Okonjima Nature Reserve

The place where people and wildlife connect

Check availability & book now

Okonjima Nature Reserve is equally famed for frequent leopard, brown hyena 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.

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

Okonjima Nature Reserve

The Okonjima Experience

Okonjima African Villa

Okonjima African Villa

The Okonjima African Villa is situated in a secluded wilderness area, overlooking a natural waterhole that’s ideal for wildlife photography and bird watching. Our discreet hosts and chefs attend to all our guests’ needs.

The African 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

Okonjima Private Bush Suite

The Private Bush Suite is situated in the open Acacia thornveld within the secluded wilderness area of the Okonjima valley with a backdrop of the sandstone Omboroko Mountains.

The Private Bush 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

Okonjima Luxury Bush Camp

The elegant Luxury Bush Camp is situated within the 2 000-ha enclosed wilderness area of Okonjima Nature Reserve. Frequent leopard, cheetah and hyaena sightings during game drives make this place so special!

The Luxury Bush 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

Okonjima Plains Camp

The Plains Camp lies within the secluded wilderness area of the Reserve and has majestic sunset views. 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 Plains Camp

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 Standard 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 Omboroko Campsites

Okonjima Omboroko Campsites

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.

Okonjima Nature Reserve
Okonjima Nature Reserve
Okonjima Nature Reserve
Okonjima Nature Reserve
Okonjima Nature Reserve
Okonjima Nature Reserve
Okonjima Nature Reserve

What to do at Okonjima

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

The AfriCat Foundation

A highlight at Okonjima is learning about our big-cat passion. 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.

Okonjima Leopard Tracking
Leopard Tracking
Okonjima AfriCat
AFRICAT CARNIVORE CARE CENTRE
Okonjima Pangolin Tracking

Pangolin Tracking

Okonjima Nocturnal Drives

Night Drive

Okonjima Game Drives

Game Drive

Okonjima Rhino Tracking
Rhino Tracking

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

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

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

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.

Stéphane, Guest at Okonjima

Latest Okonjima News & Stories

Tracking the Pangolin

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 still places where you can observe them with some luck. Sniff, sniff. The sniffling is getting...

Change is as good as a holiday

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 concept to fruition. The renovations emphasise reconnecting with nature and creating an...