Okonjima Nature Reserve is halfway between Windhoek and the Etosha National Park. A 2 ½ hour drive either way. Therefore, it is an excellent stop en route to Etosha. But it is also well worth staying over for a night or two.
Okonjima Nature Reserve is home to the AfriCat Foundation, a Carnivore Conservation initiative. AfriCat takes care of the carnivores until they are rehabilitated and can be released back into the wild. Additionally, it allows them to become completely independent hunters in a protected area right in the middle of commercial farmland!
AfriCat, the Okonjima Lodges, and the Okonjima Nature Reserve are intricately intertwined entities. While AfriCat spearheads the conservation efforts within Okonjima, the lodges actively promote the ethos of conservation to their staff and guests. In turn, visitors to Okonjima directly contribute to the preservation of the habitat for a flourishing ecosystem of flora and fauna within the Reserve.
Okonjima Nature Reserve is now one of the premier places to be educated about conservation and observe carnivores in the wild. And other endangered species, like the aardvark, pangolin, and brown hyena. Its emphasis on authenticity has made it a jewel in Namibian tourism.
The Okonjima Nature Reserve is home to and runs extensive research projects on rare and endangered species, big and small.
Okonjima Nature Reserve Conservation Vision
Okonjima’s dream was to turn the nature reserve that was once denuded farmland back to its natural state. Last seen 200 years ago. This dream must be sustainable and must benefit local communities for it to survive the tide of change in Africa. This ongoing project is close to removing the majority of internal fences, managing water resources, and hides. It has opened new bush roads and is removing undesirable vegetation as part of its de-bushing efforts.
Okonjima’s lodges and the AfriCat Foundation have embraced tourism as both a conservation strategy and a sustainable business model. This close relationship has resulted in the creation of this large reserve. Providing refuge for some of Namibia’s most vulnerable carnivores. As well as a platform for environmental education and funding for relevant conservation activities.
No Human / Wildlife Contact
An increasing number of lodges and volunteer programs keep cheetahs, leopards, and other wild animals in captivity. Under the pretense of conservation for the entertainment of their guests. Walking with cheetahs and lions, touching and cuddling cubs, or any direct human / animal contact is unnatural. And often results in poor living conditions when compared to the wild. Not to mention the stress placed on the animals. Or even possible links to the canned hunting trade. Revenue earned through showcasing and interacting with these captive animals rarely goes back into conservation. Furthermore, the growing practice of catching wild cheetahs is threatening the numbers of wild populations.
Okonjima supports the conservation of wild animals in their NATURAL HABITAT. The AfriCat Foundation has rehabilitated 86% of the animals that have come through Okonjima. However, those that aren’t able to be rehabilitated and released into the wild are looked after in a humane manner. That does not involve any direct interactions with humans.
They become AfriCat Foundation’s educational species ambassadors.
Brown hyena project
AfriCat Foundation
The AfriCat Foundation was established to protect ‘cats’ (mainly cheetah and leopard) from human-wildlife conflict. The objective was soon expanded to all of Namibia’s wildlife in recognition that ‘cat’ conservation could not be addressed without also protecting wildlife habitats.
Presently, the Foundation’s primary focus lies in ‘conservation research’. With a specific emphasis on evaluating the efficacy of enclosed, protected areas as a conservation strategy.
The Foundation is actively engaged in assessing the degree to which this objective has been realised.
The Okonjima Nature Reserve (ONR) presents numerous advantages and opportunities for conservation research. Thanks to the steadfast support from Okonjima, AfriCat can conduct long term and ongoing monitoring efforts.
For example, in 2023, the leopard research project enrolled a third-generation leopard, whose mother and grandmother are part of the project. Few other research projects have similar longevity. The wildlife in the Reserve is protected from human threats and is comfortable around people, enabling AfriCat to study their natural behaviour.
AfriCat also has easy access to the wildlife in the Reserve. Most study individuals can be seen at least every week, some twice a day, and Okonjima guides participate in the research as AfriCat’s primary data collectors.
Finally, because most of the wildlife has been studied for a number of years, they are known populations, for which AfriCat already has significant amounts of data.
The species that AfriCat is focusing on:
1. Carnivores – leopards and brown hyenas. Because they are most affected by human-wildlife conflict. And as the apex predators within the Okonjima Nature Reserve, they impact significantly on the environment,
2. Endangered Species such as the pangolin. Because so little is known about them and conservation strategies are sorely needed, and
3. Lesser-Known Species, such as aardwolf, aardvark, caracal, and African wildcat. For which there is little information, including in some cases, their conservation status.
Okonjima safari and birding
Game drives and guided bush walks offer visitors an intimate, up-close perspective of Namibia’s wildlife. And especially its most protected species. The Okonjima Nature Reserve is home to and runs extensive research projects on rare and endangered species. Big and small.
The landscapes within the Okonjima Nature Reserve make it the perfect birding destination. With its elevated sandy plateau between the major escarpments of the Omboroko Mountains and mixed woodland and acacia thornveld plains. There are over 250 migratory and native bird species. Alongside predators and diverse wildlife, guests can expect to see up to 100 bird species during a short stay. Even more so, if the annual rains have recently fallen. Spending hours out in the bush each day, knowledgeable guides make birding on Okonjima an exciting activity. As they share their passion for Namibian birdlife.
Pale Chanting Goshawk
Between early morning and afternoon game drives, guests may go on self guided hikes on one of the hiking trails. These clearly marked trails vary between four and six kilometers. They meander along with the spectacular landscapes where wildlife and birdlife abound.
Day visitors will be able to spend a short time at AfriCat’s Carnivore Care & Information Centre. This offers you valuable insight into the work of the Foundation. Your visit to AfriCat will include a short guided drive to the AfriCat Care Centre to meet some of the carnivore ambassadors.
Okonjima offers accommodation options for all preferences. Ranging from rustic but comfortable campsites with shared swimming pools, WiFi, and power. To the luxurious and exclusive Villa and Bush Suite.
We are still adding this Okonjima Nature Reserve accommodation. Please click on the ‘Get Quote Now” button and we’ll send you a quote.
