A seamless sense of place resonates at Zannier Hotels Omaanda through traditional Owambo architecture and elevated views stretching across soul-stirring savannas to the distant Khomas Hochland plateau. Precious antiques, traditional fabrics and authentic ceramics continue the cultural context of the rush-thatched round huts, each with their own sunken bathtub and panoramic terrace.

Every day is an immersion into Namibia’s exoticism. Famously watch wildlife drink at the nearby watering hole, from your infinity poolside seat. Try local delicacies prepared at the Ambo Delights restaurant.

Discover the soulful healing of ancient Namibian therapies that fuse local roots, herbs and spices. As night falls, gather for star-lit fireside cocktails, around the authentic Boma. Relaxation is balanced by adventures through Omaanda’s partnership with N/a’an ku sê – a foundation dedicated to the conservancy of Namibia’s wildlife, land and cultures.

Breakfast with meerkats at sunrise; track a rhino or a herd of elephants going for a swim; spy a leopard climbing a Jackleberry tree or simply experience the nocturnal beauty of the savanna – all with your own private guide. When real life calls, Windhoek airport is only a 30-minute private transfer.

THE HISTORY
The story of Zannier Hotels Omaanda, the fourth realisation of Zannier Hotels (opened in July 2018) can be read like another sequel in an epic story of unbelievable journeys. It is the story of an encounter between Arnaud Zannier, our founder, and Angelina Jolie, an internationally famous artist loved for her engagement as well as her talent.

When she came across Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang, she was blown away and recounted to its creator the existence of another place – more than 10,000 km away – lying in a glorious natural setting that should be preserved and cherished in the same way that had been done in the Cambodian resort.

Mrs. Jolie spoke to our founder about the incredible work of a friend of her (Dr. Rudie van Vuuren) with the N/A’an ku sê foundation, involved in the reintroduction and protection of the Namibian wild life.

Curious about this country he did not know, Arnaud decided to visit Namibia. He immediately fell in love with the beauty of the landscapes and decided to establish there to share with conscious guests the emotion he felt at that time.

He eventually met Dr. van Vurren and felt passionate with the extraordinary opportunity that came to him: the possibility to acquire, with the N/a’an ku sê foundation, a huge piece of land previously set aside for cattle breeding, and turn it into a 9000-hectare safe conservancy reserve.

Today, the Zannier Reserve by N/a’an ku sê ensures the preservation of the local natural wealth and the durability of the wildlife. Guided by the same philosophy of magnifying the timeless quality of a location in discrete sophistication while maintaining the highest respect for the natural environment and local traditions, Arnaud opened Zannier Hotels Omaanda.

In the midst of the Zannier Reserve, this lodge is offering guests the matchless opportunity of experiencing the majestic beauty of this site in discrete and exceptional luxury.

Zannier Hotels’ Namibian adventure however only just begun. Zannier Hotels Sonop, the second Namibian property of the group, opened a year later. Located more in the South within the Namib Desert, the tented camp offers another opportunity to discover wild Namibia.

ACCOMMODATIONS
Our huts are built in traditional Namibian style, with rounded corners and hand- finished thatched roof. The design is simple and understated; the deep, warm colours are evocative of the earth, sand and natural environment. The interior decoration is composed of rare objects and precious antiques from African culture.

These huts are spacious and boast a private terrace with magnificent views overlooking the nearby ‘dam’ (small lake) and the distant hills of the Khomas Hochland plateau. The bedroom has a king-size bed (convertible into Hollywood twin beds), a walk-in dressing room and an open fire place.

All huts offer a bathroom with separate toilet, walk in shower, double sink and a large bathtub with a view. Every hut at Zannier Hotels Omaanda has a flat screen television, free Wi-Fi, an integrated sound system, a safe, a minibar, and is equipped with an air conditioning system.

ONE-BEDROOM HUTS
The eight 1-Bedroom Huts are built in traditional Namibian style, with rounded corners and hand- finished thatched roof. The design is simple und understated; the deep, warm colours are evocative of the earth, sand and natural environment.

The interior decoration is composed of rare objects and precious antiques from African culture. These huts are spacious (60 sqm interior) and boast a private 20 sqm terrace with magnificent views overlooking the nearby ‘dam’ (small lake) and the distant hills of the Khomas Hochland plateau.

The bedroom is fitted with a king-sized double bed which is convertible into Hollywood twin beds, a desk, an armchair and a large walk-in dressing room. There is an open fireplace shared by the bedroom and the bathroom.

The bedrooms are equipped with flat screen TV, Sound Bar with Bluetooth Connectivity and Wi-Fi. The huts also offer a minibar, a laptop-size safe, a Nespresso machine and an electric kettle.

All rooms are fully air-conditioned. With a walk-in rain shower, separate WC, double vanity and a large bathtub with stunning views, the bathrooms are spacious and comfortable. Guests will feel completely at home in this wonderful location in the middle of the Savannah.

TWO-BEDROOM HUTS
The 2-bedroom huts were designed with families or small groups in mind. They promise ultra-modern comfort while maintaining the authentic Namibian style of design and architecture. Warmth and strength of colour, original pieces of furniture and decoration, every detail is a reminder of the richness of African culture.

