Okonjima Nature Reserve is committed to the long-term conservation of Namibia´s wildlife. Sprawling over 22 000ha, the reserve is home to Namibia’s highest concentration of leopards. The most adaptable of all wild cats, they thrive here, along with a healthy number of the elusive brown hyena.
Visit this protected area, within the rugged farmlands of central Namibia, for intimate game drives, and a chance to stay in award-winning safari lodges.
The reserve is equally known for The Africat Foundation, whose mission is to ensure the survival of Namibia’s large carnivores in their natural habitat.
The vision, which must be sustainable, and a benefit to local communities, is to turn the nature reserve back to its natural state. To remove all internal fences and undesirable bush encroachment and manage all water resources.
Understanding of how these large predators live and thrive, leads to a better knowledge of how to protect them.
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OKONJIMA, THE HANSSENS AND AFRICAT
Okonjima, home of The AfriCat Foundation, was established as a small ‘guest farm’ by VJ and Rose Hanssen in 1986. Abandoning traditional Brahman farming due to losing too many cattle, they worked towards allowing wildlife and farming to coexist sustainably side by side.
This family run business is now a 22 000-ha successful private conservation project. Set up as a sanctuary for orphaned cheetahs and leopards, the Africat Foundation has run a successful rescue and release programme since the early 1990’s.
However, the increased numbers of leopard and other higher-level carnivores in an enclosed ecosystem, mean that Okonjima Nature Reserve is no longer a suitable place for cheetah to survive.
Today, Africat runs extensive research projects on rare and endangered species, both big and small. Their continued ethos is the long-term conservation of wild animals in their natural habitat.
OKONJIMA LODGE DIRECTIONS
Okonjima nature reserve is mid-way between Etosha National Park, and Windhoek, the capital. The driving distance from Okonjima to Windhoek is 2.5 hours, making it an ideal last stop on your Namibia road trip.
- Co-ordinates: S 20º 51’ 59” E 16º 38’ 22”
- From the north (B1): Just after the signpost “Okahandja 130km”, turn right onto a gravel road. (Approximately 48km south of Otjiwarongo).
- From the south (B1): Just after the signpost “Otjiwarongo 50km“, turn left onto a gravel road.
Once you’ve turned off the B1 road, drive 10km along the gravel road, to the Nature Reserve entrance gate. From here, it’s another 30-minute drive (14 – 16km) on gravel road to the entrance gate. Be sure to keep an eye out for various wildlife along the route.
STAYING AT OKONJIMA LODGE
Okonjima offers a wide array of accommodation, ranging from well-appointed private campsites to stunning luxurious safari lodges and villas. With excellent meals, first-class service, and a great selection of activities and game drives on offer, you’ll be staying at one of the most well-regarded game reserves in Namibia.
Throw in legendary fiery sunsets, and being able to spot wildlife outside your room, and you have a recipe for success. We thoroughly recommend Okonjima as one of the best places to visit in Namibia.
All accommodation includes dinner and breakfast, which are of a very high standard.
OKONJIMA PLAINS CAMP
Plains Camp was originally designed to honour the Hanssen Family cattle farming history with its three-tier barn structure. The camp affords incredible views across the grassland to the Omboroko Mountains and Waterburg Plateau. The sunsets are legendary.
Lodging is in 30 individual rooms, each featuring modern décor, and private bathroom. There is private undercover parking at each. The camp is wheelchair accessible and great for families.
VIEW ROOMS (11): These spacious rooms look across the Okonjima grass plains.
- A large veranda with loungers, roof fans, two double beds, mini fridge, and large shower.
- Rooms are set 20-70 metres apart.
CLASSIC ROOMS (10): Smaller in size to the view rooms, they also look out onto the Okonjima grass plains.
- A small veranda with two chairs, roof fans, two double beds, mini fridge, and large shower.
- Rooms are set 10-15 metres apart.
GARDEN ROOMS (6): These are smaller and more affordable rooms.
The Barn houses the reception, gift shop, and restaurant, where you can sit and dine.
After an active day, relax in the lounge, by the pools, or enjoy a drink in the sundowner fireplace area, which overlooks a waterhole. This is also a great spot to see wildlife, who visit at dawn and dusk.
For current Okonjima lodge rates, check the official website here.
