Okonjima Nature Reserve | Otjiwarongo

Information

Landmark: Okonjima Nature Reserve
City: Otjiwarongo
Country: Namibia
Continent: Africa

Okonjima Nature Reserve, Otjiwarongo, Namibia, Africa

Okonjima Nature Reserve is a 20,000-hectare private protected area located in the Omboroko Mountains of central Namibia, approximately 50 kilometers south of Otjiwarongo. It serves as the home of the AfriCat Foundation.

Visual Characteristics

The reserve is defined by a transition from open acacia thornbush savanna to rugged sandstone ridges and mountain outcrops. The landscape features deep red sands and dense thickets, which provide ideal cover for large carnivores. The infrastructure consists of several secluded lodges and research facilities integrated into the mountain foothills.

Location & Access Logistics

Access: Situated 10 kilometers west of the B1 highway. The turn-off is located halfway between the towns of Otjiwarongo and Okahandja.

Road Conditions: The access road and internal reserve tracks are well-maintained gravel. 2WD vehicles can reach the lodges, but high-clearance vehicles are standard for game drives.

Entry: Only accessible to overnight guests or day visitors with pre-booked activities at the AfriCat Foundation.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The land was originally a commercial cattle farm known as Okonjima (meaning "Place of the Baboons" in Herero). In the early 1990s, the Hanssen family transitioned the property from livestock farming to conservation. The central 20,000 hectares is now a fully fenced wilderness area where rehabilitated predators are released to live and hunt under research observation.

Key Highlights & Activities

Leopard Tracking: Observation of wild and rehabilitated leopards using radio-telemetry.

AfriCat Information Centre: A specialized facility documenting the rescue and research of Namibia's large carnivores.

Pangolin Observation: A dedicated research project focused on the ground pangolin, offering rare sightings of this nocturnal species.

Endangered Species Tracking: Monitoring of brown hyenas and wild dogs within the reserve boundaries.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Accommodation is divided into several tiers:

Luxury: The Villa and Bush Suite (exclusive-use facilities).

Mid-to-High Range: Bush Camp and Plains Camp.

Camping: The Omboroko Campsite offers private, self-catering sites with individual ablution blocks.

Connectivity: 4G signal is stable at the main camps; Wi-Fi is provided in the lodge communal areas.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season (May to October) is optimal for tracking predators, as the thinning vegetation increases visibility. Summer months (November to April) bring lush green landscapes and are preferred for birdwatching, though temperatures can reach 35°C–40°C.

Facts & Legends

A specific geological fact: the Omboroko Mountains are composed of ancient Etjo sandstone, which retains moisture better than the surrounding plains, supporting a higher density of leopard prey. The reserve is notable for its "carnivore density," as the fenced perimeter allows researchers to manage and study a high concentration of leopards that would otherwise be in conflict with neighboring farmers.