Okonjima Nature Reserve
The Okonjima Villa overlooks a natural waterhole which is an ideal spot for some wildlife photography or birdwatching. It also has the added benefit of being the only lodge situated inside the 22,000 hectare Okonjima Private Nature Reserve.
The reserve is home to the AfriCat Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation and welfare of Namibia's wild predators.
Since being founded in 1991, AfriCat’s mission has been to make significant contributions to conservation while trying to ensure the survival of Namibia’s predators in their natural habitat. It undertakes research, community support and environmental education projects, as well as conservation work to rehabilitate carnivores such as cheetah and hyena.
A highlight for anyone visiting Okonjima is to learn about their big-cat passion. Leopards roam freely and hunt within the reserve and an opportunity to see them on game drives led by experienced guides is why guests travel continents to stay here. You may also spot other rare and endangered species such as rhino and pangolin. Guests can also get involved in collecting and collating data as well as assisting with the actual research being conducted by AfriCat.
The safari-chic Okonjima Villa offers 2 en-suite luxury bedrooms in the main house, as well as accommodation in 2 separate private luxury mini suites which are situated 35-50 metres on either side of the main house. In total, the Villa can accommodate up to 8 adults and 4 children.
The main house has a modern kitchen and a living area compromising of a spacious lounge and dining area, along with a shaded open-air sala which is perfect for either a meal or afternoon nap. The infinity pool, which is necklaced by an African red teak deck, looks out onto the waterhole that’s frequented by an abundance of wildlife. Each of the 2 en-suite bedrooms have inside and outside showers, as well as a bathtub with views of the Namibian bush.
The 2 suites each have glass-panelled sliding doors with panoramic views across Okonjima Nature Reserve. Should guests choose, these open doorways may be replaced with roll-down, zip-fastened canvas partitioning with heavy-duty gauze screens, to give you a true sense of staying in the untamed African bush.