A roof of thatch, hand-finished by local craftsmen, perfectly completes these rooms of traditional circular design. The spacious huts (120 sqm) open onto a 26 sqm terrace and are an ideal place for a quiet retreat while watching stunning sunsets or the wild animals roaming on the veld nearby.

Each bedroom has its own bathroom and shares a cosy living area with a large fireplace. The bedrooms are fitted with a king-sized double bed convertible into Hollywood twin beds, a desk, an armchair and a large walk-in dressing room.

Each bedroom is equipped with a flat screen TV, a sound bar with Bluetooth connectivity and Wi-Fi. They also offer a minibar, a laptop-size safe, a Nespresso machine and an electric kettle.

All rooms are fully air-conditioned. With a walk-in rain shower, separate WC, double vanity and a large bathtub with stunning views, the bathrooms are spacious and comfortable.

DINING
From breakfast all the way through to dinner, at Zannier Hotels Omaanda, our aim is to promote the use of local and sustainable produce. We take pride in sourcing with passionate producers, and to prepare simple yet distinguished dishes, reflecting a deep respect for nature and the ingredients that it gives us.

Our team of passionate chefs will be happy to arrange anything you’d like, and, of course, can accommodate any particular diets or nutritional requirements.

BREAKFAST
In the morning, Zannier Hotels Omaanda serves an ‘à la carte’ breakfast. From fresh juices and fruit, warm baked breads with jam, granola and health bowls, pancakes and waffles to savory dishes such as eggs, bacon, sausages, vegetables and charcuterie, a wide selection is available.

LUNCH
Lunch is made up of mezze-style sharing plates and copious salads. Composed of fresh vegetables, meat, fish, home-made breads and much more, our platters are a serious affair.

POOL BAR
Our pool bar can be found on the edge of the heated swimming pool overlooking the savannah. Here, Zannier Hotels Omaanda guests can relax refresh themselves on the deck while enjoying one of the wide selection of drinks, cocktails and snacks.

LOUNGE BAR
Our lounge bar serves refreshing homemade juices, a wide variety of cocktails, fine wines, exclusive gins and vintage liqueurs in a relaxed atmosphere. When it’s time for an aperitif, our bartender will take you on a cocktail journey using some fine local spirits. After dinner, come back and enjoy a magical and stylishly romantic end of evening cocoon by our ‘boma’, a traditional African outdoor fireplace.

AMBO DELIGHTS – RESTAURANT
Morning, midday and evening, the welcoming Ambo Delights restaurant, offers a cuisine inspired by the best local products. Set in a welcoming decor, the restaurant offers a varied and refined cuisine throughout the day, from home-made breakfast to small delicious dishes to share at lunch, as well as food from the grill or game meat on a spit at dinner.

Our team of passionate chefs, led by the Namibian chef Maria Mumbala, offer an inventive and creative cuisine. The cuisine on offer is substantial with wonderfully generous pieces of ‘game meat’, fresh fish, and vegetarian dishes. The gastronomic ‘pièce de résistance’ has to be dinner: a delicious four-course meal.

Offering a culinary discovery of Namibia the cuisine is prepared from seasonal and, where possible, organic ingredients. This is of particular importance to us, so as to remain in balance with the nature that surrounds us and engage in sustainable behaviour. An enormous open fire adds a particular charm to the atmosphere, while live cooking simply increases the impression of sharing.

ALL-DAY DINING
Guests of Zannier Hotels Omaanda can also choose to indulge in snacks and meals at any time of the day. Whether from the privacy and comfort of their rooms, or on a sun lounger by the pool, a wide variety of meals and drinks are on offer. Of course, no request is too great for our teams, who do their best to fulfil your every wish.

POOL SIDE
Majestic yet melting into the background, the 15m by 4m heated outdoor infinity pool offers a superb view over the savannah, from sunrise to midnight dip. Between midday and 4pm, guests can take a meal in the restaurant that lies right next to the pool in keeping with the peaceful rhythm of the place.

The pool bar lies a few metres away and provides refreshment throughout the day. Between excursions or other activities, Zannier Hotels Omaanda guests can refresh themselves on the deck while enjoying one of the wide selection of drinks, cocktails and snacks.

EVENING EXPERIENCE
Dinner finished, one’s only desire is to prolong the evening in the bar. Designed to be refined yet cosy, this is the ideal spot to take an aperitif or sundowner.

Open from 5pm to 11pm, it offers a remarkable selection of wines and spirits as well as a wide range of cocktails. The relaxed atmosphere of the bar encourages an evening playing cards or trying out the wooden games.

But the friendly ambiance is energized with the nearby ‘boma’, this typically local place to meet and mingle, that welcomes guests and invites them to while away the later hours of their evening in pure contentment. The open fire provides an atmosphere of timeless intimacy, with a deep respect for ancestral traditions.

WELLBEING
At Zannier Hotels Omaanda, we created a space that is at one with nature, with the singular aim of promoting a holistic sense of wellbeing for our clients. Our aim is for our guests to feel a sense of calm, serenity, and rest from their daily lives. We hope guests will disconnect with the outside world, so as to connect with their inner selves.

