Okonjima Plains Camp, Otjiwarongo 

The cattle farm turned conservation success story

Stay among leopard-spotted savannahs at Okonjima Plains Camp

Okonjima was once a cattle farm, which Val and Rose Hanssen bought in 1986. However, the farm came with its problems, when leopards from the nearby Omboroko Mountains would prey on the cattle and subsequently be hunted by landowners. Hence the AfriCat Foundation was established in the 1990s to protect Namibia’s big cats and now Okonjima is home to the highest density of leopards in Namibia.

The Hanssen family have transformed Okonjima into a 22,000-hectare nature reserve with luxury accommodation and Plains Camp is the newest lodge in the collection. It tells the story of the original cattle farm, so the main structure is a big barn with lots of photographs showing the Hanssen family. There is a swimming pool, waterhole and a big terrace where you can dine while watching kudu, oryx and giraffe wander past.

Why we love Okonjima Plains Camp, Otjiwarongo

  • Okonjima's conservation project has resulted in the highest density of leopards in Namibia

  • There's also a chance to see rare species such as brown hyenas, white rhinos and pangolins

  • For a history of the property, check out the photos of the farm over the years in The Barn

  • Plains Camp's position offers incredible sunset views over the Okonjima Plains

3 stars
Near the small village of Okonjima among the Omboroko mountains
It is a 3-hour drive to Hosea Kutako International Airport, Windhoek and approximately 3 to 4 hours to Etosha. Okonjima also has its own private airstrip, 15 minutes from the camp

Facilities

  • Restaurants & bars
  • Activities
  • Sustainability
  • Good to Know

Meals take place in The Barn which has an indoor and outdoor dining area.

Head out on game drives with expert guides and visit AfriCat’s Carnivore Care Centre, which is home to rescued cheetahs that sadly cannot be rehabilitated into the wild. You can also explore nature trails on foot and book specialist activities like rhino and pangolin tracking.

In the 1990s, the AfriCat Foundation's  rehabilitation programme was launched to rescue cheetahs and leopards from livestock farmers. Leopards from the nearby Omboroko Mountains would prey upon cattle, and in turn, farmers in the area would hunt them. You can learn about AfriCat’s mission and predator programme at the information centre and clinic.

Whilst children over the age of 3 are permitted, there is not a child minding service.

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