N$10 million Onkoshi renovation nears completion
Onkoshi, one of Namibia Wildlife Resort’s best and unique Etosha camps has been given a multimillion-dollar facelift, which is expected to be completed in February 2023.
NWR is conducting major renovations around its facilities countrywide, including Onkoshi Camp on the rim of the Etosha Pan on a secluded peninsula.
NWR budgeted N$16 million for renovations. Onkoshi took the largest chunk of N$10 million. NWR renovations are also taking place at Waterberg, Okaukuejo and Sossus Dune resorts.
Having opened its doors to the public in 2008, Onkoshi is a low-impact, environmentally friendly establishment.
NWR spokesperson Nelson Ashipala told New Era yesterday that the renovations, including re-roofing 28 chalets, commenced in September last year.
“Onkoshi is one of our flagship resorts. Our target market has always been honeymooners. We wanted to bring Onkoshi to a standard that the market needs. That is why we are renovating. Every resort has its own face. For example, Gross Barmen is for those wanting to visit even for a day,” he noted.
Initially, the chalets were all thatched roofed. However, Ashipala said NWR noticed rainwater was damaging such roofing, which prompted them to use another roofing method.
“We found that over the years, the water was getting through the thatched roof, and we replaced them with something environmentally friendly. We anticipate completing it by end of February. We are 90% done, as we just have to do small touches, including furniture,” he said.
The camp has about 40 staff members on a busy day, and they also give employment opportunities to interns in the hospitality industry to gain experience.
Onkoshi camp is famous as a breeding area for lions. One can also spot elephants, rhinos and other wildlife animals.
Ashipala defended Onkoshi’s pricing as not exorbitant, especially if Namibians can buy Nam leisure cards. “NWR still has the lowest prices when it comes to accommodation. We are talking about N$2 000 per person. The other beauty is you can see the elephants while drinking water from the swimming pool. It is an amazing resort,” he maintained.
The camp has two types of accommodation, namely the chalet and the honeymoon chalet.
According to the November 2022-June 2023 price list, an Onkoshi chalet per person sharing costs about N$2 380, while one pays N$2 690 per person sharing for a honeymoon chalet.
The camp also offers guided game drives for the morning and afternoons at N$650 per person, while guided night drives cost N$750 per person.
Overall, the camp offers a pristine, tranquil and unique experience. Guests can also self-drive with their vehicles around the park for game viewing.
All rooms at Onkoshi are on elevated wooden decks, with modern structure roofs and canvas walls.
Additionally, the large, woodenframed retractable doors allow for spectacular panoramic views.
Rooms are tastefully equipped with locally-crafted fittings and furniture, using metal and wood, combined with natural fabrics to create a natural and ethnic ambience.