We have therefore created a place where rest, fresh food, connection to nature, pampering and activities are front of mind. Our teams are present to ensure anything you desire can be accommodated, from particular nutritional requirements all the way to custom activities.

In turn, we have also created a spa that fits harmoniously with the rest of the resort. Its treatments, provided in a traditional hut, are inspired by local Namibian beliefs. Comprising two double treatment rooms, this space is dedicated to care of the body enabling perfect union of body, spirit and soul.

Our goal is to enhance the life and well-being of everyone who enters this space. We are pleased to offer you a collection of the finest, traditionally inspired spa treatments in Namibia.

The Spa treatments are all designed to purify and rejuvenate your body. They embrace age-old healing techniques, beauty recipes that replicate ancient Namibian beliefs, and cultural traditions with therapies designed to encompass mind, body and spirit.

Experienced therapists, with well- honed skills in the modern-day interpretation of treatments that have been handed down through the centuries, create a natural, relaxing and heartfelt spa encounter.

Upon arrival at The Spa, you will be welcomed with a selection of refreshing herbal beverages and fruits, before commencing a personalized treatment that uses only the finest organic, indigenous ingredients and delivers outstanding and long-lasting results.

In visiting The Spa our sole aim is to take care of your personal temple. It houses your mind, spirit and intelligence and we must nurture and care for it daily.

EXPERIENCES
Numerous excursions and tours, included in the services offered at the lodge, make a change between adventure and rest. Programmes are designed according to the individual desires of the guests and their thirst for adventure.

Each excursion offered at Zannier Hotels Omaanda is a totally unique, distinctive and magical experience, and is realised in partnership with N/a’an ku sê by local and experimented guides.

EXCURSIONS
Numerous excursions and tours, included in the services offered at the lodge, make a change between adventure and rest. Programmes are designed according to the individual desires of the guests and their thirst for adventure.

Each excursion offered at Zannier Hotels Omaanda is a totally unique, distinctive and magical experience, and is realised in partnership with N/a’an ku sê by local and experimented guides. For all-inclusive bookings, non-private excursions are offered twice-daily giving the possibility of discovering the savannah at sunrise or sunset and observing the wild life and flora.

CONSERVATION DRIVE
Our experienced guides will take you with our well-equipped open vehicles around the pristine 9,600-hectare reserve, showcasing the life of our conservation reserve.

Early drives at sunrise are ideal to observe the Namibian plains waking up, while evening drives reveal the elusive beauty of the nocturnal savannah. An experience that you will never forget.

PRIVATE SAVANNAH WATCH
Enjoy the luxury of a very personal experience & get close to the reserve’s wildlife. The exceptional skills and knowledge of our guides will make this tour a unique experience. Drinks and snacks to your individual taste will further enhance the experience on a culinary level.

RHINO TRACKING
Get on your walking shoes, grab your binoculars, and go out with our trackers in search of rhinos. Rhino tracking offers a great opportunity to learn about the habits and characteristics of this threatened species, the issue of rhino poaching, and on-going conservation efforts.

ELEPHANT TRACKING
Spot elephants roaming playfully in their natural habitat. An encounter with these iconic African animals will teach you about how intelligent and compassionate they actually are. Besides being a magnificent opportunity to explore nature, you will also learn much about the issues surrounding elephants’ conservation.

CARNIVORE TRACKING
Whether they are hidden in the bush waiting for a prey or comfortably basking in the sun, African hunters are extraordinary wild animals. You will have the opportunity to track majestic felines on the Zannier Reserve by N/a’an ku sê, appreciate their wonder and gain true knowledge of their characteristics.

MEERKAT MANNERS
Spend the sunrise with meerkats, such incredible early-risers creatures, and witness how they go about their morning routine – basking in the sun and foraging for food. You will be amazed by the cuteness and ingenuity of these extremely social animals.

Living in clans, these omnivore mammals follow a well-organized matriarchal structure. Meerkats hunt together, and regularly rotate duties (such as babysitting) to different members of the colony.

ZANNIER RESERVE
In 2016, Zannier Hotels partnered with the Namibian N/a’an ku sê Foundation to create an immense nature reserve of 7,500 hectares. Today, the Zannier Reserve by N/a’an ku sê actively contributes to the conservation and regulation of the flora and fauna, protecting biodiversity and fighting the extinction of threatened species.

The Zannier Reserve by N/a’an ku sê lies on the Khomas Hochland plateau, with a magnificent mountain range as a backdrop. It is characterised by its vast diversity of animals (giraffes, warthogs, a wide variety of antelopes, ostriches, jackals, leopards, baboons, birds…) and landscapes (hills and valleys, vast plains and an enormous lake surrounded by vegetation and African bush).

Lead by a research of authenticity and a genuine dedication for preserving and sharing natural beauty, Zannier Reserve by N/a’an ku sê aims to be the custodian of a fragile environment at the gates of the expending capital Windhoek.

The relocation and reintroduction of endemic species such as white rhinos, elephants or caracals are great examples of this vast reserve’s missions. The aim is to ensure the preservation of the reserve’s natural life cycle.

