Okonjima Main Camp
central Namibia
Okonjima Main Camp is situated halfway between Windhoek and Etosha National Park. The lodge is home to The AfriCat Foundation, a non-profit organization, committed to the long-term conservation of Namibia's large carnivores, notably cheetahs and leopards. The more secluded and luxurious Okonjima Bush Camp, The Bush Suite, and The Villa, are all affiliated to the main camp.
The main camp is in the original Hanssen family farmhouse, rebuilt as a lodge in 1992. Visitors are asked to note the the Main Camp is closed during certain periods in December and January, for maintenance and upgrading.
They were awarded 'Namibia's Leading Safari' in the prestigious World Travel Awards, a title voted for by tourism industry professionals, and is considered to be the 'Oscars' of the travel world. The honour was in recognition for the successful combination of a world class safari lodge, with a
world famous conservation program. A visit to Okonjima, gives it's visitors the opportunity to witness some of AfriCat's work.
The main building has a nearby Lapa (The Gathering Place), a curio-shop, secluded swimming-pool and reception area. Meals commence with a pre-activity early morning snack, consisting of tea, coffee and muffins. Brunch is served between 09h00 and 10h30, (after the morning trail) and consists of maize porridge, muesli and other breakfast cereals, fruit, yoghurt, salami, cheeses and bread, followed by eggs, sausage and bacon. Fresh fruit, as well as hot and cold refreshments, are available throughout the day. Coffee, tea and cake are served in the afternoon, and a 3 course dinner is served between 19h00 and 20h00. Lunch packs can be arranged for an onward journey.
Accommodation is in 6 double, en-suite rooms, that overlook a lush garden and open-fire entertainment area. Each room has a double and a ¾ bed, a roof-fan and private, lockable safe.
There are now 10 Bush/Mountain View rooms with fantastic views over the natural Okonjima bush-veld. With privacy in mind, they have been set some 15-20m apart, and a reasonable distance from the Lapa and entertainment area,. Each room has it's own verandah and wheel-chair friendly ramp. These spacious new bedrooms, have 2 double beds, a mini-fridge, roof fan, a safe and alarm system, and a telephone to call reception.
Activities commence at 15h00 in the winter, and 16h00 in the summer. The leopard can be viewed frequently here, (but not guaranteed) from a hide or radio-tracked from a game viewing vehicle. The cheetah project offers a valuable insight into the welfare work of the AfriCat foundation.
There are over 250 species of bird life to be found around the property, including Namibian endemics such as carps black tit, Hartlaub's francolin, and the Damara rock runner. With the abundance of animal and birdlife and spectacular scenery, Okonjima is a photographer's dream.
The Bushman Trail offers it's participants the chance to experience a day in the life of a Bushman.
The easy walking trail is highlighted with information along the way, about learning about the art of making traditional artefact's, and how the San adapt and survived in such an unforgiving wilderness environment.
Other guided and self-guided walking trails of up to 8km, are available for those who prefer to spend some time in the solitude of the Okonjima Wilderness.
Children under the age of twelve, are regrettably not permitted at Okonjima Main Camp.
Okonjima Lodge now offers two rates - 1 is inclusive of activities and the other without, we suggest booking at least one of your nights on the full board and activities rate as the activities are the main reason for staying at Okonjima. Activities commence 15h00 (winter) and 16h00 (summer) so please arrive before this if you want to join the afternoon activity.
- Cheetahs
- Visit the Africat Project area and meet some of the cheetah or accompany our guides as they monitor the progress of the cheetahs in the Tusk Rehabilitation camp. Okonjima is home to over forty cheetahs, many of whom were separated from their mothers before they learnt how to survive on their own. The Rehabilitation Camp will give these cheetahs an opportunity to learn survival skills such as hunting in a closely monitored environment. Successful cheetahs will be relocated to parks and game farms.
- Cheetah Tracking on Foot
- Cheetahs within the rehabilitation are radio tracked on foot, sightings of the cats is not guaranteed. Leopards - Wild leopards are fed every night and guests can observe these secretive predators from the safety of a hide. Okonjima is also the site of a leopard monitoring project with the resident leopard collared and tracked to determine the number of leopard in the area, their movements and activities. This information will be used to better understand leopard found on Namibian farmland and reduce the conflict between leopards and farmers.
- Lion
- Okonjima has three lions - Matata, Tambo and Tessie. Born in captivity, the lions have become part of the Okonjima family and the pride has three lion and five human members. The lions can usually be seen most mornings before trails leave the lodge
- Bushman Trail
- Catch a glimpse of a day in the life of a bushman. Learn how the bushman made rope, fire and traps and lived in harmony with nature.
- Mountain Walk
- For the energetic, early-riser, we offer a guided mountain walk which includes identification of animal spoor, information on the local people and spectacular views
- Bird Watching
- Over 300 bird species have been identified at Okonjima. Two spacious hides are within walking distance of the lodge and we now offer a hide situated at a recently established vulture restaurant a short drive from the lodge.
- Walks and Trails
- A variety of walks ranging in difficulty from easy to quite strenuous are available. The sundowner walk is usually done in the evening after the cheetah activity and is a favourite with many of our guests.
- Night Hide
- Ever wondered what those noises are at night. Guests can choose after dinner to visit a hide and observe nocturnal animals such as honey badger and porcupine as they go about their business.
Directions:
The Okonjima Lodge turning is 50km south of Otjiwarongo on the main B1 road. The lodge is a further 24km along this road, follow the signs
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Okonjima
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Okonjima Bush Camp
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Okonjima Bush Suite
A private two bed room suite, comes complete with own swimming pool, lounge and kitchen. Private chef and meals can be arranged or guests can visit Bush Camp.
Okonjima Villa
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