Namibia

Okonjima Nature Reserve

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

Why visit Okinjima Nature reserve

Okonjima Nature Reserve offers one of the most rewarding and conservation-focused wildlife experiences in Namibia. Set between Windhoek and Etosha, it is an ideal stop-off on a northern circuit, but far more than just a convenient break in the journey.

The 22,000-hectare reserve is home to the AfriCat Foundation, a leading conservation initiative focused on the protection of Namibia’s carnivores, particularly leopard and brown hyena. Guests can join expert guides and researchers to track these elusive species on foot or by vehicle, using radio telemetry. This is one of the few places in Southern Africa where leopard sightings are both meaningful and accessible.

But Okonjima is not just about predators. The reserve’s varied habitats support giraffe, zebra, kudu, warthog, caracal, porcupine and more than 250 bird species. Night drives often reveal rarities such as aardvark, aardwolf and pangolin.

Accommodation at Bush Camp is understated yet comfortable, with private salas overlooking the bush and waterholes. Walking safaris, birding and behind-the-scenes visits to AfriCat add further depth.

For wildlife lovers, conservation enthusiasts or those simply wanting a quieter, more purposeful experience, Okonjima offers something special. Every sighting contributes to a larger conservation story.

 

Okonjima Nature Reserve

Highlights of Okonjima Nature Reserve

  • Leopard tracking using radio telemetry – Join expert guides to track collared leopard on foot or by vehicle, offering one of the most reliable opportunities to observe these elusive cats in Namibia.

  • Home of the AfriCat Foundation – Learn about one of Southern Africa’s leading carnivore conservation initiatives, with the option to go behind the scenes or meet researchers working in the field.

  • Exceptional night drives – Spot rare nocturnal species such as aardvark, pangolin, porcupine and brown hyena, which are difficult to see in other parts of the country.

  • Private salas and waterhole views – Each chalet at Bush Camp features a shaded sala and mini-deck overlooking the bush, ideal for quiet wildlife-watching in between activities.

  • Walking safaris with expert guides – Explore the reserve on foot, learning about animal tracks, medicinal plants and birdlife while enjoying the tranquillity of the bush.

  • Ideal location between Windhoek and Etosha – A convenient and worthwhile stop-off, adding depth and conservation insight to any northern Namibia itinerary.

Transforming land

Okonjima sits on what was once a cattle farm. The Hanssen family gradually rewilded the land, transforming it into one of Namibia’s leading private reserves and founding the AfriCat Foundation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sanctuary for leopards

Okonjima has one of the highest densities of leopard in Namibia. Historically persecuted on farmland, these adaptable cats found refuge here when livestock was replaced with wildlife, allowing their numbers to recover naturally within the protected reserve.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good to know

Getting to there

Reach Etosha’s private reserves from Windhoek by a 4.5 to 6-hour 4WD drive or a 1 to 1.5-hour light aircraft flight. We recommend flying in for ease and dramatic views, then driving out through changing desert landscapes.

 

 

 

 

 

When to go

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OUR FAVOURITE TIME TO VISIT

September is often a great month to explore this part of Namibia; the temperature may be starting to build, but the numbers are lower, and the game viewing is excellent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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