Okonjima Nature Reserve

Home to the AfriCat Foundation, Okonjima is a world-renowned conservation project dedicated to the rehabilitation of Namibia's large carnivores. Visitors...

Okonjima Nature Reserve at a Glance

Location
Central Namibia & Eastern Kalahari Fringe, Namibia, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-20.795118, 16.637264
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Low
Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry winter) for Etosha wildlife. Year-round for Sossusvlei and the Skeleton Coast.

Safari Activities in Okonjima Nature Reserve

  • Guided explorations
  • Game drives
  • Sundowner experience
  • Hiking
  • Bird watching
  • Wildlife photography

Getting to Okonjima Nature Reserve

Nearest airport: Okakarara Airfield (FYOK), 89 km away.

Nearest international airport: Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH), 206 km away.

Big Five in Okonjima Nature Reserve

3 of the Big Five can be found here: Leopard, White Rhinoceros, Leopard Tortoise.

Weather & Climate in Okonjima Nature Reserve

The warmest temperatures in Okonjima Nature Reserve occur in December, averaging 24.5°C (up to 32.1°C). The coolest conditions are in June at 14.5°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in June with average rainfall of 0.0mm. Average humidity: 31.2%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 22.6°C (rainfall: 139.0mm)
  • February: 22.0°C (rainfall: 100.5mm)
  • March: 21.8°C (rainfall: 62.4mm)
  • April: 20.5°C (rainfall: 13.0mm)
  • May: 18.3°C (rainfall: 0.7mm)
  • June: 14.5°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • July: 15.0°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • August: 18.4°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • September: 21.9°C (rainfall: 1.7mm)
  • October: 24.2°C (rainfall: 11.3mm)
  • November: 24.3°C (rainfall: 31.6mm)
  • December: 24.5°C (rainfall: 41.8mm)

Best Time to Visit Okonjima Nature Reserve

The best months to visit Okonjima Nature Reserve are May, August, September, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 22.56°C, rainfall 139mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 54.9%
  • February: Great, temperature 22.04°C, rainfall 100.5mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 57.3%
  • March: Great, temperature 21.77°C, rainfall 62.4mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 54%
  • April: Great, temperature 20.54°C, rainfall 13mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 45.1%
  • May: Great, temperature 18.32°C, rainfall 0.7mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 30.6%
  • June: Great, temperature 14.53°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 31.2%
  • July: Great, temperature 14.96°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 26.1%
  • August: Great, temperature 18.35°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 20.1%
  • September: Great, temperature 21.95°C, rainfall 1.7mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 18.7%
  • October: Great, temperature 24.19°C, rainfall 11.3mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 21.6%
  • November: Great, temperature 24.34°C, rainfall 31.6mm, sunshine 12.2 hrs, humidity 30.1%
  • December: Great, temperature 24.47°C, rainfall 41.8mm, sunshine 11.9 hrs, humidity 34.3%

Wildlife in Okonjima Nature Reserve

Home to 68 recorded species including 20 birds of prey, 18 iconic birds, 6 antelope & gazelle, 5 big herbivores, 5 waterbirds, 4 tropical birds.

Recommended Packing List for Okonjima Nature Reserve

Based on average temperature of 20.7°C, typical conditions, humidity 35%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 21°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Okonjima Nature Reserve

38 safari lodges available.

Other

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luxury

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Similar Parks in Central Namibia & Eastern Kalahari Fringe

Visitor Tips - Okonjima Nature Reserve

We love Okonjima for its profound commitment to wildlife rehabilitation, offering an intimate and educational encounter with Namibia's big cats that few other places can match. The guided explorations here provide a unique perspective, allowing us to truly connect with the conservation efforts and the incredible animals they protect. The lodge feels luxurious and timeless, providing a perfect base for these meaningful experiences.

Gate Times

Okonjima operates on a booking-only basis, so there are no strict public gate times. Access is generally aligned with check-in and check-out schedules, typically from 14:00 on arrival day until 10:00 on departure. We recommend confirming your specific arrival and departure times with the reserve directly to ensure seamless entry and to coordinate your first activity.

Tipping

We suggest tipping your main guide around NAD 200-300 per person per day for their exceptional knowledge and tracking skills. For general camp staff, a communal tip of NAD 100-150 per person per day is customary, which can be placed in a central box. This ensures everyone, from housekeepers to kitchen staff, is acknowledged for their hard work in making your stay comfortable.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Namibia

Travel advisory for Namibia

Okonjima Nature Reserve FAQs

What makes the carnivore tracking experience at Okonjima unique compared to other safari destinations in Namibia?

Okonjima's direct affiliation with the AfriCat Foundation means visitors actively participate in or observe the rehabilitation efforts for leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs. This often involves tracking collared animals within vast, natural enclosures or the larger reserve, providing exceptional, close-up viewing opportunities that are rare elsewhere.

When is the best time of year to visit Okonjima for optimal carnivore sightings and overall safari experience?

The dry season, from May to October, is generally considered the best time to visit Okonjima. During these months, vegetation is sparser, and animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot and track.

Given Okonjima's rehabilitation focus, are the large carnivores viewed in fenced areas, or are they truly wild within the reserve?

Okonjima operates a vast, fenced reserve where rehabilitated carnivores, including leopards and cheetahs, roam freely in a natural environment after release. While some animals may be in temporary rehabilitation enclosures, the primary tracking experiences are with those living wild within the extensive reserve, offering an authentic yet controlled viewing opportunity.

How can visitors engage with Okonjima's conservation mission beyond typical game drives, and what unique activities are offered?

Beyond standard game drives, visitors can participate in guided 'AfriCat Carnivore Tracking' excursions, often on foot, to locate collared cheetahs or wild dogs. There are also opportunities to learn about the foundation's work at their information center, offering a deeper insight into their vital conservation efforts.

What types of accommodation and amenities can visitors expect at Okonjima Nature Reserve?

Okonjima offers a range of accommodation, from luxurious villas and private bush suites to more rustic but comfortable chalets, catering to different preferences and budgets. Each lodge provides a unique experience with excellent service, often including meals and guided activities, ensuring a comfortable and immersive stay in the Namibian bush.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia by Lonely Planet - Covers the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Etosha, Sossusvlei, and the Skeleton Coast. Essential for self-drive safaris through two of southern Africa's wildest destinations.
  • Lonely Planet Zambia & Mozambique by Lonely Planet - From Victoria Falls and South Luangwa to Mozambique's pristine coastline. Practical advice for two of Africa's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path destinations.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • Lonely Planet Southern Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Practical planning information with detailed park and city guides.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Roberts Bird Guide by Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies & Ingrid Weiersbye - Comprehensive southern African bird guide covering 960+ species with detailed range maps and illustrations. The birder's bible for safaris in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Sasol Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey & Warwick Tarboton - The southern Africa birding bible. Covers over 950 species with detailed illustrations, distribution maps, and habitat notes. The most trusted bird field guide for South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Bradt Guide: Namibia by Chris McIntyre - Comprehensive guide to Namibia - Etosha, Sossusvlei, Skeleton Coast, Damaraland. Self-drive routes, camp reviews, and wildlife guides.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.