Reviews of Okonjima Bush Camp

"The emphasis at Okonjima has in the past been on the cats that have been saved from farmers traps and then released into Okonjima's reserve. This approach has various reservations attached to it and other, more commercial organisations, elsewhere in southern Africa have featured recently in critical press coverage. We were pleased to see when we got to Okonjima that they now stress that their prime activity is working with farmers to find ways of avoiding conflict between people and animals and developing approaches and techniques to decrease predation by wild big cats on livestock.

The leopard programme seems to be a real success, not least because of 'naturally present' leopards in the Reserve as well as 'rescued' animals. But we felt that the Camp would benefit from being more open about the fact that the three cheetahs and one spotted hyena in the Reserve are very unlikely to form the basis of a breeding population, and in reality their role is to be a visitor attraction and to see out their lives in the reserve.

But that being said, the camp is a very pleasant place to stay, with a resident population of wart hogs who provide entertainment, and a lot of birdlife who can provide hours of interest beside your hut, if you fill the small bird bath that sits outside. It is also a privilege to be able to get so close to leopards, with the aid of the guides and the radio collars on a number of the animals." See all these reviews: 28n in Namibia

"Luxury bungalows in an extensive grounds. The birds (and warthogs) come right to the door and some feed is provided which certainly attracts a few visitors.

On our first trip out, we found a leopard in typical pose, resting in a tree. We we're able to get up really close for some amazing photos and watched as she darted off on a hunt. Rohan (assisted by John) was our guide. He was knowledgable, humorous and above all passionate about the wildlife.

On our second day we tracked cheetah, initially by jeep, but then on foot. It was a special experience to follow a wild animal as she zig-zagged through the bush, hunting for something to eat. Suddenly the cheetah stopped and seemed nervous and twitchy. "I think there's a leopard" whispered our guide, and a few seconds later we saw it through the trees. "Whatever you do, don't run, or it will think you are food". We watched nervously for a few minutes, then retreated to the safety of the jeep. A unique experience." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia

"Very friendly,good food,leopard safari fantastic-leopard in tree with kill.

Wish we had more than one night there" See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia

"Okonjima is the height of comfort. We received a very warm welcome from Zanelle and all of the staff.

Our room was fabulous and could be opened so that you felt you were really in the midst of nature. It had a comfy sitting area, a large very comfortable bed and a lovely walk in shower. The food was excellent and served by friendly and helpful staff. Sundowners overlooking the a reserve, a wonderful stay. All the staff were enthusiastic and keen to explain the project and the reasons for its existence.

A great place to stay." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia

"Had a really good stay here. Great food and hospitality, but shame we all sat at different tables for dinner and often on our own as it's nice to share stories about the day. Also may have been nice of the guides joined you for dinner which often happens at other places. Rohan was a great guide - fun and very knowledgeable.

We weren't aware that house wine at 200 Namibian dollars a bottle was included in our stay. Would have been good to know in advance either from Expert Africa or the lodge." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia; 6n in Mozambique; 3n in Botswana; 1n in South Africa

"Great camp, beautiful park, passionate team, great finale to our trip. We were perhaps a little cynical about the conservation work being done here, and not convinced about tracking animals which are tagged (would it feel like a safari park?).

We did some fantastic drives through this beautiful reserve - we tracked hyena and cheetah on foot (and got very close) - and left feeling very impressed by the passion and commitment of the team, and the work they are doing.

Tracking animals using tracking devices was a different experience, but just as exciting. A very action packed couple of days which we really enjoyed, and great for families." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia

"We had an amazing stay. We had an enormous, gorgeous room with a fabulous vista - we even saw the rare aardwolf from our porch. Staff were exceptionally nice and accommodating.

Paul was not feeling well one morning, and missed the game drive, so they let us go out the next morning. Walking on ground level with the cheetahs was a never to be forgotten experience." See all these reviews: 8n in Namibia; 5n in Botswana

"We were upgraded from Bush Camp to the Lodge - beautiful accomodation. We only briefly visited the Bush Camp so can't comment.

We went on an game drive and an afternoon "activity" to visit Africat. The game drive was excellent, and we found collared cheetahs and a leopard cub.

We couldn't do the Leopard game drive as other guests wanted to go to to the Bush Camp shop and to Africat and there was only one guide assigned to the lodge. This wasnt very successful - we spent a long time driving around an enclosure looking for cheetahs unsuccessfully (and got sunburned) and the presentation at Africat was a bit too much propaganda about what they were doing - however worthy the cause might be." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe

"Great accommodation.

The activities were very interesting. We particularly enjoyed the opportunity to track cheetah and hyena on foot and to get so close to them.

The trip to the Africat centre was a big disappointment as it seems that Africat has closed down." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia

"The place made me feel that we're really on a Safari trip. The accommodation was quite unique. It was modern and yet I felt like I'm really in a desert.

The guide who took us on an afternoon drive around the camp to see some of the animals went out of his way to search for leopards and was successful. That made our day!

My husband and I enjoyed our first Safari experience." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia; 1n in South Africa