We even managed to see and photograph the rare aardvark in late afternoon. Namibia is dry again. The highlight for any bird lover is the birdbath in front of each chalet and bird-feed. The family-run Okonjima Lodge rests at the foot of the sandstone Omboroko Mountains amidst Acacia thornveld in a Malaria-free area. Once persecuted by local cattle farmers, leopards roam free within the reserve, with the long-term aim of releasing them back into the wild. Useful information and advice to help you prepare for a trip including Okonjima Nature Reserve. Such storms are typically sparsely distributed and highly local being completely absent from desert areas, for example. It is family-friendly and wheelchair accessible. Okonjima Nature Reserve lies nestled in the beauty of the Omboroko Mountains, near the Waterberg Plateau in northern Namibia. 2023 By the time Namibia gained its independence in early 1990, they needed to address increasing livestock losses and growing interest in Namibia as a tourist destination. From tented safari camps to luxury boutique hotels. With a focus on sustainable tourism, Okinjimas lodges are spread out on this expansive wildlife reserve which allows for amazing views and ample opportunities to spot safari animals from every room. These trips include hard-hitting game and fascinatingly elusive species alike, as well as superb guiding and a variety of diverse ecosystems. And staying at Okonjima all but guaranteed we would spot a few of them! Guests need to bring their own tents, food and drinks, and additional fuel, as the various campsites are not catered for by Okonjima Lodge. Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you, 18 days 10 locations 3 country July and August are very cold at night. Temperatures are now below their peak and continue to fall. More about the Okonjima Nature Reserve. Okonjima ( Herero: place of the baboons) is a nature reserve located 50 km (31 mi) from Otjiwarongo in the Omboroko Mountains of Namibia. Namib Naukluft National Park (Sossusvlei), 35 days Self drive Cape-Town to Mozambique coast via Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, 21 days Self Drive Namibia & Botswana Lodge & Camping 44, 14 days 44 Self Drive Botswana Namibia Vic Falls, Chobe, Caprivi, Panhandle & Khwai Camping, 21 days Self Drive Highlights Namibia & Botswana Camping 44, 9 days Self Drive Namibia 44 Go Great (ACCOMMODATED), 21 days Namibia Botswana Southern Circle, 15 days Self Drive Windhoek to Kasane Camping & Lodge 44, 12 days Self drive Namibia Camping 44. These intelligent, solitary predators occur in high density in the expanse of Okonjima Nature Reserves multi-faceted topography. US$3,260 - US$3,680 per person We could not have asked for a better treatment. THE destination in Namibia to see Leopard, BrownHyaena and Pangolin in the wild - also home to the Conservation project @africat_foundation. With a selection of accommodation See more 17,549 people like this Book early (over a year in advance) if you want to stay at the best lodges. If you ever need a agency helping you out by booking your trip to SA, contact them! Plains Camp honours the Hanssens family cattle-farming heritage with its three-tier accommodation facility of 10 spacious View Rooms, 14 spacious Classic Rooms. Just contact one of Adventure Life's Okonjima Nature Reserve trip planning experts to start planning your next seamless trip. Its design honours the Hanssens family cattle-farming history with its three-tier accommodation facility of 10 large View Rooms, 14 spacious Classic Rooms and six affordable Garden Rooms. Spend your evenings gathered around the fire pit while sipping delicious Namibian wine and chatting with other guests from around the globe! With 2 huge, gorgeous rooms it sleeps 4 people. Okonjima Nature Reserve: A Luxury Safari Experience in Namibia November 30, 2022 / By Valerie Wheatley No trip to Namibia is complete without a stay in a luxurious tent camp. These intelligent, solitary predators occur in high density in the expanse of Okonjima Nature Reserves multi-faceted topography. CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT. We will make sure they tickall the boxes! As well as the big cats for which Okonjima is famed, nowadays those carnivores include the nocturnal brown hyena, aardvark and pangolin.A highlight of a stay at Okonjima is to head out first thing in search of leopard or as the sun dips below the horizon to seek out the creatures of the night. If we will make such a trip again, then it will be with African Travels! The Luxury Bush Camp consists of eight safari-chic chalets, each with its own sala, a Junior Suite, a lounge and dining area with earthy tones and African design elements with amazing views over a waterhole in the lush savanna landscape. This super private and lavish suite has its own guide, housekeeper, and chef for the ultimate freedom and pampering. Including pictures & descriptions of roads, Including cheetah, lion, leopard, jackal & hyena, including Chacma baboon & Lesser bushbaby, Reviews of our holidays They are