In the Shiloh Wildlife Sanctuary, wild animals such as rhinos or elephants are treated under optimal conditions. Within the walls of the ten-hectare sanctuary, the animals can convalesce in a way that will enable most of them to be reintegrated back into the nature reserve.

It is equipped with the most up-to-date technology and can offer effective protection against poaching. This gloriously rich sanctuary of fauna and flora is also an ideal environment for research, particularly those focussed on human vs wildlife conflict resolution.

To really offer a complete immersive experience of the reserve to visitors, various excursions and safaris are organised. Programmes are personalised according to the guests’ thirst for adventure, always maintaining a deep respect for the natural environment and local traditions, so each expedition becomes an unforgettable, individual and magical experience.

Rooms: 10

Price: from 536 EUR per night

Source: www.zannierhotels.com

The elegant Luxury Bush Camp is situated within the 2 000-ha enclosed wilderness area of Okonjima Nature Reserve, only 2.5 km from the Okonjima Plains Camp. Eight thatched, African-style chalets, a junior suite and three en-suite safari tents. The Luxury Bush Camp consists of:

• Eight thatched, safari-chic chalets with earthy tones and African design elements.
• Each of the private chalets are between 80-100 metres away from one other.
• The junior suite.
• A Camelthorn pod-shaped lapa that encompasses the reception area, curio shop, a cosy lounge area with inside and outside fireplaces, a restaurant and dining area. It looks out onto the waterhole.
• A secluded, private swimming pool.
• A Wi-Fi hotspot and has cellphone reception as well as undercover, private parking.

Each luxury chalet:

• Has large glass panels and canvas windows that can be completely opened for unrestricted views of the savannah that offers a truly magical African bush experience. Okonjima is a malaria-free area.
• Has an open-air sala with a semi-detached lounge area complete with a minibar, tea/coffee station and ample space to relax, and offers panoramic views of the natural surrounds.
• Is equipped with: two queen-size beds, a working desk with telephone and comfortable leather chairs.
• Has a Wi-Fi hotspot, cellphone reception as well as undercover, private parking.
• Has a birdbath that’s a highlight for any bird lover and a bird-feeding container should guests want to feed the birds.

The junior suite:

• Is a large 120m2 room with two queen-size beds and an en-suite lounge. The fireplace and bathtub will keep you warm during the winter nights, while the outdoor shower is ideal for the summer time.
• Combines relaxation and romance with its views overlooking Namibia’s spectacular landscape that epitomises a luxurious African safari experience.
• Has a Wi-Fi hotspot, cellphone reception as well as undercover, private parking.
• Is wheel-chair accessible.

Activities
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. Read more about our Leopard Research.

These intelligent, solitary predators occur in high density in the expanse of Okonjima Nature Reserve’s multi-faceted topography. The Reserve’s 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 today’s Africa.

A two-day Okonjima stay offers the best chance to view wild leopard in Namibia, as well as those collared for research purposes, in their natural habitats.

Research programme leopard are actively tracked, and their collars are an invaluable resource for locating, and then returning to the Reserve, cats which have migrated to surrounding farmland where they are perceived as threats to livestock.

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 country’s endemic birds.

Game drives and guided bush walks offer visitors an intimate, up-close perspective of Namibia’s 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 Okonjima Experience

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.

These intelligent, solitary predators occur in high density in the expanse of Okonjima Nature Reserve’s multi-faceted topography.

The Reserve’s 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 today’s Africa.

A two-day Okonjima stay offers the best chance to view wild leopard in Namibia, as well as those collared for research purposes, in their natural habitats.

Research programme leopard are actively tracked, and their collars are an invaluable resource for locating, and then returning to the Reserve, cats which have migrated to surrounding farmland where they are perceived as threats to livestock.

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 country’s endemic birds.

Game drives and guided bush walks offer visitors an intimate, up-close perspective of Namibia’s 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.

Leopard Research 
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. Study animals include leopard Panthera pardus, and brown hyena Parahyaena brunnea.

Interactions between predators, both within and between species are studied with the aid of VHF-telemetry, GPS-collars and camera traps.

The study will assess the extent of intraguild predation and determine the size of home ranges and territories for individual animals within the reserve and how they relate to those of other predators. In addition the study will provide valuable information on the success of carnivore rehabilitation in the reserve.

To effectively manage carnivores within a closed reserve, a thorough understanding of their altered ecology is needed to make informed management decisions.

Brown Hyaena Research
The Brown Hyaena population within the Okonjima Nature Reserve is one such group. 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.

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! Hence the Okonjima Nature Reserve is essential for the protection and long term survival of wild populations.

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.

Pangolin Research
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.

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).

The other four species are found on the Asian continent, all of which are either classified as Endangered or Critically Endangered by the IUCN.

These animals are predominantly nocturnal which makes studying them difficult, especially in areas with high concentrations of predators, this is why African pangolin species are highly under researched.

Research & Collars

Okonjima established the AfriCat Foundation almost 30 years ago to advocate for the elimination of human-wildlife conflict, specifically in regard to Namibia’s predators.

In order to further understand the scope and efficacy of possible solutions to this conflict, AfriCat embarked on multi-faceted research which continues to this day. The volume of research output reaped from the Okonjima Nature Reserve over three decades has been vast, and yet so much knowledge is yet to be gleaned.

