- Namibia
- 22,000 hectares (220 km²)
- Early 1990s (The AfriCat Foundation was founded in 1991)
- Otjozondjupa
- Specialized in large carnivores (Leopard, Cheetah, Brown Hyena, Wild Dog); also home to Giraffe, Zebra, and various Antelope.
- Malaria-free area.
- 20°51′59”S 16°38′22”E
- Fully fenced (96 km perimeter) to facilitate the rehabilitation and research of predators.
- Acacia thornveld, undulating plains, and the rugged Omboroko Mountains.
- (Dry Season) for optimal leopard tracking and crisp mornings; (Wet Season) for lush scenery and birding, though predators are harder to spot in thick bush.
Okonjima is more than just a luxury reserve; it is the home of the , a world-renowned conservation project. While Sabi Sand is famous for "commercial" luxury, Okonjima is the global leader in predator rehabilitation. It offers a unique opportunity to see "the work behind the scenes," combining high-end hospitality with intense conservation education and some of the most reliable leopard sightings in Namibia.
- Located 10km off the B1 highway (the main north-south artery of Namibia).
- Halfway between Windhoek and Etosha National Park (~2.5 hours from either).
- ~3 hours drive.
- Okonjima has its own 1.3km gravel strip for "fly-in" safaris.
- Easily accessible via the B1; the turn-off is roughly 50km south of Otjiwarongo. The internal roads to the lodges are well-maintained gravel.
- Private vehicles are permitted to drive to the lodges/campsites, but all wildlife activities are conducted in reserve vehicles with professional guides.
- Dense thickets that provide the perfect camouflage for leopards.
- Sandstone outcrops that offer dramatic backdrops and vantage points for sundowners.
- Areas of yellow grass where cheetahs (in the rehabilitation zones) and plains game are frequently seen.
- The stars of Okonjima. Many are radio-collared for research, allowing guides to track these elusive cats with high success rates.
- Visitors can visit the Carnivore Care Centre to learn about rescued cheetahs and wild dogs that cannot be released back into the wild.
- One of Africa's rarest large carnivores; Okonjima is one of the few places where they are actively researched and regularly seen.
- Rare nocturnal sightings are possible during dedicated night drives.
Clear blue skies, very cold nights
Best for tracking leopards as they frequent permanent water sources.
Hot, afternoon thunderstorms
Beautiful green landscapes. Excellent birding (250+ species) and newborn antelope.
- Guided drives using telemetry to locate collared leopards, followed by off-road positioning for photography.
- An educational tour of the foundation’s facilities and the chance to see "ambassador" cats.
- Seasonal opportunities to track rhinos or pangolins on foot with researchers.
- Unlike many reserves, Okonjima has a "safe zone" with marked trails where guests can hike or mountain bike without a guide.
Okonjima is the perfect "middle stop" on a Namibian circuit. It provides a rare educational depth to the safari experience, making it a favorite for photographers and those who want to contribute directly to the survival of Namibia's big cats.