The Ongava Centre of Environmental Excellence

Windhoek, 18 April 2016 – Announcing the Ongava Centre of Environmental Excellence (“OCEE”), a

cutting edge working science and research centre. The new facility, which incorporates the HQ of the

Ongava Research Centre (www.orc.com.na), is scheduled for completion mid-2018. Located at the

previous Andersson’s Camp* site (S19° 21'30 E15° 54'25 ) the Centre is designed to provide an advanced

24 / 7 / 365 resource for supporting and sharing advanced research, science and technology in order to

advance knowledge of, and solutions to, the most pressing environmental challenges facing modern

Africa.

Time is running out; climate change, burgeoning human populations, endangered species teetering at the

brink of extinction – all demand urgent, smart solutions. Our concerns lie squarely with the universal

responsibility we all share – the responsibility to bequeath a functioning ecosystem to the next generation;

the next generation of rhinos, lions and our own children. And all that sail with them.

Recognising the global concern for the raging environmental issues of our time OCEE represents a new

innovation for engagement with scientists, researchers, conservationists and rhino security personnel.

OCEE will include an upmarket ecotourism component accommodated in ten contemporary designed

luxury Guest units. Visitors will be immersed in, and encouraged to contribute towards developing

creative, knowledge driven solutions.

Included is the interactive exhibition hub featuring burning issues of the day, new findings, and current

research topics. Through engaging OCEE’s resident and visiting researchers and scientists for the first

time Guests will have unprecedented access to, and insight of, the burning environmental issues of the

day, including formal presentations with Q & A sessions.

Activities include Rhino Tracking with the Ongava APU, Ongava game drives in our unique, eco-friendly

“Research Vehicles”. Along with enjoying the waterhole spectacle at the OCEE Photographic Hide. Plus

easy access to the world famous Etosha National Park.

OCEE will be the home base for Ongava’s Chief Wildlife Vet. The OCEE heli-pad and neighbouring

Airfield will facilitate rapid response to wildlife emergencies along with routine game capture,

immobilisation and related veterinary work.

We look forward to keeping you updated on the next chapter in the evolution of African conservation

tourism.

Ends.

* Andersson’s Camp last day of operations 31 December 2017

For further information please contact:

ROB MOFFETT

ONGAVA GAME RESERVE (PTY) LTD

NATURE FIRST

102A Nelson Mandela Avenue | Klein Windhoek | Private Bag 12041 | Suite No. 10

Ausspannplatz | Namibia 9000 | Tel: +264 83 330 3920 | Mobile: +264 81 128 6711

Skype: robertjmoffett | Email rob.moffett@ongava.com | www.ongava.com | Check Availability | Ongava Lodges Digital Catalogue | Naturally Namibia Digital

Catalogue | NEW Daily Scheduled Air Service

About Ongava Research Centre:

Ongava Research Centre is a privately funded facility devoted to the scientific study of all parts of the

ecosystem at Ongava.

Renowned for its biodiversity, Ongava Game Reserve boasts an incredible variety of fauna and flora,

including successful breeding populations of both black (Diceros bicornis bicornis) and white

(Ceratotherium simum simum) rhinoceros; and one of the largest and most important breeding populations

of rare black-faced impala (Aepyceros melampus petersi) outside Etosha.

With many 1000s of animals to study (including almost 100 different mammal species plus a diverse range

of birds and reptiles) it also provides the perfect 'living laboratory' for some serious wildlife research!

At Ongava Research Centre, discovery is in our nature. We are dedicated to increasing our knowledge

and understanding of Ongava’s threatened species and habitats; to optimise management of the eco

system that make up the reserve, and promote best practice in wildlife conservation.

Our rhino DNA study for example is just one element of a successful breeding programme which has seen

numbers of white rhino at Ongava increase from just six in 1995 to more than fifty at present. There are

many more ways in which we are utilising science and technology to help preserve Ongava’s ecology...

About Ongava Game Reserve:

Nature First at Ongava

Ongava – Herero for rhino – was founded in 1993 with a single lodge, Ongava Game Lodge. In the

intervening years our commitment to sustainable conservation enabled us to add Ongava Tented Camp,

Little Ongava and Andersson’s Camp

The 30-000 hectare private Ongava Game Reserve is situated in northern Namibia along the southern

boundary of the Etosha National Park, south of Okaukuejo with Ombika Gate being the closest access to

Etosha.

From the outset Ongava committed to ‘Nature First’, striving to restore biodiversity and ensuring that

natural processes are perpetuated. Sharing a common boundary with Etosha National Park, Ongava is

considered one of the finest private game reserves in the region, enjoying global recognition for

exceptional conservation and exciting safari experiences.

To have achieved this in a sustainable manner provides us enormous satisfaction.

The apex predator of the African savannah lords supreme at Ongava, the pride’s roaring reverberating

deep into the African night transmitting shivers of ancient fear through the restless herds.

Our flagship, Little Ongava, is idyllically perched on a rocky outcrop with panoramic vistas of the African

savannah. Quite possibly Namibia’s most luxurious safari destination, Little Ongava has only three

spacious units, offering an exclusive experience. Each sumptuous unit features its own plunge pool, a

sala, en-suite bathroom with both indoor and outdoor showers and a bath that takes in those breathtaking

views.

From the impressive vantage point of the dining and lounge areas, this magnificent setting lends itself to

relaxed, stylish dining under the African skies.

Ongava Game Lodge overlooks a waterhole frequented by thirsty wildlife. Choose from fourteen

luxurious air-conditioned thatch lodges with viewing decks overlooking the plains.

Nestled in a hidden valley Ongava Tented Camp has eight large walk-in tents. Meals are taken at the

thatched dining area overlooking the popular waterhole.

The family friendly Andersson’s Camp, with eighteen Guest tents and two family units, features an easily

accessible underground photographic hide.

Activities revolve around exploring the 74000 acre private reserve on guided drives, nature walks with

experienced guides and visits to Etosha.

Our founding principle – Nature First – continues as our mantra. We’re honoured to contribute to

sustainable conservation, groundbreaking wildlife research and to be one of the few private game

reserves in Africa where there is a chance of seeing both black and white rhino.

Figure 1 Ongava Anti-Poaching patrol Image: Dana Allen

Figure 2 Abigail Guerier - Ongava Research Centre science Image : Dana Allen

Figure 3 Ongava Research Centre genetics Image: Dana Allen

Figure 4 Ongava Research Centre preparing for large mammal immobilization Image: Dana Allen

Figure 5 Ongava Predators Image: Dr Olwen Evans

Figure 6 Ongava next generation Image: Dr Olwen Evans

Figure 7 Aerial Patrol Image: Dr Olwen Evans

Figure 8 Ceratotherium simum Image: Dr Olwen Evans

Figure 9 Ongava black-faced impala population Image: Dr Olwen Evans