As such, various research projects remain underway within the Okonjima Nature Reserve. These academic undertakings cover, in the main, leopard, hyena, rhino, and pangolin. In the course of these behavioural, density, and movement studies, it is imperative to track a small number of subject animals.

This is done with the use of GPS or VHF tracking collars, which the Reserve’s rangers and researchers are able to locate, follow, and document.

Clear patterns emerging after years of study are providing new understanding of species behaviour, and this knowledge is now being shared with the University of Namibia’s veterinarian faculty’s students who undertake field and practical studies within the Reserve.

Okonjima and AfriCat have always worked in concert, and the two organisations have a highly symbiotic relationship. Okonjima has been the biggest supporter of AfriCat, and guests at Okonjima have been able to observe AfriCat’s work up close.

In giving guests a world-class game drive experience, Okonjima’s guides strive to show visitors the wide range of animals inhabiting the Reserve, but may also offer a closer look at one of the research animals.

Their collars are light and non-invasive (AfriCat shuns chipping and subcutaneous tracking devices), and the viewing experience is unparalleled in Namibia. Guides carefully explain the scope of the research programmes and relevant findings to guests.

Overall, a very small number of animals in the Reserve, less than 50, are collared for research purposes. Okonjima will shortly add more displays to the lodges detailing the scope and findings of the various research programmes over the past 30 years.

Okonjima will also augment viewing experiences with research summaries in each vehicle, so that sightings are juxtaposed with scientific data for those guests particularly interested in animal behaviour.

Despite challenges, AfriCat’s research efforts have continued unabated and, through continued support from Okonjima and its guests, will contribute much to cumulative knowledge of Namibia’s wildlife.

Carnivore Care Centre Experience
A highlight at Okonjima is learning about our big-cat passion. The Okonjima Nature Reserve is home to the headquarters of The AfriCat Foundation http://www.africat.org a non-profit organisation committed to long-term conservation of Namibia’s large carnivores.

AfriCat has evolved over the past three decades, and what started out primary as a welfare organisation has, over the years, identified the need to incorporate a focus on education and develop an ongoing collaboration with researchers, scientists, and conservation authorities.

This is undertaken through practical research of species-specific ecology and behaviour, as well as through the development of effective conservation and management strategies. AfriCat’s Carnivore Care Centre is a by-product of the Rescue and Release Programme which started in the early 1990s.

Some of AfriCat’s captive carnivores in our care today are too old or habituated to be reintroduced into the wild and will, therefore, remain under the expert care of the AfriCat Team. These animals have assumed the role of being Species Ambassadors for their wild counterparts.

Find out more about our ambassadors and how you can help by Sponsoring a Carnivore. After an informative afternoon trail, we end the day with a sundowner in an area of the Okonjima Nature Reserve which has a high density of the secretly-social and rarely-seen brown hyaena.

Carnivore Care Centre
Providing a ‘healthy living environment’ for large carnivores in temporary or permanent captivity is fundamental to minimising illness and injuries. The animals at AfriCat are housed in spacious enclosures of between twelve and fifty acres in a natural, stress-free environment.

They are fed a well-balanced diet and vitamin and mineral supplements are used to prevent deficiencies. The animals are observed on a daily basis to monitor their wellbeing and condition, allowing for a quick response and treatment for any illness or injuries should they occur.

Annual health checks on the carnivores at AfriCat are headed by veterinarians from Namibia and South Africa. In-depth health examinations are carried out on all the captive and rehabilitated carnivores.

All the cats are darted and then taken to a well-equipped clinic at AfriCat’s Carnivore Care Centre (ACCC) for evaluations. All the animals are vaccinated and treated for both external and internal parasites. Each cat receives a thorough dental examination.

All the carnivores are also weighed & measured – an ongoing research project to be able to accurately determine the body mass index of a captive and free-roaming carnivore. Read up on some of our Cheetah Research conducted over the years.

What is ‘Welfare’?
“The most widely accepted definition of ‘animal welfare’, is that it compromises the ‘state of the animal’s body and mind, and the extent which its nature is satisfied.” (i.e: genetic traits manifest in breed and temperament). The above would suggest that ‘animal welfare’ includes not only the state of the animal’s body, but also its feelings.

Most would agree that animals have feelings like fear, frustration, boredom, aggression etc and it has been proposed that ‘animal welfare’ consists entirely in feelings and that these have evolved to protect the animal’s primary needs.

Thus, if an animal feels well, it is faring well. A feelings-based approach to ‘welfare research’, typically measures behavioral outcomes and behavioral signs of fear or frustration. Such research has led to the conclusion that animals have fundamental behavioral needs that they must be allowed to satisfy!”

Nocturnal Drives
Guests are invited on a nocturnal game drive, led by our knowledgeable guides. This evening drive through the 20 000ha Okonjima Nature Reserve allows guests a chance to spot the many nocturnal game species they wouldn’t normally see during the day.

After the sun has set and the temperatures have dropped, the African bush comes to life once again: bat-eared foxes roam about, aardwolves are on the hunt for insects, owls observe their surroundings from a height, while leopards and brown hyaena go out in search of unsuspecting prey.