OKONJIMA BUSH CAMP
We stayed at Okonjima luxury bush camp, and it was a highlight of our Namibia road trip. The elegant Luxury Bush Camp lies within the 2000-ha enclosed wilderness area of Okonjima Nature Reserve, only 2.5 km from the Okonjima Plains Camp.
The camp offers an intimate and comfortable experience, with chalets spaced well apart for complete privacy.
Choose from one of eight thatched, African-style chalets, which are decorated in earthy tones.
- Two queen-size beds, a working desk with telephone and comfortable leather chairs.
- Wi-Fi hotspot, cell phone reception as well as undercover, private parking.
- Large glass windows for unobstructed views of the open plains, and any animals that might peek inside.
- Each bush chalet has its very own ‘Sala’, where you can relax, have a cold drink, sip tea or coffee and feed the wildlife as it passes by.
Camp facilities include a charming open air lounge area and fire pit, offering views over a nearby waterhole. There is also a reception area, gift shop, restaurant with dining area, and a secluded, private swimming pool.
After a day tracking wildlife in the bush, the large waterhole is the perfect backdrop for dining under the stars at night, and trading stories with new-found friends.
Please Note:
- Bush Camp is for children over the age of 12 years.
- Morning and afternoon activities are at set times only.
For current Okonjima lodge rates, check the official website.
PRIVATE BUSH SUITE
The private Bush Suite, within the Okonjima valley, boasts the sandstone Omboroko Mountains as its backdrop. Consisting of two private and separate en-suite bedrooms, it is an ideal option for a family or group of friends. (Including children)
Rentals are fully inclusive of accommodation, daily meals, and all activities, so this is a top-end option within the reserve.
Guests are looked after by discreet staff and chefs, and can enjoy a private 13-metre pool, indoor or outdoor dining, and 180-degree vistas from their windows. A truly luxurious safari experience deep in the African bush.
For current Okonjima lodge rates, check the official website.
OKONJIMA VILLA
Okonjima African Villa is the only lodge situated within the 20 000ha private nature reserve. As such, it offers luxury, seclusion, and total privacy.
The thatched property overlooks an active natural waterhole frequented by an abundance of wildlife, including cheetah, kudu, zebra, and warthogs to name a few.
The villa has two luxury bedrooms in the main house, and two separate private, luxury mini suites, which together can accommodate up to eight adults and four children.
With your own discreet housekeeper, chef, and host attending to all your needs, you will be sure of an unrivalled and memorable luxury safari experience.
For current Okonjima lodge rates, check the official website.
OMBOROKO CAMPSITES
For those with their own tents, why not camp, and have a truly African safari experience.
Five, private and partially equipped campsites, sit at the foot of the Ombokoro Mountains, in the 2,000-hectare nature park. Camp Chilala, Chimelo and Kendi have space for more than one vehicle, while the smallest site, Camp Koshi, only caters for one vehicle.
Following a day of tracking leopards and cheetahs through the Reserve with your guide, enjoy a drink and barbecue at the sundowner viewpoint. After which you can be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the wild, as you gaze up to a star-filled sky.
It may be the budget accommodation option, but you’ll certainly feel at one with nature and your incredible surroundings. Facilities include:
- Flush toilet and hot shower per campsite.
- Shared swimming pool covered washing and dining area, and sundowner viewpoint per campsite.
- One fixed spotlight and electrical socket per campsite.
All meals and activities must be pre-booked on arrival at the lodge or campsite. These are subject to availability and charged as extras.
For current Okonjima lodge rates, check the official website.
ACTIVITIES AT OKONJIMA NATURE RESERVE
Okonjima Nature Reserve is the perfect place to spot large carnivores such as leopard, in their natural habitat. The Malaria-free 20,000-hectare nature reserve, is famed for both its wildlife sightings, stunning landscapes, and its passion for long-term conservation.
There are more than 40 mammal species within the nature reserve, both large and small. What better way to to get a close view of some of Namibia’s most protected species, than on a game drive or other such activities.
LEOPARD TRACKING:
Searching for elusive leopards must be a highlight of your stay at Okonjima. As you bounce along the shrubland in your safari vehicle, your experienced guide will entertain you with tales of the reserve.
