.
Optional game drives: Short drives in Onguma reserve or guided day trips into Etosha for waterhole wildlife viewing.
Conservation insights: Talks with the Onguma conservation team on request (included on some 3-night programs).

Facilities & guest services

Solar-powered lighting, torches in each tent and charging ports for cameras and phones.
Small communal lounge and dining tent, private hot tubs and outdoor seating.
Camp is unfenced — certified guides, safety briefings and rifles for walking safaris ensure safety.
Return transfers to Onguma Forest Camp are included for standard itineraries; Forest Camp is the meeting point at 13:00 on arrival day.

Itineraries (sample)

2‑night Trails Camp (standard)

Day 1: Meet at Onguma Forest Camp at 13:00; transfer to Trails Camp, light lunch, afternoon walk or sundowner drive, dinner at camp.
Day 2: Morning 6–8 km guided walking safari with bush breakfast; late lunch; optional afternoon activity; boma dinner and stargazing.
Day 3: Early morning walk, breakfast and departure by 11:00.

3‑night Trails Camp (recommended)

Adds another full walking day or a sunrise drive, extra conservation talks and additional time to relax or transfer to other Onguma lodges.
Third night supplement available — ideal for deeper exploration and relaxation.

Practical travel information & access

Meeting point: Onguma Forest Camp — arrive before 13:00 for a 13:00 introduction.
By road: From the south follow the B1 north to the C38 then follow signage to Onguma Forest Camp. From the von Lindequist/Namutoni gate (Etosha) turn left to Onguma Forest Camp — approx. 20 minutes on dirt road.
By air: Private charters to Onguma airfield or Mokuti airstrip (Mokuti transfers may incur a supplement).
Transfers: Return transfers between Forest Camp and Trails Camp included in the 2‑ and 3‑night packages.

Who this camp is for

Active travellers and bushwalkers aged 16+ who want to explore Namibia on foot.
Photographers and naturalists who value slow, sensory observation.
Small groups, couples or solo travellers seeking low-impact, intimate experiences.
Not suitable for guests with limited mobility or who require wheelchair access.

Health, safety & fitness

Guests should be able to walk up to 10 km on uneven terrain comfortably.
Etosha is a low-risk malaria area; consult your healthcare professional about prophylaxis.
Guests must hold appropriate medical and evacuation insurance.
Guides are certified, carry rifles for on-foot protection and provide safety briefings before walks.

Rates, dates & booking essentials

Season: Camp operates annually from April to September.
Rates (2025): 2 nights fully inclusive: N$26,000 per person; 3rd night: N$13,000 per person; single supplement: none.
Conservation levy: N$275 per person sharing per night.
Age restriction: 16 years and older for walking safaris.
Check-in/out: Meet 13:00 at Onguma Forest Camp; check-out 11:00.

Tipping guidance

While tipping is not expected, suggested guidelines are N$200/day for guides and N$250/day for general staff. Tips may be given in cash to management for equal distribution or directly to guides.

Best time to visit

Prime game-viewing and the official season run from April to September. Dry winter months concentrate wildlife around permanent water and produce crisp, photographic light. Trails Camp is closed outside the April–September operating window. Shoulder months (April and September) offer milder temperatures and fewer guests.

Climate & packing tips

Typical season temperatures: up to around 25°C by day; mornings and nights can drop to ~2°C.
Essential kit: day backpack (30–35 L), closed walking shoes, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, binoculars, camera, torch/headlamp, neutral-coloured clothing, warm morning layers, light waterproof jacket, swimwear.
Health items: personal prescriptions, insect repellent and malaria prophylaxis if advised.

Sustainability & community

Onguma Trails Camp operates on solar power with low-impact practices and supports local employment and conservation initiatives. Guests are encouraged to extend their stay to visit other Onguma lodges and community experiences that benefit local livelihoods.

Quick facts

Location: Onguma Nature Reserve (adjacent to Etosha National Park) — meet at Onguma Forest Camp.
Season: April–September.
Accommodation: 4 bell tents; max 8 guests.
Ages: 16+ for walking safaris.
Walks: 6–8 km typical; up to 10 km fitness guideline.
Rates (2026): 2 nights fully inclusive N$26,000pp; 3rd night N$13,000pp; conservation levy N$275pp/pn.
Check-in/out: Meet 13:00 at Forest Camp / Check-out 11:00.

Conclusion

Onguma Trails Camp offers a rare, small-group walking experience that places you on foot in one of Namibia’s most wildlife-rich reserves while preserving the quiet and intimacy of a true glamping camp.