Luxury Bush Camp guests can visit their camp’s nocturnal hide, where they may see some after-dinner activity from porcupines, honey badgers and caracals, among other night-time animal species.

While the Okonjima African Villa and Private Bush Suite guests have the chance to see night life from their own flood-lit watering holes. All Okonjima guests are welcome to join a nocturnal safari game drive.

Birding on Okonjima
During an African safari in the Okonjima Nature Reserve you’ll partake in a number of thrilling activities – from game drives that focus on finding the elusive leopard, to hiking trails and tracking cheetahs on foot – each of which offer spectacular bird viewing opportunities.

Over 250 bird species have been spotted at Okonjima, making our reserve a bird lovers paradise. Alongside our predators and diverse wildlife, guests can expect to see up to 100 species during a short stay, and even more if the annual rains have recently fallen.

Spending hours out in the bush each day, our knowledgeable guides make birding on Okonjima an exciting activity as they share the passion for our Namibian birdlife.

The landscapes within the Okonjima Nature Reserve, with its elevated sandy plateau between the major escarpments of the Omboroko Mountains, boasts mixed woodland and acacia thornveld plains, making it the perfect birding destination.

Keep your binoculars at hand as you drive along the gravel roads to Okonjima, in the woodlands surrounding each lodge, and alongside the river beds where you’ll find larger trees.

Bird lovers are sure to tick off a few lifers, such as the Dwarf Bittern, Green Sandpiper, four Courser species, Hartlaub’s and Orange River Francolin, Ruppell’s Parrot, Violet Woodhoopoe, Damara Hornbill, Monteiro’s Hornbill, Bradfield’s Hornbill, Carp’s Tit, the Bare-cheeked Babbler, the Rockrunner, White-tailed Shrike, Crimson-breasted Shrike, and the Chestnut Weaver to name a few.

Bird encounters take place during our Okonjima Nature Reserve afternoon and morning drives. Bird watching also forms part of our self guided activity option whereby clients can take part in walking trails on their own and spend time in the bush in search of our indigenous wildlife.

The Day Centre
Visit The AfriCat Foundation for a day trip en route to or from Etosha National Park, just 10km off the B1 road. Day visitors can observe our foundation’s work and learn more about African predators, such as the lion, leopard and cheetah, and their plight for survival.

Refreshments and valuable conservation information await you at Okonjima Nature Reserve after a two-hour drive north of Windhoek or an hour’s drive south of Otjiwarongo. We appreciate your support as tourism funds the majority of AfriCat’s education, research and conservation work.

A highlight of any visit is learning about our big-cat passion. Okonjima Nature Reserve is home to The AfriCat Foundation, a non-profit organisation committed to long-term conservation of Namibia’s large carnivores.

We do NOT support interactions between humans and wild animals and none of our carnivore ambassadors are raised into that role.

Some of AfriCat’s captive carnivore ambassadors cannot be released back into the wild because they are: too tame; were a pet or hand-raised, which means they no longer fear humans; have injuries that will disadvantage them in the wild.

The carnivore ambassadors are used to educate our guests, nearby farmers, the youth and surrounding communities about the plight of predators. Through our education ambassadors we can explain human-wildlife conflict in a relaxed environment.

All captive animals are responsibly looked after. Their dietary and health requirements are maintained and their spacious enclosures – a minimum of 1 ha per large predator – need to be as true to their natural habitat as possible.

If you have the time: Hike up (or down) our mountain range, which has a bird’s eye view of the reserve, before taking a dip in our campsite swimming pool and keeping a look out for indigenous birdlife and small mammals.

If you overnight at Okonjima Nature Reserve: The 200km² private, nature reserve offers unforgettable African safari experiences with a high probability of tracking leopard and brown hyaena for guests staying at Okonjima Lodge It hosts four lodges, from rustic to exclusive, and a campsite.

The Nature Trails
Guests are invited to join a guided Off-The-Beaten-Track walk & drive activity. This undemanding combination of a short walking trail and nature drive in the Okonjima Nature Reserve is especially loved by our younger guests and families, due to interactive and informative demonstrations.

This two-hour experience provides a stimulating insight into the flora and fauna, as well as culture, of Namibia. Self-guided hiking along our nature trails:

Guests are encouraged to seek some self-reflection and solace in the Namibian wilderness, surrounded by Okonjima’s striking natural beauty and abundant wildlife.

Between early morning and afternoon game drives, guests may go on a self-guided hike along one of three well laid-out hiking trails. The trails vary between four and six kilometres and, clearly marked, they meander along spectacular landscapes where wildlife abounds.

The trails start a short distance from either of the Okonjima Lodge camps. Encounter all kinds of wildlife and birds whilst immersing yourself in the Okonjima wilderness.

Namibia Fitness Holiday
Spend a week or two surrounded by nature and wildlife in the heart of Namibia under the African sun, either on a personal or group package. Okonjima is about appreciating the power nature has to rejuvenate and realign your life in a healthy and active manner.

