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.
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The Okonjima Experience
Situated in the Omboroko Mountains of central Namibia, between Windhoek and Etosha National Park, Okonjima Nature Reserve encompasses 22,000 hectares of protected wilderness. Known for its wildlife viewing and conservation focus, Okonjima is home to the AfriCat Foundation, a leading Namibian conservation organisation dedicated to the long-term protection and research of carnivores and other endangered wildlife species.
The reserve offers guests the opportunity to participate in specialised tracking activities, including leopard tracking, brown hyaena tracking, and, subject to availability, pangolin tracking. Combining luxury accommodation, conservation experiences, and outstanding wildlife viewing, Okonjima is one of Namibia’s most iconic safari destinations and forms part of the Naturally Namibia collection.
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
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.
At Okonjima, they understand the power in making the connection to nature, and seek to create a haven that enables the dream of an African safari.
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.
Leopard Tracking
Pangolin Tracking
Into AfriCat
Game & Nature Drive
Rhino Tracking
Latest Okonjima News & Stories
A Fresh Look, A Clearer Purpose, and A Bold Step Toward True Conservation
Okonjima and AfriCat Unveil New Experiences and a Fresh Identity
Okonjima Nature Reserve: The place where people and wildlife connect
Tracking the Pangolin
Change is as good as a holiday
AfriCat – committed to the long-term conservation of Namibia´s wildlife
Naturally Namibia Roadtrip – Part 1
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Okonjima Nature Reserve and how far is it from Windhoek?
What animals can be tracked at Okonjima Nature Reserve?
Okonjima is internationally recognised for its guided leopard-tracking experiences, which are supported by decades of research and monitoring conducted by the AfriCat Foundation. Guests may also participate in brown hyaena tracking and, subject to availability and conservation requirements, pangolin tracking. In addition to these specialist activities, the reserve supports a diverse range of wildlife including giraffe, zebra, kudu, eland, warthog, jackal, aardwolf, honey badger and more than 300 bird species.
What is the difference between the accommodation options at Okonjima?
Okonjima offers a variety of accommodation styles to suit different travellers.
- Okonjima Campsites provide a simple and comfortable self-catering option for independent travellers.
- Okonjima Plains Camp offers a relaxed safari atmosphere with a choice of 10 Classic Rooms and 14 spacious View Rooms overlooking a waterhole.
- Okonjima Luxury Bush Camp consists of nine secluded luxury chalets nestled within the reserve’s natural bushveld and is ideal for couples seeking privacy and tranquillity.
- Bush Suite offers an exclusive-use safari home with its own private vehicle, guide, chef and host, making it ideal for families or small groups.
- The African Villa is Okonjima’s most exclusive accommodation option, featuring two luxury suites within the main villa and two separate mini-suites, accommodating up to eight guests with complete privacy, dedicated staff and personalised safari experiences.
Where does Okonjima fit into a Namibia self-drive itinerary?
Located midway between Windhoek and Etosha National Park, Okonjima is perfectly positioned as either the first or final stop on a Namibian safari. Many visitors combine Okonjima with Ongava Game Reserve or The Mushara Collection when exploring the Etosha region. It also pairs exceptionally well with destinations such as Damaraland, Sossusvlei and the NamibRand Nature Reserve, creating a diverse itinerary that combines wildlife, landscapes and conservation experiences.
What is the AfriCat Foundation and what is its role at Okonjima?
The AfriCat Foundation is a Namibian conservation organisation based at Okonjima Nature Reserve. Established in 1993, its current focus is on conservation research, environmental education and the long-term protection of Namibia’s wildlife and natural ecosystems. Through scientific monitoring and data collection, AfriCat contributes to a greater understanding of species such as leopard, brown hyaena and pangolin. Guests can engage with this conservation work through activities such as leopard tracking and the “Into AfriCat – Behind the Science” experience, which provides insight into the research and conservation initiatives taking place on the reserve. Conservation levies included in guest stays help support these ongoing efforts.