after reading reviews on this site (and others), I expected Little Ongava to be a highlight of our Namibian trip. Unfortunately, it was actually kind of disappointing.

The intro to the camp, the main lodge, has no "wow" or warmth factor - it's a bit small, dark and dated-looking - not an inviting space. the furniture needs updating. the lighting needs work. Right now, it feels more like being at an elderly aunt's cottage than a luxury lodge.

conversely, the guest rooms, as other travellers have rightfully noted, are great. luxurious size with plunge pools overlooking the reserve. the furniture is still a bit dated, but in the white walled, spacious interiors of the guest rooms, it works. if only one was in the room all day...

unfortunately, one must come out to eat and the most disappointing aspect is the food. if i say that i prepare and present food better than this chef, pls rest assured that i am by no means bragging about my culinary skills. it was just food sloppily placed on a plate, with no care for menu or coherence. one lunch was a pork chop, pasta with tomato sauce and cole slaw all placed together on the plate. if nothing else, that kind of menu makes you think that the kitchen is simply clearing out the left-overs.

the guides do their best and the staff is nice, if a little bemused. in speaking to the staff, it is clear that little ongava has gone through a mgmt change and has had a number of temporary managers over the past few months. unfortunately, it shows. you can't blame these young people, they are simply care takers, who do their best, but it is not in their remit (or their experience level, frankly) to fix issues and bring the camp up to a better standard. their job is to simply keep it running. However, you would think that Wilderness Safaris would manage one of its very expensive and prestigious camps a little more carefully. If Little Ongava wants to compete with the Fort at Onguma and other camps like it, it needs renewed attention and new energy. And if Wilderness Safaris wants to keep its reputation (and warrant the premium they charge), they need to deliver a more equitable price-value proposition