Located on the eastern edge of Etosha National Park, Onguma Nature Reserve isn’t just a stunning slice of Namibian wilderness — it’s a conservation powerhouse.
Covering over 34,000 hectares of untamed beauty, Onguma is home to a rich variety of wildlife, from big cats to black rhinos. But keeping these incredible creatures safe from poachers is no small feat, and that’s where the Onguma Anti-Poaching Unit (APU) comes in.
Picture this: a team of dedicated rangers patrolling the reserve day and night, armed not with weapons but with expert training and unshakeable determination. That’s the Onguma APU. They’re out there 24/7, keeping a watchful eye on the wildlife, especially the endangered black rhinos that call Onguma home.
The APU is more than just a security team. These rangers are trained in everything from tactical surveillance to first aid, thanks to a partnership with Veterans for Wildlife. These military veterans bring valuable skills to the table, from field operations to emergency medical response — because when you’re out there protecting rhinos, you never know what might happen.
While the APU is out there guarding the reserve, Onguma is doing much more behind the scenes to keep the ecosystem thriving. One of their biggest projects? The Black Rhino Custodianship Programme. This initiative helps protect and relocate black rhinos to safe areas, giving these critically endangered giants a fighting chance.
And they’re not keeping it all to themselves. Through the “Become a Guardian” program, visitors can get involved too. Whether it’s donating to the APU, sponsoring a camera trap, or tuning in to live Q&A sessions with the conservation team, there are plenty of ways to make a difference.
Onguma also understands that protecting wildlife goes hand in hand with uplifting local communities. Enter Oshivelo Farming, a project launched in 2012 to create jobs and promote food security. Today, Oshivelo employs over 180 people — 80% of them women — and supplies fresh produce to markets across Namibia. Talk about giving back!
Here’s the cool part: every time guests stay at Onguma, a portion of the conservation levy goes straight to funding the APU and other projects. It’s eco-tourism in action — supporting the wildlife and the people who protect it.
From protecting black rhinos to empowering local communities, Onguma is all about making a positive impact. And with every stay, every donation, and every share of their story, visitors get to be part of that impact too.
Want to learn more? Contact us to visit and see how you can get involved in their conservation mission.
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