not only runned by excellent staff, they also give back to the local community and operate as eco friendly as possible. These enclosed conservation areas provide safe areas for wild populations to live and breed, without the inevitable persecution from humans as the animals search for prey amongst farmland and livestock. Game drives in search of elusive leopards and guided bush walks offer visitors an intimate, up-close perspective of Namibias wildlife with special emphasis on its most endangered species. Welcome to the Okonjima Nature Reserve! Filter (4 Results) The sandy site is surrounded by small shade giving trees and wonderfully secluded. Okonjima Nature Reserve (ONR), home of the AfriCat Foundation, is also called home for a wide range of interesting species, one little known resident is a scaly anteater known as the Temminck's ground pangolin (Smutsia temminckii) or ground pangolin. Nonprofit organization Send Email More Home Videos Reviews Photos About See all Home to The AfriCat Foundation and THE destination in Namibia to see Leopard, Brown Hyena and Pangolin in the wild. The 14 Classic Rooms also look out onto the Okonjima grass plains but are smaller in size than the View Rooms.Four of the rooms form two large family units. Spread across 220km 2 within Namibia's scenic Central Highlands, Okonjima Nature Reserve has long been a sanctuary for endangered big cats - especially leopard and cheetah. However, AfriCat are very cognizant of the fact that such protected envelopes alter the natural flow of carnivore movement and population dynamics, and this is addressed in the Leopard Density Study. As the month progresses, the days and nights get warmer. The 22 000ha nature reserve also boasts an array of indigenous African wildlife, such as Zebra, Giraffe, Eland, Kudu, Gemsbok (Oryx), Impala, and Springbok as well as an abundance of bird life, which make for superb wildlife photography opportunities. However, with Namibias increasing popularity many lodges now count it amongst their high-season months, and request higher prices. Copyright 2022 Naturally Namibia All Rights Reserved |. The Reserves predator research programme has spanned three decades, and its findings have provided great insight to leopard behavioral patterns as well as offered an upbeat prognosis for a sustainable future for the species in todays Africa. Skype: African.Travels Frequent leopard, cheetah and hyaena sightings during game drives make this place so special! Choices for where to stay in Okonjima Nature Reserve. Persecuted by farmers in the surrounding lands, as real or perceived threats to their livestock, they are fully in the middle of the Human-Wildlife Conflict zone! Typically, mornings are hot and cloudless and clouds appear in the afternoon. Only the hardiest even contemplate using outdoor pools.Its 34 months since any rain, so the land is dust-dry and much vegetation is golden brown. It is a naturally occurring body, and since the 2010 erection of the predator-proof fencing around the reserve, little governance has been done to purposefully manage them. Located in the most beautiful locations, they will contribute to the your ultimate safari experience. It is family-friendly and wheelchair accessible. Half way between Windhoek and Etosha lies the well-known Okonjima Nature Reserve. Even if you dont make it to the Okonjima Nature Reserve for a visit, you can still help their cause of promoting the conservation and ethical treatment of Namibias big cats. The perfect trip for those who want to mix the adventure and freedom of a self-drive with some of our favourite luxury camps in Namibia and a great mix of activities. cheetahs and leopards are quite different. Okonjima Nature Reserve is a 2-hour, 30-minute drive from Windhoek or a 2-hour drive from Anderson's Gate (the southern entrance to Etosha National Park). [1] References A large private swimming pool offers spectacular views. This is a wonderful place! Air-con, fans, heating facilities, a well-stocked mini bar, as well as a tea/ coffee-making station, Wi-Fi and ample workspace are available. Naturally Namibia will not share, disclose or otherwise provide your data to any outside organisation. Expert Africa. Such deluges reduce in both frequency and volume as the month progresses.Across the country, landscapes are often vivid: a green and pleasant land. Okonjima offers a wide spectrum of accommodation, ranging from well-appointed private campsites to breath-taking safari lodges. Skies are blue and usually largely cloudless. Undercover scullery and dining area per campsite, Two fixed spotlight per campsite for cooking and dining. Exploring on foot, either with a guide or on a self-guided trail, simply adds to the sense of place. A very large covered concrete platform provides shade and a great place to drink, eat, sit and enjoy the peace. While they may appear similar to the untrained eye, cheetahs and leopards are quite different in both their appearance and their behavior. Naturally Namibia brings together the countrys leading safari families to