The private 30,000ha Ongava Game Reserve is just outside the Etosha National Park, a ten minute drive from the southern Andersson gate. Operated by Wilderness Safaris, the reserve is packed with animals that feature within Etosha itself, and home to four outstanding accommodations that offer a range of safari activities. Ongava Lodge is perfect for guests who prefer their safari rooms substantial and enclosed, with 14 spacious rock and thatch chalets in an elevated position overlooking the flat expanse of the reserve. The rooms have a sturdier feel than more rustic safari accommodation, but they are extremely comfortable and sensitively designed so that they blend in unobtrusively with the surrounds. All have air-conditioning, a large private deck for languid afternoon game viewing and an outdoor shower with a view.

The split level main lodge has a lounge, dining room and bar, perched atop a hill to maximise views across the reserve, including the nearby floodlit waterhole that attracts animals 24/7. White rhino can be tracked on foot with guides from the lodge, while other activities include day and night game drives in the reserve, and half or full day excursions into Etosha, meaning that you don’t necessarily have to stay in the park to enjoy all it has to offer.