Okonjima is set on reclaimed farmland in the Otjiwarongo area of Northcentral Namibia, midway between Windhoek and the Etosha National Park. It’s home to the AfriCat Foundation, helping to protect and understand big cats including lion, leopard and cheetah - and increasingly other endangered Namibian species, such as the pangolin. The accommodation is gorgeous, with just eight charming African-style thatched ensuite chalets and one honeymoon suite arranged around a natural watering hole with plenty of space between each one for privacy.
The large rooms are equipped with minibars, in-room safes and have ensuite bedrooms with two queen beds. An adjacent 'sala' - or lounge area - is open to the front so you can enjoy all the sights and sounds of the surrounding bush in comfort. A nice touch is a small waterhole in front of each chalet so birds and small mammals can be seen taking a dip. Back inside the décor is earthy ochre tones, with more than a hint of rustic luxury.
The main lodge has a delightful 13m pool for cooling off in and a cosy dining area with an open fire while the lounge provides an extremely comfortable space to relax after the day’s adventures in the wilderness. The food served is distinctively African, often cooked on an open fire for that authentic taste. Activities at the camp include game drives to hunt down elusive leopards using signals from their radio collars. There is also a Bushman trail to explore and plenty of birding opportunities in the surrounding Namibian plains.
