Start: Etosha Trading Post
Destination: Onguna Tamboti Campsite
Region: Otjozondjupa
Distance: 180 km
Duration: 3 hours
Route Profile: Gravel road
Overnight Stay: Onguna Tamboti Campsite
Our Rating: 7/10
Wildlife: Antelope, ostriches, birds, zebra, elephants, wildebeest, giraffes, and many more!
Shopping: -
Food: Muesli, bread, peanut butter, bananas, snacks, burgers at the Onguna Tamboti Restaurant

Route to Onguna Tamboti Campsite

We wake up before the first rays of sunlight and enjoy breakfast in our T-shirts for the first time! Yay, it's getting warmer! Just after sunrise, we set off to witness the majestic lions on their morning hunt in Etosha National Park. However, as we fold up our rooftop tent, we encounter an unexpected challenge: a screw on the hinge has broken, preventing the tent from closing completely. The bumpy roads of the past few days have taken their toll. Fortunately, there is a gas station with a car workshop right in front of our campsite (what luck!). We hope they can help us. We drive over and show the mechanics our problem. They immediately take action. A young apprentice first attempts a temporary fix with wire; however, his more experienced colleague isn't satisfied with that solution. So, they begin welding and sawing while we wait outside, eagerly anticipating the result.

While we wait, many curious people stop by, including the military, police, and other travelers, eager to hear our story and ask us questions. The atmosphere is cheerful and lively. After more than three hours of intense work, the mechanics proudly present their solution: they have welded metal pins together and cleverly connected them to the thread of the broken screw. The new screw fits perfectly! Genius!

When we asked about payment, we are met with unexpected and profound gratitude. The workshop manager responds simply, "We are in Africa, and here we like to share and help. It's free of charge." This warmth and willingness to help touch us deeply. Nevertheless, we insist on giving them at least a tip, which they immediately hand over to the manager. The kindness of the locals and their readiness to assist will always remain in our memories. After 11:00 am, we leave the Etosha Trading Post workshop with a warm feeling and continue our journey to Etosha National Park. Watching the lions on their morning hunt, however, is no longer an option.

We already bought our permit for the park yesterday, so we can start driving directly once we get there. We check the new screw one more time – it’s holding. Let’s go!

Today, we head west. Our route is: Andersson Gate - Okaukuejo - Homab Waterhole - Rietfontein - Springbokfontein - Okerfontein - Chudeb - Klein Okevi - Groot Okevi - Van Lindequist Gate.

The roads are better than yesterday, but there are still some very large potholes. We get shaken up quite a bit, the sun shows its strength, and we realize how exhausting a safari can be. What we discover along the way is breathtaking! We see countless elephants, giraffes, zebras, oryxes, springboks, kudus, wildebeests, and antelopes. There’s a constant coming and going at the waterholes; the animals drink peacefully, bathe, and the young elephants in particular are having a great time. The park is a paradise for bird lovers, and we are thrilled by numerous sightings. The secretary bird is quite impressive with its size, and black-breasted snake eagles soar majestically above us. Etosha National Park is not only known for its diverse wildlife but also for its unique landscape. We drive along the vast salt pan, transitioning from one vegetation zone to another. What a privilege it is to be able to travel here.

A young wildebeest in front of the salt pan

We leave the park at 6:00 PM through the Lindequist Gate and head towards Onguma Tamboti Campsite, which is supposed to be just a few minutes away from the Etosha Gate. However, we miss the signage for the campsite on the roadside and initially drive 5 km in the wrong direction. At least we realize it and turn back; ironically, we miss the entrance (a huge gate) again. Back at the Etosha entrance, we ask the policemen for directions, and we finally make it to our campsite for the night.

The Onguma Tamboti Campsite welcomes us with a lovely, well-maintained setup. The staff are very friendly and have a positive vibe. The main building offers an open restaurant that is situated right in front of a waterhole. We spend the evening in the restaurant by the waterhole, enjoy a cold beer after this exciting day, and go to sleep with full bellies and wonderful impressions.

Etosha National Park is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and fascinating travel destinations in Namibia. With its unique wildlife, breathtaking landscape, and endless photo opportunities, it is a dream for nature lovers and adventurers. Next time, we plan to spend at least two full days here and hope to see big cats.