Okonjima Nature Reserve

The place where people and wildlife connect
Check availabilityContact us

Okonjima Nature Reserve is equally famed for frequent leopard, brown hyaena and pangolin sightings on its safaris, as well as the AfriCat Foundation.

AfriCat’s mission has been to make significant contributions to conservation, while trying to ensure the survival of Namibia’s predators, endangered species and their natural habitat.

Accommodation

Image Gallery

What to do

Latest News

Okonjima offers a wide spectrum of accommodation, ranging from well-appointed private campsites to breath-taking safari lodges.

Okonjima African Villa

The Okonjima African Villa, hidden deep within a private wilderness, offers sweeping views over a natural waterhole – a haven for wildlife photography and birdwatching enthusiasts. Our discreet hosts and chefs attend to all our guests’ needs.

The Villa

The Okonjima Villa is the only lodge situated inside the nature reserve. This safari-chic, thatched villa has two en-suite, luxury bedrooms in the main house and two separate private, luxury mini suites, which together can accommodate up to eight adults and four children.

Amenities

The Villa combines a wood-burning fireplace indoors to the infinity pool outdoors that looks out onto the waterhole. Inside and outside showers are offered as well as a bath with views of the Namibian bush. Air-con, fans, heating facilities, a well-stocked mini bar, as well as a tea/ coffee-making station, Wi-Fi and ample workspace are available. The open-air, shaded sala is the ideal setting for a meal or afternoon nap.

Location

Okonjima Private Bush Suite

The Private Bush Suite, nestled in the open Acacia thornveld of the Okonjima Valley, enjoys a breathtaking backdrop of the sandstone Omboroko Mountains and the tranquillity of an untouched setting.

The Suite

Located on the edge of a natural waterhole, its two separate, luxury, en-suite bedrooms under a double-volume thatched roof can accommodate a family or group of four (4 pax: one group only). This is an unparalleled luxury safari experience, indulging guests with a private chef, guide and safari vehicle.

Amenities

A wood-burning fireplace brings together the spacious lounge and dining areas, as well as outdoor dining options. A large private swimming pool offers spectacular views. Each double-volume thatched room offers air-con, fans and heating facilities. Doorways with roll-down, zip-fastened canvas partitioning and two large windows provide 180-degree views of the surrounding vistas. Inside and outside shower as well as a bath offer with spectacular views of the Namibian bush.

Location

Okonjima Luxury Bush Camp

The elegant Luxury Bush Camp lies at the heart of a 2 000-hectare enclosed wilderness within Okonjima Nature Reserve, where wildlife roams freely and nature’s soundtrack fills the air. Frequent leopard, cheetah and hyaena sightings during game drives make this place so special!

The Camp

The Luxury Bush Camp consists of eight safari-chic chalets, each with its own ‘sala’, a Junior Suite, a lounge and dining area with earthy tones and African design elements with amazing views over a waterhole in the lush savanna landscape.

Amenities

A Camelthorn pod-shaped lapa encompasses the reception area, curio shop, a cosy lounge area with inside and outside fireplaces, a restaurant and dining area. A secluded swimming pool invites to refresh and relax. Each luxury chalet offers unrestricted views of the savannah. Each chalet has an open-air sala with a semi-detached lounge area complete with a minibar, tea/coffee station. The highlight for any bird lover is the birdbath in front of each chalet and bird-feed. Wifi and cell phone reception are available.

Location

Okonjima Plains Camp

Game drives in search of elusive leopards and guided bush walks offer visitors an intimate, up-close perspective of Namibia’s wildlife with special emphasis on its most endangered species.

The Camp

The Plains Camp lies within the secluded wilderness area of the Reserve and has majestic sunset views. Its design honours the founding family, the Hanssen’s family cattle-farming history with its accommodation facility of 10 large View Rooms and 14 spacious Classic Rooms. The Plains Camp Barn includes a warm dining and lounge area with views over a spectacular waterhole and the Okonjima plains.

Amenities

The Plains Camp Barn encompasses the reception area, curio shop, a restaurant and dining area. The veranda looks out onto the waterhole. Two swimming pools offer much-needed refreshment. Each Plains Camp Room offers a veranda, an en-suite bathroom, a tea & coffee station, mini fridge, safe and two roof fans. Wifi is available.

Location

Okonjima Campsite

Okonjima Campsite

Camping in Okonjima Nature Reserve epitomises the African safari experience. The 5 private campsites share a swimming pool at the foot of the Ombokoro Mountains and are located in the 2000ha nature park. 4 of 5 camps have ‘sundowner-viewsites’, located from a high-point along the edge of the mountain range. Hot water showers, plenty of wood and power points are offered. A visit of the lodge restaurants and the participation in lodge activities are subject to availability.

What to do at Okonjima

Our activities delight and educate even the most experienced of travellers.