You will be introduced to an experience like no other led by it’s founder and former resident on Okonjima, fitness and Boxing coach Danny Groves accompanied by two leading UK fitness professionals Jon le Tocq and Matt Luxton.

A carefully executed program to ensure an overall wellbeing experience from nutrition, sports massages to strength training sessions at our very own outdoor gym, located on the banks of a riverbed.

You will have the chance to experience Namibia at her best on the saddle of a mountain bike and on foot up winding mountain trails in amongst wildlife. This healthy-living, fitness getaway in Namibia focusses on the mind, body and soul.

Supported by a healthy nutritional plan that includes your choice of lean, organic African game meats, healthy conventional foods or vegetarian options. It will restore your drive and ambition, while leaving you re-energised and with a sense of exhilaration.

Website: www.okonjima.com

Rooms: 9

Price: from 657 EUR per night

The elegant Luxury Bush Camp is situated within the 2 000-ha enclosed wilderness area of Okonjima Nature Reserve, only 2.5 km from the Okonjima Plains Camp. Eight thatched, African-style chalets, a junior suite and three en-suite safari tents.

The Luxury Bush Camp consists of:

• Eight thatched, safari-chic chalets with earthy tones and African design elements.
• Each of the private chalets are between 80-100 metres away from one other.
• The junior suite.
• A Camelthorn pod-shaped lapa that encompasses the reception area, curio shop, a cosy lounge area with inside and outside fireplaces, a restaurant and dining area. It looks out onto the waterhole.
• A secluded, private swimming pool.
• A Wi-Fi hotspot and has cellphone reception as well as undercover, private parking.

Each luxury chalet:

Has large glass panels and canvas windows that can be completely opened for unrestricted views of the savannah that offers a truly magical African bush experience. Okonjima is a malaria-free area.

Has an open-air sala with a semi-detached lounge area complete with a minibar, tea/coffee station and ample space to relax, and offers panoramic views of the natural surrounds.

Is equipped with: two queen-size beds, a working desk with telephone and comfortable leather chairs. Has a Wi-Fi hotspot, cellphone reception as well as undercover, private parking.

Has a birdbath that’s a highlight for any bird lover and a bird-feeding container should guests want to feed the birds.

The junior suite:

Is a large 120m2 room with two queen-size beds and an en-suite lounge. The fireplace and bathtub will keep you warm during the winter nights, while the outdoor shower is ideal for the summer time.

Combines relaxation and romance with its views overlooking Namibia’s spectacular landscape that epitomises a luxurious African safari experience.
Has a Wi-Fi hotspot, cellphone reception as well as undercover, private parking. Is wheel-chair accessible.

Activities on offer at Okonjima…
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. Read more about our Leopard Research.

These intelligent, solitary predators occur in high density in the expanse of Okonjima Nature Reserve’s multi-faceted topography.

The Reserve’s 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 today’s Africa.

A two-day Okonjima stay offers the best chance to view wild leopard in Namibia, as well as those collared for research purposes, in their natural habitats.

Research programme leopard are actively tracked, and their collars are an invaluable resource for locating, and then returning to the Reserve, cats which have migrated to surrounding farmland where they are perceived as threats to livestock.

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 country’s endemic birds.

Game drives and guided bush walks offer visitors an intimate, up-close perspective of Namibia’s 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.

Nocturnal Drives
Guests are invited on a nocturnal game drive, led by our knowledgeable guides. This evening drive through the 20 000ha Okonjima Nature Reserve allows guests a chance to spot the many nocturnal game species they wouldn’t normally see during the day.

After the sun has set and the temperatures have dropped, the African bush comes to life once again: bat-eared foxes roam about, aardwolves are on the hunt for insects, owls observe their surroundings from a height, while leopards and brown hyaena go out in search of unsuspecting prey.

Luxury Bush Camp guests can visit their camp’s nocturnal hide, where they may see some after-dinner activity from porcupines, honey badgers and caracals, among other night-time animal species.

While the Okonjima African Villa and Private Bush Suite guests have the chance to see night life from their own flood-lit watering holes. All Okonjima guests are welcome to join a nocturnal safari game drive.

Please scroll down for the Activity Rates. The Nocturnal Game Drive is weather dependant and therefore activity cannot be guaranteed or pre booked.

Birding on Okonjima
During an African safari in the Okonjima Nature Reserve you’ll partake in a number of thrilling activities – from game drives that focus on finding the elusive leopard, to hiking trails and tracking cheetahs on foot – each of which offer spectacular bird viewing opportunities.

Over 250 bird species have been spotted at Okonjima, making our reserve a bird lovers paradise. Alongside our predators and diverse wildlife, guests can expect to see up to 100 species during a short stay, and even more if the annual rains have recently fallen.

Spending hours out in the bush each day, our knowledgeable guides make birding on Okonjima an exciting activity as they share the passion for our Namibian birdlife.

The landscapes within the Okonjima Nature Reserve, with its elevated sandy plateau between the major escarpments of the Omboroko Mountains, boasts mixed woodland and acacia thornveld plains, making it the perfect birding destination.

Keep your binoculars at hand as you drive along the gravel roads to Okonjima, in the woodlands surrounding each lodge, and alongside the river beds where you’ll find larger trees.

Bird lovers are sure to tick off a few lifers, such as the Dwarf Bittern, Green Sandpiper, four Courser species, Hartlaub’s and Orange River Francolin, Ruppell’s Parrot, Violet Woodhoopoe, Damara Hornbill, Monteiro’s Hornbill, Bradfield’s Hornbill, Carp’s Tit, the Bare-cheeked Babbler, the Rockrunner, White-tailed Shrike, Crimson-breasted Shrike, and the Chestnut Weaver to name a few.

Bird encounters take place during our Okonjima Nature Reserve afternoon and morning drives. Bird watching also forms part of our self guided activity option whereby clients can take part in walking trails on their own and spend time in the bush in search of our indigenous wildlife.

Birdwatching can be a very meditative activity, and often provides those taking part with the opportunity to spend a time in a quiet place without any distractions.
Getting out and experiencing the ‘small & difficult to find’ natural world around you has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and depression.

The Day Centre
Visit The AfriCat Foundation for a day trip en route to or from Etosha National Park, just 10km off the B1 road. Day visitors can observe our foundation’s work and learn more about African predators, such as the lion, leopard and cheetah, and their plight for survival.

Refreshments and valuable conservation information await you at Okonjima Nature Reserve after a two-hour drive north of Windhoek or an hour’s drive south of Otjiwarongo. We appreciate your support as tourism funds the majority of AfriCat’s education, research and conservation work.

A highlight of any visit is learning about our big-cat passion. Okonjima Nature Reserve is home to The AfriCat Foundation, a non-profit organisation committed to long-term conservation of Namibia’s large carnivores.

We do NOT support interactions between humans and wild animals and none of our carnivore ambassadors are raised into that role.

Some of AfriCat’s captive carnivore ambassadors cannot be released back into the wild because they are: too tame; were a pet or hand-raised, which means they no longer fear humans; have injuries that will disadvantage them in the wild.

The carnivore ambassadors are used to educate our guests, nearby farmers, the youth and surrounding communities about the plight of predators. Through our education ambassadors we can explain human-wildlife conflict in a relaxed environment.

All captive animals are responsibly looked after. Their dietary and health requirements are maintained and their spacious enclosures – a minimum of 1 ha per large predator – need to be as true to their natural habitat as possible.

If you have the time:

Hike up (or down) our mountain range, which has a bird’s eye view of the reserve, before taking a dip in our campsite swimming pool and keeping a look out for indigenous birdlife and small mammals.

If you overnight at Okonjima Nature Reserve:

The 200km² private, nature reserve offers unforgettable African safari experiences with a high probability of tracking leopard and brown hyaena for guests staying at Okonjima Lodge It hosts four lodges, from rustic to exclusive, and a campsite.

Leopard Research
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. Study animals include leopard Panthera pardus, and brown hyena Parahyaena brunnea.

Interactions between predators, both within and between species are studied with the aid of VHF-telemetry, GPS-collars and camera traps.

The study will assess the extent of intraguild predation and determine the size of home ranges and territories for individual animals within the reserve and how they relate to those of other predators. In addition the study will provide valuable information on the success of carnivore rehabilitation in the reserve.

To effectively manage carnivores within a closed reserve, a thorough understanding of their altered ecology is needed to make informed management decisions.

Brown Hyaena Research
The Brown Hyaena population within the Okonjima Nature Reserve is one such group. 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.

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! Hence the Okonjima Nature Reserve is essential for the protection and long term survival of wild populations.

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.

Pangolin Research
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.

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).

The other four species are found on the Asian continent, all of which are either classified as Endangered or Critically Endangered by the IUCN.

These animals are predominantly nocturnal which makes studying them difficult, especially in areas with high concentrations of predators, this is why African pangolin species are highly under researched.

The AfriCat Leopard Project 
The Okonjima Nature Reserve spans over 200 km², and provides a safe haven for the wildlife that live within. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Carnivore Care Centre Experience
Visit our project at AfriCat’s Carnivore Care and Information Centre. A highlight at Okonjima is learning about our big-cat passion. The Okonjima Nature Reserve is home to the headquarters of The AfriCat Foundation a non-profit organisation committed to long-term conservation of Namibia’s large carnivores.

AfriCat has evolved over the past three decades, and what started out primary as a welfare organisation has, over the years, identified the need to incorporate a focus on education and develop an ongoing collaboration with researchers, scientists, and conservation authorities.

This is undertaken through practical research of species-specific ecology and behaviour, as well as through the development of effective conservation and management strategies. AfriCat’s Carnivore Care Centre is a by-product of the Rescue and Release Programme which started in the early 1990s.

Some of AfriCat’s captive carnivores in our care today are too old or habituated to be reintroduced into the wild and will, therefore, remain under the expert care of the AfriCat Team. These animals have assumed the role of being Species Ambassadors for their wild counterparts.

Find out more about our ambassadors and how you can help by Sponsoring a Carnivore. After an informative afternoon trail, we end the day with a sundowner in an area of the Okonjima Nature Reserve which has a high density of the secretly-social and rarely-seen brown hyaena.

Website: www.okonjima.com

Rooms: 6

Price: from 430 EUR per night