provide journeys of unforgettable experiences. Read our Privacy Policy. With just a low palisade fence separating the reserve's animals from this stylish property, and no other guests within sight, this is as close to nature as you can get on the vast Okonjima Reserve. February 2021, NamibiaThis stamp certifies Okonjima Lodge as 100% compliant to the Covid-19 protocols of both the NTB and the World Health Organisation. Okonjima cannot look after children while parents are on an activity. Special interests? There are 4 campgrounds that have 100 sites combined and tours and meals are not included. Campers are welcome to reserve breakfast, lunch or dinner at Okonjimas Plains Camp or eat lunch at the Day Centre (when open) with a booking on arrival, at an additional cost. Each luxury chalet offers unrestricted views of the savannah. The platform is lit, as is the private excellent shower and basin room to one side. quiet moments on your private verandah some of the best scenery at any time of the day, relaxation, pampering and total surrender. The Okonjima Nature Reserve is home to, and runs extensive research projects on rare and endangered species, big and small. At one side of the platform is are sinks, a long worktop, and a power supply. Fully surrounded by electrified predator-proof perimeter fencing, it creates an enclosed conservation area that protects resident carnivores from the surrounding communal and commercial farmland. October is popular amongst wildlife enthusiasts and commands peak-season prices, even if dust and smoke may make the air hazy, challenging photographers. Not only does the camp provide lavish accommodations, delicious meals, and amazing excursions, but they also do wonderful work for the country through conservation and education. The route passes through a stunning variety of landscapes, offering access to this beautiful continent's rich diversity. The Plains Camp lies within the secluded wilderness area of the Reserve and has majestic sunset views. Tel: +264 (0)61 239 199Cell: +264 (0)81 269 2700Email: info@naturallynamibia.com. Children are brought from all over Namibia for 4-5 days to learn all about conservation and the environment in the hope that theyll go home and educate their parents as well. The bars serve a wide selection of premium wine, beer, and spirits. Located in the most beautiful locations, they will contribute to the your ultimate safari experience. Please note we offer a child friendly environment, but due to the nature of our activities that focuses on carnivores, certain activities are restricted. The Brown Hyaena Research Project was launched in 2018 as a comprehensive scheme to observe the Brown Hyaenas, collect data, analyze the information, make recommendations and take action. For us, one of the most exciting things about traveling in Africa is the opportunity to see wild animals like leopards and cheetahs. This research project is investigating the inter- and intraspecific relationship between different carnivore species in the 200 km2 Okonjima Nature Reserve, an enclosed conservation area. Such protected wilderness areas are increasingly important in the battle for wildlife conservation, especially when human encroachment of lands and the concurrent focus on human survival and dominance prevail. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Historically, June rates have been low. Each double-volume thatched room offers air-con, fans and heating facilities. Your email address will not be published. Dress in layers and bring warm clothes (including hats and gloves) for chilly starts and evenings. This luxurious Bush Camp is intimate enough to have plenty of privacy but also busy enough to provide you with entertainment when you want it. They are not only runned by excellent staff, they also give back to the local community and operate as eco friendly as possible. All Rights Reserved, "minor issues, but generally the most amazing experience ", "way beyond anything we've had before will use Expert Africa every time now.. ", "to use a tour operator was a good experience, with some definite advantages. Required fields are marked *, About | Privacy Policy | Contact Regular monitoring allows us to establish data on whether and to what extent the perimeter fence that surrounds the reserve affects the self-regulation of population densities and if it represents a disadvantage for carnivores with large home range requirements, such as cheetahs, due to habitat saturation. African Travels arranged our trip to South-Africa in a really personal way. The Villa at Okonjima African Villa is 10km from the Main Camp. There, you can lounge in bed while wild animals graze outside your window. Youll also have your own open-air lounge area where you sip coffee, lounge on one of the comfortable chaises, and listen to the birds chirping nearby. Okonjima Nature Reserve offers a wide spectrum of accommodation offerings, ranging from well-appointed private campsites to breathtaking safari lodges. Everything but everything arranged down to the last detail with