The Okonjima Nature Reserve is home to the headquarters of The AfriCat Foundation a non-profit organisation committed to long-term conservation of Namibia’s large carnivores and other endangered species.

Thanks to AfriCat research on the leopards in the Okonjima Nature Reserve, Okonjima guides are able to provide guests with many details of the lives of these secretive animals.

Learn More

Leopard Tracking

This game drive offers time in the Okonjima Nature Reserve with a focus on the ‘secretly social’ and rare brown hyaena.

Learn More
Brown Hyaena Tracking

Sightings are not guaranteed, as this vulnerable species needs a gentle and respectful approach.

Learn More

Pangolin Tracking

The ‘Into AfriCat – behind the science’ tour presents the current research and conservation work of the AfriCat Foundation.

Learn More

Into AfriCat 

Experienced guides will entertain you with their knowledge sharing interesting and enlightening information about the Nature Reserve.

Learn More

Game & Nature Drive

Experience the thrill of walking in the African bush with the second largest land mammal in the world. You will be guided by Okonjima’s dedicated anti-poaching team who are the only people who know where these threatened animals are.

Learn More

Rhino Tracking

Latest Okonjima News & Stories

Alexander Heinrichs: Hyaena - Experience the spirit of Africa’s most misunderstood predator
Jun 24 2025

Okonjima Nature Reserve: The place where people and wildlife connect

Visitors to Okonjima Nature Reserve enjoy remarkable opportunities to observe wildlife, with regular encounters featuring leopards, brown hyenas, and pangolins. The reserve...
Okonjima Nature Reserve - Tracking the Pangolin
Dec 01 2023

Tracking the Pangolin

The pangolin is one of the rarest and most trafficked mammals on Earth. In Asia, its scales are sold at high prices. These animals are under strict protection, but there are...
Okonjima Bush Camp's outside dining area
Feb 20 2023

Change is as good as a holiday

Okonjima kicked off 2023 with exciting plans for our Bush and Plains Camps after all plans were put on hold for the past 3 years. This year we’ve been very fortunate to bring our...
AfriCat Research
Oct 24 2022

AfriCat – committed to the long-term conservation of Namibia´s wildlife

Karen Codling has recently taken over directorship of the AfriCat Foundation. Coming from a UN background, many years of involvement with the AfriCat Foundation and a love of...
Naturally Namibia Roadtrip
Oct 06 2022

Naturally Namibia Roadtrip – Part 1

Untamed. Unrivalled. Unforgettable. Writer and Editor, Robbie Stammers, spends a spectacular 18-day road trip across the length and breadth of Namibia, to experience all that the...

Great experience close up with leopards!

Amazing place that focusses on leopards (you almost are guaranteed to see some), pangolins with seasoned rangers/guides and helps scientists to better understand what the optimum environment for ...
Read More
Bonnie
Guest at Okonjima

Great experience close up with leopards!

Amazing place that focusses on leopards (you almost are guaranteed to see some), pangolins with seasoned rangers/guides and helps scientists to better understand what the optimum environment for these animals is, taking into account the human environment and ecosystem.
Bonnie
Guest at Okonjima

Paradise!

This was our favourite place in Namibia. While relaxing in our own private outdoor lounge we could observe giraffes, warthogs, jackals, numerous birds (there is bird food in the lounge), zebras … walking by...
Read More
Inkomo
Guest at Okonjima

Paradise!

This was our favourite place in Namibia. While relaxing in our own private outdoor lounge we could observe giraffes, warthogs, jackals, numerous birds (there is bird food in the lounge), zebras… walking by. The accommodation and the food were marvellous, staff extremely friendly and attentive. The safari drives were excellent and don’t forget to visit the AfriCat Foundation!
Inkomo
Guest at Okonjima

This place deserves a 10!

Okonjima was our favourite lodge during our trip. It is an absolute haven and our accommodation was superb. Included are game drives to follow the predator activity and much much more. ...
Read More
Veronica
Guest at Okonjima

This place deserves a 10!

Okonjima was our favourite lodge during our trip. It is an absolute haven and our accommodation was superb. Included are game drives to follow the predator activity and much much more. The staff are friendly and helpful and nothing is too much trouble. The passion and detail everywhere you look is truly impressive.
Veronica
Guest at Okonjima

A Magical Experience!

We spent two days at Okonjima Bush Camp at the end of our recent trip to Namibia. It ended up being the highlight of our vacation – a very high bar! The suites are luxurious...
Read More
Bonnie
Guest at Okonjima

A Magical Experience!

We spent two days at Okonjima Bush Camp at the end of our recent trip to Namibia. It ended up being the highlight of our vacation – a very high bar! The suites are luxurious, and private. There are no words to describe how special it is to actually watch the leopards hunting for food or wandering in the reserve. Just magical. An experience we will remember forever. Don’t miss out!
Bonnie
Guest at Okonjima