Read 21 traveller reviews of Okonjima Main Camp

Just south of Otjiwarongo, Okonjima Main Camp was the original Hanssen family farmhouse that was converted into the first lodge on this farmland. Since then, they have opened several sister-camps on their same large ranch – Okonjima Bush Camp, Villa and Bush Suite. All of these are relatively together (within 5-10km), and offer broadly similar activities.

It is a great lodge, with a relaxed, informal and friendly atmosphere, and is an ideal base for those wanting to visit the Africat Foundation, but not wanting luxury and the price tag that goes with it. Having said that it is a very comfortable lodge and has all amenities and room facilities that go with a good quality lodge.

The 10 standard rooms at Okonjima Main Camp surround a large manicured garden – whilst the three tents are a few meters further away. All are en suite, and there's no price difference between the rooms and the tents; we usually suggest the tents only when the rooms are full.

In the garden there are chairs, tables and sun umbrellas scattered around, fine to while away time between activities. There is also a central fire pit for sociable evening gatherings before dinner is served in the main 'lapa' directly behind this. There is also a lovely pool tucked away in a quite corner of the grounds.

You can walk around the enormous ranch on your own if you wish, hop on a guided 4WD, or follow a trail with one of your hosts, who will illustrate the lifestyle of some of the region's original people. There is also a night hide for spotting the more elusive nocturnal animals such as porcupine and honey badger.

That said, big cats are the main attraction. Namibia has over 20% of the world's cheetah population – the largest concentration in the world, and Okonjima is the base for the Africat Foundation, which is devoted to saving the country's big cats - cheetah, leopard, lion and even caracal. A stay of one or two nights here will usually give you the chance to see big cats at close range.

Activities include going the visitors centre to learn more about what the Africat Foundation aims and objectives are, going to the cheetah feeding, tracking leopard and seeing lions. When we were last there we were able to track cheetah on foot and were lucky enough to get to within 10m of a male and female pair.

All your meals and activities are generally included here.

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Standard room at Okonjima Main Camp
Tent at Okonjima Main Camp

Lodge overview

Lodge type: Safari

Season: Open Year Round

Ideal length of stay: 2 nights

Central facilities: The focal point at Okonjima Main Camp is the 'lapa' (an open-sided, communal thatched area with tables), and the open fire area just in front of this. The large thatched lapa houses a comfortable lounge at the back, where you will find leather sofas and chairs to relax in and a well stocked library cabinet full of interesting books on Namibia and big cats. Adjacent to this is the bar, and then at the front is the main dining area where you can always find tea, coffee and fruit available and where all meals are served. The interior has a strong African theme throughout, with statues, masks, pots, wood carvings and African print fabrics along great pictures of cats adorning the walls. The dining area looks out over the fire pit which is surrounded by chairs where everyone gathers before dinner for a sociable pre dinner drink. The beautiful gardens are a wonderful place to sit and relax between activities and have chairs, tables and sun umbrellas. Away from this area is a secluded swimming pool and a small garden where afternoon tea is enjoyed. There is also a curio shop which is open when guests are in camp.

Geographics

Location: Central Highlands, Namibia

Directions: 48km south of Otjiwarongo on the B1 you will see a clearly marked signpost for Okonjima. Head west for about 24km along this track and follow the sings directing you towards Main Camp.

Accessible by: Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer

Key personnel

Owner: Owned by the Hanssen family

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Food quality: On our last visit, the food at Okonjima Main Camp was of a very high standard. Before setting out on our early morning activity, we were offered tea/coffee and muffins to keep us going until we returned, when a full brunch was served at 10:00. This consisted of vast selection of cereals, bread, cheese and cold meat, fruit, yoghurts, and a full cooked breakfast of your choice. A light lunch is available for those on 'full board' basis. This can be purchased by those on a half board basis for between N$70 to N$100, depending on what you want to eat. Dinner at Okonjima is always a sociable event, where people gather around two large group tables. On our last stay there we had a seafood cocktail on avocado, followed by grilled rump steak with vegetable and roast potatoes, and finished with a wonderful plate of poached pears with vanilla ice cream all drizzled with red wine syrup. All dishes were beautifully arranged.

Dining style: Group Meals

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Room service: No

Drinks included: Tea and coffee are included, all other drinks are extra. Drink on activities are included.

Special interests

Birdwatching: There are trails around Okonjima that you can follow with, or without, one of the camp's guides. These pass by a variety of watering points, including dams, lakes and even bird-baths – all of which attract the local birdlife. It's a good spot for seeking the typical birdlife of Namibia's Central Highlands. - See more of our suggestions of the best places for birdwatching in Namibia

Photographic: For close-up shots of the big cats – especially leopard and cheetah – Okonjima Main Camp should be high on your list. Given that the camp's activities work on a two-day cycle, allow yourself at least two days here to maximise your chances of good photographs. - See more of our suggestions of the best places for photographic in Namibia

Walking: There are a number of walking trails around Okonjima – you can take a guide with you, or simply a radio in case of emergency – so it's a good spot to explore a bit of the African bush on foot. - See more of our suggestions of the best places for walking in Namibia

Wildlife: Okonjima does fascinating work with big cats; visitors will usually have the chance to view the big cats at much closer quarters than possible in most national parks. Obviously most of the animals seen are not truly wild, they are habituated to humans and hence you can approach them closely. - See more of our suggestions of the best places for wildlife in Namibia

Children

Attitude towards children: OK if over 12 and well behaved.

Age restrictions: No under 12's

Generally recommended for children: No

Notes: No children under 12 years of age are accepted.

Central communications

Power supply: Mains Electricity

Communications: Central telephone and fax. There is mobile phone reception at Okonjima.

TV & radio: No

Health & safety

Malarial area: No

Medical care: Nearest doctor is in Otjiwarongo, about 40 minutes' drive from Okonjima.

Dangerous animals: High Risk

Security measures: Armed guards at the entrance gate.

Fire safety: Fire extinguishers in each room and in central areas.

Extras

Disabled access: On Request

Laundry facilities: Laundry can be done at an extra charge and costs between N$10 and N$30 per item depending on what the item is.

Money: They can change travellers' cheques and cash, but not in large amounts. There are two large central safes available to store valuables.

Accepted payment: They accept payment by Visa, Mastercard, Amex, travellers cheques and cash (N$, ZAR, US$, €, £)

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