Reviews of Okonjima Bush Camp

"We thoroughly enjoyed our two nights at Okonjima and our reservation included full board and all activities. We found Okonjima Bush Camp to have a very informal, relaxed feel and we enjoyed this atmosphere a lot, and attributed it to having being developed and remaining in the same family who are clearly very passionate, and we felt this was evident in the comfortable surroundings and warm welcome and ease of the staff.

The focus of this Reserve is obviously the care and rehabilitation of cheetahs and leopards some of whom are radio collared. We feel that it is vital to the enjoyment and understanding of the ethos behind this reserve to take the time to fully understand the programme and visit the AfiCat foundation. Additionally we felt that our visit was directly going back into helping the environment, local area and people.

We were fascinated in the way that the radio is programmed in order to track the animals and to witness on one of our drives that despite the signal being very strong, when an animal does not wish to be found then it will simply not be found. This was obviously the other side of tracking and we had been fortunate the previous afternoon and evening to spend time watching a leopard and her cubs happily relaxing and playing, and then again relaxing in a dry sand riverbed as we were driving out of the reserve.

Our guide whose name escapes me as I am writing had apparently worked at the reserve for some seven years+ but had recently left but had returned temporarily to cover the busy period. This meant that he was obviously very knowledgable and over various rides, some with other guests and some just the two of us, we learnt a lot about the area, the background and the history of the reserve and saw a lot of wildlife. He was clearly very passionate and this came across during our time together.
Had a fantastic time looking for and eventually finding Pooh the hyena. We also enjoyed the views of the plains and overall terrain of the reserve, and it was interesting for us to also see efforts to grow their own produce.

The night time hide was quiet for wildlife but a few animals did appear but since you have to drive to and from there the guide that took us seemed reluctant to spend too much time there, which differed from Ongava where since you walked and were independent you could spend as long as you wished. We did not use the swimming pool however it was nicely located around a grassy area with covered seating and am sure is a nice place to relax should you have additional time.

Our room with zipped tent flaps was great, very comfortable, spacious with the addition of a side open rondavel with great loungers, fridge, tea coffee and refreshments and a jar of bird food and a small waterhole. We loved this space and could have happily extended our stay just to sit longer, relax and watch the birds and wildlife wandering by.

The dining and communal areas were very welcoming and relaxed and set around a grassy waterhole. Afternoon refreshment and snack were lovely, and both dinner and breakfast with eggs cooked to order were great and served by happy knowledgable staff. Wine and bar options were also very satisfactory. There is a large gift shop in the lobby with a good selection of AfriCat related items and more traditional African gifts.

We felt that there were many positives here and the right balance of space, staff and guides and have very fond memories of our stay. Excellent job by all involved in this Reserve." See all these reviews: 22n in Namibia

"Great location but a little contrived. It was nice to see leopard and cheetah but felt a little bit like it was cheating as they were so easy to find with the collars. We walked right up to 2 cheetahs - almost felt like they were tame. If you want to see these beautiful creatures then it is a great option but if you want the feeling of seeing them in the wild then maybe give it a miss." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia

"Great place!

Arrived round 3.30pm - and did not realise lunch was included in our package - as well as an afternoon leopard tracking session. However, staff were great and quickly packed us up on our own for a private guided tour with Michael - before we even checked in! great trip - saw 4 leopards incl 2 cubs.

accommodation fantastic - the separate viewing chalet for each room - with bird seed to chuck out the window, blankets, comfy chairs, t/ coffee and homemade biscuits - was great. We had warthogs and deer things come right up and could even tickle the warthogs back!

Evening night ride was also excellent - saw nothing in the hide, but guide went off looking and we found 4 porcupine including 2 baby ones, plus a whole host of other beasties. Checked in late - in the dark...

next day - early walk for cheetahs - and found 4, easy time through lunch and went hyena hunting in the pm - saw none - so switched to leopards again - and saw a couple more. Sundowners with the baboons. Great room, great guide, great staff - a highlight!" See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia

"We loved this camp and would definitely love to re visit. The guides were very knowledgeable." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia; 2n in Zimbabwe

"We were in room 9, which is the mini suite, and quite different to the other rooms. We loved it and an excellent choice for a winters stay, as it had a fire place.
I've travelled in many safari trucks, and these had the least amount of room and were probably the most uncomfortable yet." See all these reviews: 20n in Namibia

"This was a great place to stay and it was wonderful to be able to see wild leopards and cheetahs. The guide we had was excellent and the accommodation was great." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia

"This was stunning in every sense.

Rooms the best we encountered throughout, food incredible, service efficient though welcome could have been better.

Fascinating education / did everything we could in short stay there. Would happily return again" See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia

"Exceeded our expectations in every way.

The bush camp itself is comfortable and lovely but the rooms are fabulous - spacious, beautiful and very restful. The staff were absolutely excellent - especially our guide, Previous.

The cats were fabulous to track and spot and we saw some interesting aspects to how to manage these cats in a manner befitting rehabilitation and release. Good ( but not great) food but a sensational opportunity to learn more about the big cats in Namibia.

Highly recommended." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia

"Very well managed game park. Maybe a bit "managed", but we saw a lot here.

We could just sit on the verandah and watch the wildlife passing by. Perfect!

Food was quantity over quality." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia

"Drinks were actually included, when 'excluded' on the booking. A pleasant surprise.

A lot of people do one night only and they try to maximize the additional activities ( quite expensive).

Actually they have several bush hikes that are well marked and very pleasant if staying longer than one night." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia