Our family of 5 adults, rented a van in Windhoek and drove to Waterberg, Etosha Park, Damaraland, and Swakopmund. Each destination provided adventure and natural beauty, but, the abundance and variety of wildlife at Etosha GREATLY exceeded our expectations!

We spent one night at Halali due to its' excellent reputation for wildlife viewing at the waterhole. Our personal experience was FANTASTIC! Halali's waterhole is located 10-15 minutes walk from the individual bungalows. A large viewing area was built, using stone boulders and wooden benches. The viewing area is also under roof, so wildlife enthusiasts are sheltered from direct sunlight and the rare raindrop. Of course, the waterhole is illuminated by a soft spot-light after sunset.

We arrived at the waterhole about 1 hour before sunset, and discovered several impala. Nice, but, we held our breath as a single black rhino appeared. The rhino was very, very cautious and we were amazed to be so close as to hear its' feet sinking into the soggy ground around the perimeter of the waterhole. Finally, it seemed confident that it was safe, and it began to drink .

After a few minutes, the rhino jerked its' head to look (and sniff)in a direction behind where we were seated. You could have heard a pin drop! Almost immediately, we were thrilled to see a family of elephants appear!! There were 19 elephants of various sizes and the largest scared us all when she "trumpeted" loudly at the rhino. The rhino responded by running into the bush, while the elephants encircled the waterhole and began drinking, bathing, splashing, etc for 30 minutes!!! AWESOME!!!!!!!!

After the elephants departed, we went for a quick dinner at the lodge. When we returned to the waterhole that evening, SIX rhinos visited! They arrived separately, and seemed agitated to find other rhinos present. It was so interesting to watch them compete for the "privilege" of drinking at the waterhole!

Our individual bungalow at Halali was renovated in the last few months, so the condition of furniture and bathroom were very good. Linens were very plush. We think that the OLD bungalows were originally designed as TWO bedrooms. However, our new bungalow design provided a spacious bedroom, plus, a living room, including an additional sink, with refrigerator and coffee maker. Also, each new bungalow has a barbeque grill with patio furniture. Good-quality meat is available for purchase at the Halali general store.

Our only disappointment with Halali was our dinner at the lodge. They offered only a buffet. We were told that the lodge alternates between buffet and menu. We had no choice.

I realize that animal sightings cannot be guaranteed, but, Halali provided thrills for us that will never be forgotten. If we are ever fortunate enough to return to Etosha, we will absolutely spend the night at Halali again!

We stayed in all three of the NWR resorts in Etosha. This was the worst and overpriced.

We booked the Jacuzzi Room for approx 1500 N$. First sent an email. No response. Then used the booking form on the NWR website. No response. Finally called a week before the trip. Found out that they are about 1 - 2 weeks behind in answering emails and that they would respond withing a few days.... Protested. Was connected several times and finally was able to make a booking over the phone after speaking to around 8 people (no wonder they are behind). Then email from a reservation person, another from bookkeeping. Then a few more about the prepay.... Was the most complicated reservation i ever made in my life.....

The rooms where new, but small. The outside area was dirty with lots of dead bugs. The Jacuzzi had an oily film on the water and appeared dirty, so we did not use it.

Our rate had dinner and breakfast included. At dinner they insisted that we did not have dinner included and charged us. Fairly expensive for very basic food.

Complaining to the manager next morning. He was very apologetic but not able to refund us because they bank the money in the evening. It looks like somebody there is making some extra money.....

Braeakfast was also basic. Different kind of eggs, toast, some artificial juices etc.

This was also the least favored of all the tree NWR camps we stayed in Etosha. My recommendation: if you don't absolutely want to stay inside the park (you save 1/2 hour to get to the viewing places compared to staying outside - and the gates are only opening at sunrise) use one of the private camps on the outside. Other people told us they are much nicer and much less expensive.

I already posted a review of Namutoni and we loved our chalet. We did not expect the accommodation that we had at Namutoni because we only booked a 'standard' double room at Halali. We arrived to find a very small room with a double bed and room for a fridge that we used as a tabletop. That was it, our suitcases we opened on the floor. The bathroom was equally small, but everything was newly renovated and very clean. It was for one night but if you were staying longer I would consider the other facilities at the camp. Again though, my complaint would be that the NWR web site could provide better photos of each category of room so that you know what you are booking. We enjoyed our stay however and we're grateful that we arrived after the renovation because the room we had would not have been pleasant at all if it was in need of upgrading especially given its size.

The dining at Halali was the worst of the 3 Etosha facilities. After our experience at Namutoni we were not expecting much. After the buffet lunch is finished, the restaurant serves sandwiches, however the toaster was broken. So snacks were limited. The staff seem overwhelmed. For dinner we walked into the restaurant, looked at what was being served and turned around. Thankfully Halali has a small food store and we had tea and peanut butter sandwiches in our room. Breakfast we never even made the attempt in the restaurant and instead bought juice, yogurt, etc. from the Halali store.

I would stay at Halali again, but I would upgrade my room. I think management is trying very hard to improve the Etosha facilities. This is evidenced by the renovations, but they desperately need to address the restaurant at both Namutonia and Halali.

Halali's chalets have had a makeover and are now much nicer, see pictures. The staff were friendly (with the exception of Receptionist) and we were lucky with the game viewing at the waterhole. 4 lions after sunset staking out waiting for game and a wonderful owl catching prey.
We got up before sunrise and were at the gate at 06.00 (see pictures). The very best time for game viewing. About 200yds outside the camp we saw 3 honey badgers playing at the side of the road. Also saw red hartybeest and foals, springbok, guineafowl, elephant, etc.
Although Halali (as with all the other camps in Estosha) had had a makeover, we did point out to the Manager at Halali that the prices were much much too high. This was born out by the fact that there were very few people staying there. He said that the Tourist Board had realised this and were going to lower the prices. We wait to see if this happens. If it doesn't we will stay outside the gates next time.