Many adult leopards are radio-collared, for protection and as part of a density research study. Standing on the vehicle bonnet, your driver will swing around a flimsy-looking radio antenna.
Don’t doubt their ability to pick up a leopard track. These guides spend every day in the bush. They have developed a mutual respect, a unique bond with these animals.
And when you spot one of these solitary intelligent cats, it will be a moment you’ll never forget. Afternoon drives end in true African style, with a sundowner, as the sun slowly dips from the horizon!
Morning activities (seasonal times): Departure 06:00 / 06:30 AM; Return 09:30 / 10:00 AM.
Afternoon activities (seasonal times): Departure: 15:30 / 16:00 PM; Return 19:00 / 19:30 PM.
For current activity rates, check the official website.
ENDANGERED SPECIES NATURE DRIVE:
As the focus of the nature reserve is long term conservation of threatened and endangered mammals, you stand a great chance of spotting many of these animals on your safari experience.
The reserve has more than 40 animal species within its 22 000 hectares, including rhino, bat-eared fox and brown hyaena. These mammals are all being studied as part of the Africat Foundation’s research projects.
Morning activities (seasonal times): Departure 06:00 / 06:30 AM; Return 09:30 / 10:00 AM.
Afternoon activities (seasonal times): Departure: 15:30 / 16:00 PM; Return 19:00 / 19:30 PM.
For current activity rates, check the official website.
GAME DRIVE:
While no tracking devices are used during the game drive, your experienced guide will endeavour to spot as much wildlife as possible. Along the drive, you’ll also learn facts about the reserve, and the many research projects carried out.
Morning activities (seasonal times): Departure 06:00 / 06:30 AM; Return 09:30 / 10:00 AM.
Afternoon activities (seasonal times): Departure: 15:30 / 16:00 PM; Return 19:00 / 19:30 PM
For current activity rates, check the official website.
THE AFRICAT CARNIVORE CARE & INFORMATION CENTRE:
A visit to ACCC, is the perfect way to learn about the Foundation’s projects into leopard, cheetah, Aardvark and Hyaena research, plus environmental education projects.
These research projects help guide conservation strategies for the effective management and protection of endangered species and the large carnivore population in Namibia.
Rescued carnivores such as cheetahs, currently cannot be released into the wild. You can see first-hand, how they are cared for, and learn about their role as Species Ambassadors.
Morning activities (seasonal times): Departure 06:00 / 06:30 AM; Return 09:30 / 10:00 AM. Afternoon activities (seasonal times): Departure: 15:30 / 16:00 PM; Return 19:00 / 19:30 PM.
For current activity rates, check the official website.
OTHER ACTIVITIES AT OKONJIMA NATURE RESERVE
Further activities available during your stay include:
- Off The Beaten Track – a great family-friendly short trail with interactive cultural stops, followed by a short game drive.
- Nature Trails – Grab a map at reception and go on a self-guided walk around part of the reserve. (Free)
- Night Drive – Weather dependent, this game drive gives you the chance of seeing nocturnal animals such as owls, aardwolf and bat-eared foxes.
HOW TO ENJOY A STAY AT AFRICAT FOUNDATION OKONJIMA
A two-day stay offers the best chance to view leopard in their natural habitat. However, we suggest that you arrive at the lodge in time for an afternoon drive. Enjoy dinner and stay the night.
Then the next morning, take an early drive followed by breakfast.
MEALS AT OKONJIMAA
Included in all lodge reservations is a wonderful cooked-to-order breakfast, and a very tasty 3-course dinner. Those opting for an all-inclusive package will also enjoy lunch and beverages as part of their package.
The food served here is part and parcel of your stay. You can meet other travellers, or simply while away a starry evening with a glass of wine sitting around the fire pit.
Other meals are charged as follows:
- Breakfast/Lunch: N$315-345 (low to high season)
- Lunch Pack: N$265-290 (low to high season)
- Dinner: N$565-620 (low to high season)
NB: Low season is 1/1/2024-30/6/2024, and High season is 1/7/2024-31/12/2024
OKONJIMA NATURE RESERVE WRAPUP
A visit to Okonjima Nature Reserve will be unforgettable, humbling, and informative, all at once. Whether you come in search of spotting a leopard, or simply want to enjoy an unparalleled luxury safari experience, you won’t leave disappointed.
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