ONGUMA THE FORT Onguma is a private reserve situated just outside Etosha’s eastern border. The name stems from the local Herero language and aptly means ‘the place you never want to leave’. It truly lives up to its reputation. After a traditional hand wash with water poured from a silverware jug, followed by the ring of a gong, we enter through the impressive antique wooden doors of the Moroccan-inspired fort. On the other side, the view of Fisher’s Pan immediately draws us into another world that we will become part of for two days. Inside the inner court is a pool we need to cross with three stepping stones jutting out. The pool is decorated with lanterns and bonfires. When we pass those we are led to the lively waterhole where vultures, zebras, impalas, blue wildebeest, warthogs and Damara hornbills abound. A climb up to the top of the fort’s tower leaves us with more breath-taking views. The eye candy continues when we arrive at our own private Bush Suite, a replica of the main fort. Just like the main building, the interior boasts splashes of bright colours and nothing feels out of place. Each mini-suite is completely private with only the sounds of animals making their way to the waterhole. From the large wooden deck, with sun loungers and an outside shower, the views of the sprawling savannah are uninterrupted. Before dinner a platter of hors-d’oeuvres is delivered to our doorstep. We pour ourselves a drink from the in-room minibar and enjoy the first pink hues of the sunset appearing on the horizon. A delectable dinner is served on the deck of the main building, and afterwards we delight in the crackling of the fireplace in the comfort of our room – the ultimate luxury in wintertime.
TRAVEL NEWS NAMIBIA SPRING 2018
71