Okonjima (AfriCat Foundation)

Okonjima

Support the Africat Foundation in its rehabilitation of cheetah, leopard and wild dogs on a private estate set in a stunning escarpment halfway between Etosha and Windhoek. Africat is situated on Okonjima’s 22 000 ha private reserve and was registered as a non-profit organisation in 1993. At first, their efforts were channeled towards the welfare of Namibia’s large carnivores – too often these large predators would become a nuisance to local farmers, who would indiscriminately get rid of them. So the need for education and research projects soon became apparent and today Africat is committed to creating an awareness and tolerance of leopard and cheetah in particular, while also housing sick and injured animals until they’re ready to be released into the wild.

Accommodation at Okonjima consists of Main and Bush Camps, as well as The Villa, perfect for families or groups of friends. Main Camp used to be the original homestead of the Hanssen family, who have been cattle farming in the area for generations. This camp comprises of 16 rooms, enjoying views of either the lush gardens or the bushveld beyond. The Bush View rooms are set further away from the central area – these rooms are spacious and some have been recently refurbished. Bush Camp is situated about 3km from Main Camp and on the edge of a wilderness area – it’s more luxurious and the rooms are set about 80m apart, ensuring complete privacy. The thatched chalets feature queen sized beds and minibars. Note that children under 12 years are not allowed at either Bush or Main Camp.

Twice daily activities at Okonjima aim to be informative, yet fun! Leopard and cheetah can be tracked on drives – the leopard roam freely in the 4 000 ha rehabilitation park and are monitored daily. Cheetah within the rehabilitation area can be tracked on foot, ensuring excellent photographic opportunities. Note though, that many of the animals in the rehabilitation area are radio-collared. Bird watching is also very popular, with more than 250 species currently on the sightings list. There is a hide where you can watch nocturnal animals such as porcupine and honey badgers after dinner.

Walking trails at Okonjima are also popular for those seeking solitude in the pristine wilderness. Self guided walking trails are up to 8km long, where the Bushman Trail is a guided trail offering an insight into the lives of the local San people, who have learnt to adapt in this harsh environment.

Photo Gallery

(Click image to enlarge)

Okonjima Main Camp l Old Garden View | Namibia

Okonjima Main Camp l Swimming Pool | Namibia

Additional Information

Children under the age of twelve years are regrettably not permitted at Bush Camp, Main Camp and the Omboroko Campsite. Children under the age of 8 years old are regrettably not permitted at The Villa or Bush Suite. This is due to the nature of the activities at Okonjima.

Due to the increasing numbers of tourism lodges keeping cheetahs and other wild animals in captivity for entertainment purposes, Okonjima has decided to set an example to discourage this activity by withdrawing cheetahs appearing on the lawn in front of the lodge. Note that Okonjima & AfriCat do not encourage physical contact with any habituated carnivores.

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Page last updated on 03 Dec 2009