At Okonjima Nature Reserve, 2026 has been a year of renewal – not only in the look and feel of the lodges, but in the philosophy behind the experiences offered to guests.
Elegant dining area at Okonjima Luxury Bush Camp.
Across the property, extensive renovations have brought a fresh and lighter feel to the camps while carefully preserving the character that guests know and love. At Bush Camp, new thatch roofing and fully refurbished rooms have been complemented by the introduction of air conditioning throughout – a first for the lodge. A major shift to solar power during the day, supported by the national grid at night, also marks an important step toward more sustainable operations.
Refreshed bungalow at Okonjima Plains Camp.
Meanwhile, Plains Camp has seen complete interior upgrades across both View Rooms and Classic Rooms, improved soundproofing in the main barn area, and the creation of a welcoming new coffee corner where guests can relax between activities. A brand-new curio shop now stands at the lodge entrance. In addition, the African Villa has been refreshed with updated interiors and expanded views following a careful debushing programme.
Stylish new coffee corner at Okonjima Plains Camp.
Yet perhaps the most significant evolution at Okonjima is not architectural – it is philosophical.
The team is currently transitioning away from the visible welfare side of the AfriCat project, marking a decisive shift toward landscape-level conservation and field-based research. Over time, guests will see little to no animals behind fences and more experiences focused on wildlife living naturally within the greater reserve. Activities will increasingly centre on tracking animals such as leopard, pangolin and brown hyena within their natural habitat, supported by the work of full-time researchers who continue to expand scientific understanding of these remarkable species.
Exclusive leopard tracking at Okonjima Nature Reserve.
This shift reflects an important belief – that truly meaningful wildlife experiences are not about ticking species off a list, but about understanding ecosystems and appreciating animals where they belong. Sometimes, that means working a little harder for sightings. But those moments, when they come, are infinitely more rewarding.
At the heart of it all remains Okonjima’s greatest strength: its people. Guest feedback continues to highlight the warmth, knowledge and genuine care of the staff and guides – many of whom guests leave feeling they have made lasting friendships with.
With refreshed spaces and a renewed conservation focus, Okonjima continues to evolve – staying true to its identity while leading the way toward a more thoughtful future for wildlife tourism.
For a detailed overview of the activities offered at Okonjima, please click here.
Text: Venture Media
Photography: Crew10, OK Media