Otjitotongwe Cheetah Farm
Kamanjab Area - Namibia
Otjitotongwe Cheetah Farm is situated in north-eastern Namibia, 24kms east of Kamanjab on the north side of the road. It is home to a non-profit organization, aimed at conserving cheetahs in a natural environment. The 7,000ha farm, has both tame and wild cheetahs, many bought from farmers to prevent them from being killed.
The restaurant and bar are in the main thatched building. It has an all day tea and coffee station. Relax on the lawn by the swimming pool.
There are 5 double bungalows and 2 family rooms. 1 of the family rooms has a double bed. Each has its own en-suite toilet, shower and private verandah.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served as a set buffet. There is no mains electricity supply on this farm.
The cheetah originally occupied most of Africa except for the equatorial forest and the true desert, (Sahara & Namib) as well as much of the Middle East and India, where it became extinct in the early 1950's. It is now extremely rare in the rest of Asia and Africa, north of the equator.
It is estimated that there are less than 7,500 cheetah left in the world, and about 6,000 of these are found in Southern Africa. According to a 1970 study, the numbers of cheetah in Namibia had improved, due apparently to the removal of lion and hyena, by farmers. In some cases, it was because of the re-introduction of various antelope species, favoured by these fleet-footed cats.
More recent surveys have shown that Namibia has 2000-2500 cheetah, of which 95% are on private (game of cattle) farms. Unfortunately, some farmers have continued to shoot cheetah because of their tendency to raid stock, particularly where their natural prey species are scarce, or absent. Whilst the current figures do not make the cheetah endangered in the absolute sense of the word, the extraordinary degree of genetic uniformity that these cats have been shown to exhibit, raises the possibility that a disease could devastate wild populations. Otjitotongwe is dedicated to the preservation of the cheetah species.
The farm offers superb photographic opportunities at scheduled cheetah feedings, and also offers guided game drives to view wild cheetah. There are also a number of unguided nature walks.
- Guided game drives
- Nature walks
- Cheetah feeding
Directions:
Travelling from the south, fork left after Outjo towards Kamanjab on the C40. The turning for the Otjitotongwe Cheetah farm is 24km east of Kamanjab on the north side of the road.
Epacha Game Lodge and Spa
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Etosha Mountain Lodge
A small private lodge, borders on Etosha however the distance to the park entrance makes it fairly un-suitable for day visits
Etosha Safari Lodge
Within 10km of the Etosha entrance this mid-range lodge offers an ideal base from which to explore the park
Halali
One of the four camps situated inside the park, generally less popular with visitors than Okaukuejo or Namutoni but has the advantage of a secluded quiet spot lit waterhole
Little Ongava
Luxury accommodation, each unit with private pool, great place to spoil yourself. Guided tours on private nature reserve and inside Etosha Park
Mamselle Nature Camp
Budget self catering bush hut, an interesting experience for the more independent traveler
Okaukuejo
Extremely busy accommodation inside the park with a good spot-lit waterhole, great choice if location is deciding factor on where to stay
Ongava Lodge
Upmarket accommodation, situated on private game reserve with easy access to the National Park
Ongava Tented Camp
On the same property as Ongava Lodge, but offering a more traditional tented safari style experience
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Otjitotongwe Cheetah Farm
A non-profit organisation aimed at conserving Namibia's cheetah population
