Meeting the Big Cats at Okonjima Reserve
Planning a trip to Namibia? Don't miss the natural Okonjima Reserve! With rich and varied wildlife, you can experience animal safaris there.
Planning a trip to Namibia? Don't miss the Okonjima natural reserve! With rich and varied wildlife, you can experience animal safaris and above all, encounter its famous big cats. Lions, leopards and cheetahs… an opportunity to discover the incredible work of the AfriCat Foundation, which works to protect and rehabilitate these great felines through the sanctuary.
Discovering Okonjima Reserve
Located north of Windhoek, Okonjima natural reserve is an essential stop on a Namibia trip for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Spanning 200 square kilometres of rolling plains, rocky outcrops and riverine thickets, this reserve comprises an extraordinary ecosystem where you can observe the most iconic species of southern Africa.
In addition to hosting mammals (kudus, impalas, hyenas, pangolins, aardvarks…) and bird species endemic to Namibia, Okonjima natural reserve is renowned as one of the best places to stay to observe carnivores, particularly big cats. Cheetahs, leopards and lions roam this rehabilitated park where the AfriCat Foundation protects over 1,000 felines. It is thanks to the funds collected by the reserve that conservation and education programmes protect this incredible wildlife.
Focus on the AfriCat Foundation:
Founded in the early 1990s, the AfriCat Foundation is a non-profit organisation in Namibia specialising in the protection and rehabilitation of big cats. The NGO's mission? To make a significant contribution to conservation while ensuring the survival of Namibia's predators in their natural habitat. Alongside this, the foundation runs research and environmental education projects. Lastly, AfriCat Foundation welcomes tourists to enable them to observe animals and better understand their way of life.
Observing Big Cats During a Trek, Safari or Multi-Day Stay
To visit Okonjima park, several options are available. You can visit for a day or stay for multiple days in one of the lodges or a tent in the heart of the bush. Many wildlife safaris are offered as well as hiking or cycling tours accessible to all. To observe animals in their natural habitat, you can undertake a trek to follow the tracks of big cats and learn how to spot them. During this photo safari, you'll also have the chance to observe many other animals in the park.
Safaris and bush walks are organised with experienced guides, allowing visitors an intimate and up-close perspective of Namibian wildlife. Night safaris are also possible to catch glimpses of the many nocturnal species you won't see during the day. As for the Cheetah Conservation Fund, the institution offers you the chance to get close to cheetahs under the care of keepers and learn more about the rehabilitation work carried out by the foundation.
Discover Namibia's must-see destinations as a family or privately with our Authentic Namibia itinerary and take the opportunity to meet the big cats at Okonjima Reserve.
Frequently asked questions
Okonjima Reserve is located north of Windhoek, Namibia's capital, approximately 180 km away. It is accessible by car via the B1, the main road connecting Windhoek to the north of the country. The journey takes around 2 hours. A private transfer can also be arranged from Windhoek.
Okonjima Reserve is home mainly to cheetahs, leopards and lions. These great felines are protected and rehabilitated by the AfriCat Foundation. Guided safaris allow you to observe them in their natural habitat or in rehabilitation enclosures.
The dry season, from May to October, is generally the best time to observe wildlife at Okonjima. Vegetation is less dense and animals gather around water points, making observations easier. The rainy season (November to April) offers lush landscapes but makes spotting animals more difficult.
Yes, the reserve offers several accommodation options to extend your experience: comfortable lodges as well as glamping tents in the heart of the bush. Staying on site allows you to participate in early morning and night outings, giving you more chances to observe the animals.
The AfriCat Foundation is a Namibian NGO founded in the early 1990s, dedicated to the protection and rehabilitation of wild big cats. It operates within Okonjima Reserve and has taken charge of over 1,000 felines since its creation. It also runs environmental education and scientific research programmes, funded in part by visitor fees.
