Droombos Estate
Just minutes from Windhoek and yet worlds away from its pace, Droombos Estate has become synonymous with refined hospitality and
Before they grow
Before they grow
Childhood wonder comes alive on safari at Onguma
If you’ve ever travelled through Namibia with children, chances are Etosha National Park becomes one of the highlights. The first family road trip across its endless landscapes, will leave adults and little ones alike filled with wide-eyed excitement. Etosha always feels larger than life.
The endless vistas of salt pans that shimmer in the heat of the day or the sprawling lawns at rest camps. It is a land of wonder and possibility. That same feeling awaits at Onguma Bush Camp, just outside Etosha’s eastern gate.
Here, giant trees shade sweeping lawns, while children find endless space to play and discover. Their laughter drifts across the camp, echoing that timeless sense of adventure where everything seems bigger, brighter, and filled with promise.
I sat on the deck overlooking the waterhole – tilapia darting beneath the surface, terrapins bathing in the last rays of sunlight. Across the water, a giraffe ambled into view, as if summoned for the moment. We shared the same sunset, the same golden stillness. And suddenly, I was ten years old again, full of wonder. But now, it was my son standing beside me, eyes wide and heart open, just as mine had been all those years ago.
I read recently that “your weekends are your children’s childhoods.” Holidays too, I’d argue. In the quiet pause of vacation – away from school runs, packed lunches, and to-do lists – we’re laying down the foundation of our children’s most vivid memories.
And at Onguma, I could see it happening in real time.
As Adriano, one of the gracious waiters at Onguma Bush Camp, so aptly said, “Experiences create memories.” And here we were, crafting the kind that live forever.
Travelling with children has exploded since the pandemic – a movement back to meaningful time together. Many lodges are racing to adapt. But Onguma Bush Camp and Onguma Forest Camp, both a short distance from Etosha’s Namutoni Gate, are not just childfriendly – they were seemingly made for this. What’s more, they are both fully fenced, making it ideal for guests with children or those who want peace of mind in a wild setting.
Onguma spans an extraordinary 35,480 hectares of private wilderness. It’s a world of open savannahs, acacia thickets, and mopane woodland – home to more than 30 different animal species, including lion, giraffe, rhino, and even elusive leopards. Birdlife here is prolific, with over 300 recorded species flitting between the trees and watering holes.
Yet, for all its wild grandeur, Onguma never forgets the magic of childhood. It was beautiful here, but what made the experience even more memorable was watching my child enjoy it. And we didn’t have to go far for him to do just that, even the waterhole at the restaurant provided endless entertainment.
For younger guests, the Young Explorer’s Walk is a revelation. Designed specifically for children and safely contained within the fenced camp, this guided walk is a hands-on adventure through nature. Little ones learn about animal tracks and insects, scramble up wooden lookouts, test their balance on obstacle beams, try their hand at archery, and end their journey with arts and crafts under the trees. It’s a perfect blend of physical play, mental stimulation and creative expression.
And this isn’t lip service to the “family-friendly” label – it’s a thoughtful, immersive experience that treats children as worthy explorers in their own right.
But it’s not just the kids who are spoiled. For adults, Onguma Bush Camp is an oasis – a place where time slows beneath giant trees, where beautifully appointed rooms invite rest, and the night is wrapped in whispers of African folklore. Every meal is a celebration, crafted with fresh, vibrant ingredients. And the hospitality? Effortless, sincere – smiles waiting at every turn.
This isn’t just a place you visit. It’s a place that stays with you. That pulls you back. Not just for the wildlife, the scenery, or the comfort, but for how it makes you feel. Connected. Present. Grateful.
The name Onguma, from the Herero language, means “the place you don’t want to leave.” And for families visiting Namibia, that could not be more true.
Bernard, who by now felt more like a friend than a staff member, walked us to our car. We exchanged hugs, laughter, and promises to return.
As we drove away, I was reminded that the true gift of family travel isn’t just in the memories we make, but in the people our children become because of the experiences we afforded them. TN
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From the Spring 2025 issue
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