freedom of choice. The Bush Camp offers several tour options every day on a set schedule. A visit to this amazing place is well worth it to learn more about the leopards of Namibia, as well as the other animals that roam the nature reserve. The elegant Luxury Bush Camp is situated within the 2 000-ha enclosed wilderness area of Okonjima Nature Reserve. More typically, some February days are clear with a hot, strong sun; others are cooler as cloudy skies build and, sometimes, culminate in short, spectacular thunderstorms. The rooms are spacious and gorgeously decorated, the meals are divine, and youll have a wonderful opportunity to view beautiful sunsets as well as plenty of wildlife right outside of your room! The Okonjima Nature Reserve, a huge protected area set amongst the rugged commercial farmlands of central Namibia, comprises a diversified ecosystem representative of both the larger and small mammals of Namibia, as well as most of the countrys endemic birds. The Plains Camp is 700m from the airstrip within the secluded wilderness area of Okonjima Nature Reserve and has majestic sunset views. A stand-alone electrical socket to charge your camper fridge and separate power-points for all your electronic gadgets. Across the country, lodges charge high season rates; many are fully booked a year or more in advance, especially during European school holidays (from the latter half of July to late August). Humidity builds and eventually breaks, resulting in spectacular thunderstorms that bring convection rainfall in late afternoons. To Read more about the research project click HERE! The tours take you to AfriCat Care Centre where you'll learn about the AfriCat story and the foundation's programs, as well as visit a large enclosure where cheetahs are held awaiting their return to the wild. In addition the study will provide valuable information on the success of carnivore rehabilitation in the reserve. For more information on our research projects follow the links below. Half way between Windhoek and Etosha lies the well-known Okonjima Nature Reserve. 0followers on Twitter The 200 Km Okonjima Nature Reserve provides a jaw dropping back drop to the AfriCat HQ environmental education camp, and enables the students to see large carnivores and prey species personally. Okonjima is home to AFRICAT, a Carnivore Conservation, which gives the captive carnivores a second chance to be released back into the wild and to take the time it needs, to become a completely independent hunter in a protected area right in the middle of commercial farmland! (a stand-alone electrical socket to charge your camper-fridge and separate power-points for all your electronic gadgets), Two inclusive bundles of fire wood per night. Its' emphasis on authenticity has made it a jewel in Namibian tourism. The Plains Camp Barn includes a warm dining and lounge area with views over a spectacular waterhole and the Okonjima plains. Temperatures build as the month progresses; towards the end, daily highs may exceed 40C/100F, though with humidity close to zero, even this rarely feels oppressive.In exceptional years, isolated rain showers may fall in late October. Reliably warm daytime temperatures (upwards of 20C/70F) and good wildlife sightings make this a popular month to visit Namibia. The Bush Suite is the perfect spot for friends to stay during their Namibian vacation. Okonjima Lodge (2019) All rights reserved, 7 days NO SHOW prior to arrival date 100%. Copyright 2023 Wandering Media LLC. Your email address will not be published. Game drives and guided & self-guided bush walks offer visitors an intimate, up-close perspective of Namibias 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 contrast makes the nights seem very cold. It's design honours the Hanssen's family cattle-farming history with its three-tier accommodation facility of 10 large View Rooms, 14 spacious Classic Rooms and six affordable Garden Rooms. Youll likely spot all kinds of wildlife near the road on your 30-minute drive. 4 of 5 camps, have sundowner-viewsites, located from a high-point, along the edge of the mountain range. The foundation relies on private donations to care for the animals and to run their courses for the kids. This research project is investigating the inter- and intraspecific relationship between different carnivore species in the 200 km(20 000ha) Okonjima Nature Reserve, an enclosed conservation area. