Okonjima Private Nature Reserve is a fabulous fenced reserve located halfway between Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, and Etosha National Park. Run by the AfriCat Foundation, it’s a brilliant place to see wildlife (including leopard, brown hyena and even pangolin) while supporting an important conservation project. Okonjima also has an excellent range of accommodations, from well-equipped campsites to high-end luxury villas.
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Best Time To Go
- June or July to October (Dry conditions, best for wildlife)
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High Season
- July to October (Can be crowded)
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Size
- 220km² / 85mi²
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Altitude
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1,525-1,701m /5,003-5,581ft
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Pros & Cons
- One of the best places in Namibia to see leopard
- Pangolin sightings possible
- Excellent accommodations and activities
- Well-marked trails and expert guides
- Night drives and off-road driving possible
- Malaria-free reserve
- Can get crowded in high season
- Wild cheetahs no longer present
- Activities can be expensive
Wildlife
Okonjima began as a rehabilitation project for problem cats and cheetahs rescued from the captive trade. Cheetahs have since been phased out, but Okonjima is now one of the best places in Namibia to see leopard, brown hyena and pangolin. You’ll also encounter zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, greater kudu and numerous other antelope species. More than 250 bird species have been recorded here.
Scenery
Okonjima is rehabilitated farmland, though you wouldn’t know it. It has a delightful mix of habitats for its growing wildlife population, including light and , dry , acacia trees and rocky outcrops. The reserve headquarters sits high atop an with glorious views out over the reserve and beyond.
Activities
Okonjima has four self-guided hiking trails, ranging from 2.1km/1.3mi to 4.7km/2.9mi. Other activities, which usually cost extra, include leopard, rhino or pangolin tracking (pangolin tracking takes place on foot). You can also arrange a night drive, or a visit to the Carnivore Care and Information Centre to learn more about AfriCat’s work and see lion and cheetah in enclosures.
Weather & Climate
The weather and climate of Okonjima is similar to that of Windhoek, the capital city. See the link below for more information.
Best Time To Visit
Okonjima is best visited during the Dry season (May to October), particularly from June or July onward. Throughout this period, you can expect fine weather, good trail conditions and cool evenings. These months are also best for wildlife viewing, as the animals are more easily found close to water. Rain is possible, and hot weather almost guaranteed, any time during the Wet season (November to April). The rains turn the landscape green, and these months are best for birding. However, trails can be muddy and difficult to drive.
Getting There
Most travelers arrive in Okonjima by road. The reserve is about 220km/140mi from either Etosha National Park (to the north) or Windhoek, the capital (to the south). The drive in either direction takes around 2½ hours* along paved roads. Inside the reserve, you’ll find well-maintained tracks that are a mix of sand, dirt and gravel. It may also be possible to fly into Okonjima’s airstrip if you’re staying at one of the luxury lodges or camps.
*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.
Health & Safety
Please read our malaria and vaccinations page for Namibia, and our general ‘Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions’ below for more info: