Okapuka Safari Lodge | Windhoek

Okapuka Safari Lodge is a private wildlife conservancy and hospitality facility situated 30km north of Windhoek on the B1 national road. It occupies a 10,000-hectare territory within the central Namibian highlands, serving as a transitional zone between the city and the northern plains.

Visual Characteristics

The lodge architecture features large thatched-roof structures, natural stone walls, and polished concrete flooring. The landscape consists of expansive thornbush savanna, open grass plains, and rugged marble hills. Interior design incorporates indigenous wood carvings and neutral earth tones, while the exterior grounds include a lush lawn area and a central waterhole frequented by megafauna.

Location & Access Logistics

The lodge is located on the B1 highway, approximately a 30-minute drive north of Windhoek's central business district. Access is via a gated gravel driveway suitable for all vehicle types. There is no public transport to the site; guests arrive via private vehicle, car rental, or pre-arranged lodge shuttles. The entrance is marked by a large stone gateway clearly visible from the B1.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Established as a guest farm in the late 20th century, the property was significantly renovated and reopened in 2023 under a partnership between Gondwana Collection Namibia and the original owners. The land is ecologically classified as highland savanna and is managed as a private nature reserve to protect indigenous flora and reintroduced animal species.

Key Highlights & Activities

Guided game drives depart twice daily (morning and afternoon) to view white rhino, giraffe, oryx, and eland. The lodge is historically known for its mountain drives into the Otjihavera Mountains. Other activities include bird watching at the waterhole, sunset terrace viewing, and guided bush walks on the lower plains.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The facility includes a full-service restaurant, a thatched bar, and an outdoor swimming pool. Public restrooms are located in the main lodge building. High-speed Wi-Fi and 4G cellular coverage are available in the communal areas. Shade is provided by the massive thatch overhangs and established camel thorn trees in the garden.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry winter months (May to September) when animals congregate at the waterhole. Early morning drives (07:00) offer the highest probability for predator sightings. Late afternoon (16:00–18:00) provides optimal lighting for photographing the savanna against the backdrop of the mountains.

Facts & Legends

A unique historical feature of the lodge is its "Lion Feed" program, which was a major attraction for decades until management shifted toward more naturalistic wildlife encounters. A verified oddity is the presence of an abandoned aircraft on the property, which has become a landmark for local pilots and photographers.

Nearby Landmarks

B1 National Road – 0.5km East

Otjihavera Mountains – 2.0km West

Teufelsbach River – 12.0km North

Elisenheim Guest Farm – 15.0km South

Windhoek City Center – 30.0km South