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. In the game parks of Northern Namibia, water and food remain in plentiful supply, so finding big game can prove trickier than later in the year. Read more about our Leopard Research. When farmers kill cheetahs to protect their livestock, often there are babies left behind to fend for themselves. However, as youd expect from a country dominated by desert and semi-desert environments, the rains are often (but not always) weak and usually quite localised. For a truly African safari experience, track leopards through the 20 000ha Okonjima Nature Reserve with a guide, followed by a sundowner and bonfire, before falling asleep beneath the stars to the sounds of jackals, the zebra and cicada songs. Situated in the magnificent Okonjima Reserve, this luxury Namibian safari destination offers its guest just 14 rooms (including four family rooms) - each with a private veranda, personal bar, fans to offer a respite from the heat and a charming ensuite bathroom. Okonjima is located halfway between Namibia's capital Windhoek and the spectacular Etosha National Park (see our Etosha travel tips here). Tel: +27 83 646 9774 Okonjima Nature Reserve (ONR), home of the AfriCat Foundation, is also called home for a wide range of interesting species, one little known resident is a scaly anteater known as the Temmincks ground pangolin(Smutsia temminckii) or ground pangolin. Over the years, the property has increased in size from 6,000 hectares to 22,000 hectares. African Travels is an excellent organization that arranges everything the way you want. We give this accommodation our very highest and utmost recommendation. Eco Awards Namibia had been certifying tourism businesses, in terms of environmental sustainability, since 2005, and our assessors are qualified and trained to do third party audits. In the north, where the rains are more reliable, the abundant water and food allows wildlife to disperse, making it trickier to spot. The family unit (rooms one and two) are closest to the barn, while the second family unit (rooms 13 and 14) are about 600m away.The rooms are set 10-15 metres apart, some distance from the entertaining area at the barn. Some days will be clear, the strong sun raising temperatures to around 30C/86F; on others humidity and clouds build, sometimes culminating in spectacular thunderstorms. November is always a bit unpredictable: sometimes dry and hot; sometimes cloudier and cooler. The Private Bush Suite is situated in the open Acacia thornveld within the secluded wilderness area of the Okonjima valley with a backdrop of the sandstone Omboroko Mountains. Everything You Need to Know Before Renting a Car in Namibia, you can lounge in bed while wild animals graze outside your window. Visitor numbers can fade towards the end of the month, allowing a window for last-minute bookings. Unforgettable. I strongly recommend this agency for your SA trip! Talk to us and we can include these in your itinerary. The air is becoming dustier, occasionally augmented by smoke from fires so becoming hazy for photographic purists.In the national parks, animals congregate around remaining water sources making September one of the best months for game viewing. Occasionally these generate flash-floods, bringing ephemeral rivers to life and making travel more challenging.Across the country, the landscape feels green and alive; insects and smaller animals are more easily seen, and many birds and animals are raising their young. The Okonjima Nature Reserve sprawls over 200 square kilometres of undulating plains, mountainous outcrops, and riverine thickets, and it is here that leopard (Panthera pardus), the most adaptable of all the wild cats, thrive. At Okonjima you most likely will experience a leopard sighting game drives. With many of the animals radio-collared, tracking them is relatively straightforward, and with leopard largely habituated to the presence of humans, photographic opportunities here are almost unparalleled. It is famed for big cat sightings and is the home of the AfriCat Foundation. *Only kids over the age of 12 are allowed to stay in the suite unless granted special permission. The 5 private campsites share a swimming pool at the foot of the Ombokoro Mountains and are located in the 2000ha nature park. Okonjima Nature Reserve The place where people and wildlife connect Check availability & book now ; Okonjima Nature Reserve is equally famed for frequent leopard, brown hyena and pangolin sightings on its safaris, as well as the AfriCat Foundation. Today its a luxurious African safari destination in the heart of Namibia thats ideal for wildlife photography and famed for its cheetah, brown hyena and leopard sightings. Every donation helps! Unrivalled. Game drives and guided bush walks offer visitors an intimate, up-close perspective of Namibias wildlife and, especially, its most protected species. The AfriCat Foundation was created to care for these abandoned little ones and to teach them to hunt in a protected environment before releasing them back into the wild. September is a month of blue, cloudless skies and fantastic wildlife viewing. They are one of eight pangolin species worldwide and one of four pangolin species which occur on the African continent, all of which are classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Writer and Editor, Robbie Stammers, spends a spectacular 18-day road trip across the length and breadth of Namibia, to experience all that the Naturally Namibia group offers. Hence its one of Namibias most popular months for visitors: a high season month that is often the time of choice for safari aficionados.
New Stave Church Being Built, Articles O