Okonjima Private Nature Reserve
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Namibia

Okonjima Private Nature Reserve

Namibia

Experience Okonjima Private Nature Reserve

Okonjima—meaning "Place of the Baboons" in Herero—covers 22,000 hectares of pristine bushveld nestled at the base of the Omboroko Mountains. Originally a cattle farm, the Hanssen family rewilded the land in the late 1980s, transforming it into a sanctuary for Namibia’s large carnivores. The reserve serves as the base for the AfriCat Foundation, which focuses on the rescue, research, and rehabilitation of leopards, cheetahs, and brown hyenas. Unlike traditional game reserves, Okonjima provides an immersive educational experience, allowing guests to witness conservation in action. With its mix of acacia thornveld and dramatic red granite outcrops, it offers a luxurious yet purposeful safari experience halfway between Windhoek and Etosha.

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Popular Safaris in Okonjima Private Nature Reserve

10-Day Classic Namibia Self-Drive Safari
10 Days

10-Day Classic Namibia Self-Drive Safari

From

$5,623.00

13-Day Namibia Desert, Coast & Wildlife Explorer
13 Days

13-Day Namibia Desert, Coast & Wildlife Explorer

From

$10,691.00

11-Day Northern Namibia Wildlife & Scenic Self-Drive Safari
11 Days

11-Day Northern Namibia Wildlife & Scenic Self-Drive Safari

From

$5,615.00

Where to Stay

Okonjima plains Camp
4

Lodge

Okonjima plains Camp

Explore Property

Iconic Highlights

1

Leopard Tracking: Join expert guides to track radio-collared leopards by vehicle, offering an incredibly high success rate for sightings.

2

The AfriCat Foundation: Visit the Carnivore Care & Information Centre to learn about the rehabilitation of predators and human-wildlife conflict mitigation.

3

Pangolin & Brown Hyena Tracking: Rare opportunities to track these elusive, nocturnal species alongside researchers.

4

Night Hides: Secluded hides at the main camps allow guests to observe nocturnal animals like porcupines, honey badgers, and caracals up close.

5

The Barn: A stunning central hub at Plains Camp that blends historical cattle-farming heritage with modern luxury and exceptional cuisine.

Wildlife & Nature

Lion

Elephant

Leopard

Cheetah

Giraffe

Zebra

Rhino

Climate & When to Visit

Best Time to Visit

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Monthly Averages

MonthTemp HighTemp LowRainfall
Apr27°C--°C-- mm
Aug25°C--°C-- mm
Dec31°C--°C-- mm
Feb30°C--°C-- mm
Jan31°C--°C-- mm
Jul22°C--°C-- mm
Jun22°C--°C-- mm
Mar29°C--°C-- mm
May25°C--°C-- mm
Nov32°C--°C-- mm
Oct32°C--°C-- mm
Sep29°C--°C-- mm

Travel Requirements

  • Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond entry with 2 blank pages.

  • Visa: Standard Namibia entry rules apply (many Western nations are visa-exempt for 90 days).

  • Health: Okonjima is located in a Malaria-free area of Namibia's central highlands.

  • Access: Easily accessible via the B1 highway (approx. 2.5 hours from Windhoek). While the main road to the lodge is well-maintained, a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the 10km gravel entrance road.

  • Conservation Levy: A mandatory daily park levy is charged per person to support the AfriCat Foundation’s ongoing research and anti-poaching efforts.

    • Frequently Asked Questions

    Is Okonjima a zoo or a sanctuary?
    It is a massive 22,000-hectare private nature reserve. While some carnivores are in large rehabilitation camps to learn hunting skills, the majority of the leopards and other wildlife roam completely free across the entire reserve.
    Can children participate in the tracking activities?
    Most tracking activities (like leopard and cheetah tracking) have a minimum age limit (usually 6 years) due to safety and the nature of the terrain. However, the AfriCat Information Centre is highly educational for all ages.
    Can I visit Okonjima for just a day trip?
    Yes. The AfriCat Day Centre offers guided activities and lunch for visitors who are passing through between Windhoek and Etosha, though staying overnight is highly recommended to experience the night hides and early morning tracking.

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    Dest Type

    Game Reserves

    Status

    Entry Permits Required

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