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What's included

En-suite bell-tent accommodation
All meals and selected drinks
Guided walking trails, bush-skills learning, sundowner drives and stargazing
Return transfers from Onguma Forest Camp
VAT
Social Development Levy
NTB tourism levy

Not included

Conservation Levy
Dream Cruiser Sleep Out
Spa treatments
Auction wines
Premium brand drinks
Staff gratuities
Safari shop purchases

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Onguma Trails Camp Rates

Current published Trails Camp rates	Basis	Rate
Bell Tent	All inclusive per person sharing	N$13000
Conservation levy	Per person per night	N$275

2027 rack rates (1 November 2026 – 31 October 2027)	Basis	Rate
Bell Tent	All inclusive per person sharing	N$13240
Conservation levy	Per person per night	N$350

2027 experiences	Basis	Rate
Morning or afternoon Etosha game drive (4 hours)	Per person	N$1930
Onguma sunrise drive (3 hours)	Per person	N$980
Onguma sundowner drive (3 hours)	Per person	N$980
Interpretive nature walk (1½ hours)	Per person	N$980
Mid-morning Onkolo Hide (3 hours)	Per person	N$720
Morning or afternoon Young Explorers Walk (1½ hours)	Per person	N$460
Private game drive (4 hours)	Per vehicle	N$10680
Private game drive, full day (8 hours)	Per vehicle	N$17070
Private game drive fully inclusive surcharge (4 hours)	Per vehicle	N$6610
Private game drive fully inclusive surcharge, full day	Per vehicle	N$8260
Ombili Foundation self-drive experience	Per person	N$750

2027 additional rates	Basis	Rate
Onguma Dream Cruiser	Per vehicle per night	N$10790
Dream Cruiser campsite surcharge	Per vehicle per night	N$5730
Bush breakfast or dinner – 1–9 guests	Per person	N$940
Bush breakfast or dinner – 10 or more guests	Per person	N$620
Breakfast	Per person	N$320
Breakfast pack	Per person	N$320
3-course lunch	Per person	N$400
Lunch pack	Per person	N$320
3-course dinner	Per person	N$710
4-course dinner	Per person	N$890

The supplied 2026 rack-rate PDF does not list Onguma Trails Camp. The current published rate of N$13000 per person sharing and N$275 conservation levy has therefore been retained without assigning an unsupported validity period.
The 2027 rate is valid from 1 November 2026 to 31 October 2027. Trails Camp operates from April to September, requires a minimum two-night stay and may be extended to three nights.
The all-inclusive rate includes accommodation in an en-suite bell tent, all meals and selected drinks, guided walking trails, bush-skills learning, sundowner drives, stargazing, return transfers from Onguma Forest Camp, VAT, the Social Development Levy and the NTB tourism levy.
The minimum age is 16. Participants must be reasonably fit and in good health. Check-in is at Onguma Forest Camp by 13:00 and check-out is at 11:00 at Onguma Forest Camp.
The 2026 rack-rate period runs from 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2026. The 2027 rack-rate period runs from 1 November 2026 to 31 October 2027.
Rates include VAT, the N$10 Social Development Levy and the NTB tourism levy unless specifically stated otherwise. The compulsory conservation levy is charged separately and is VAT-able.
Experience rates are nett and may be added to campsite or dinner, bed and breakfast bookings. Experiences are subject to availability and time restrictions. Activities include beverages in 2026 and beverages and snacks in 2027.
The Onkolo Hide requires at least two guests and is subject to availability; the 2027 maximum is seven guests. The interpretive nature walk has a minimum age of 16, and the Onkolo Hide has a minimum age of 7. Children under 7 may join game drives only when a private vehicle is booked.
The Dream Cruiser accommodates a maximum of two guests, must be booked with lodge or campsite accommodation, is weather dependent and is not included in all-inclusive packages.
Bush breakfast and dinner surcharges require at least two guests. When the meal is not already included, the applicable meal price is charged in addition to the surcharge.
Arrival and departure transfers are included as specified for each lodge. Additional return transfers from Mokuti Airstrip cost N$1800 per vehicle in the 2026 period and N$1980 in the 2027 period; Mokuti landing and parking fees are for the guest’s account.
Standard check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is at 10:00 unless a property-specific policy states otherwise.
Bookings, amendments and cancellations must be made in writing. For bookings of up to three rooms, fees are 10% before 31 days, 25% at 15–30 days, 50% at 8–14 days, and 100% at 0–7 days or no-show. Campsite cancellations that are not postponed incur 100% cancellation fees.
Rates and conditions are subject to change.