Okonjima Plains Camp

Okonjima Plains Camp is set on a former ranch in Namibia’s rolling wilderness.

There are several options at Okonjima. The rooms at the Plains Camp are modern and colourful, with a nod to the cattle-farming heritage. The stylish and spacious rooms have verandas overlooking the Omboroko Mountains and the vast plains, and there are also garden rooms snuggled in the original homestead gardens. They all come with private bathrooms.

The Main Lodge is on the site of the original family farmhouse, and is cosy and low-key, with rooms and tents set in the gardens. For a little more luxury, Bush Camp is close by, but slightly smaller, with a handful of beautiful chalets and a honeymoon suite. Groups of families and friends seeking privacy should look no further than the Bush suite, but for the ultimate in luxury: follow the well-heeled footsteps of Brad and Angelina to the Villa.

The lapa, or 'gathering place', houses the dining and lounge area, an inviting pool and a shop. Enjoy sipping on a G&T on the veranda which overlooks the open bushveld. Dining is a highlight, with hearty home-cooked meals enjoyed at the main lodge, which is just moments away from a lion enclosure, which will add to the thrill of your stay!

Tuck into a delicious brunch after a morning safari, and tea and cakes in the afternoon, then in the evening, have a three-course dinner followed by a drink or two around the fire pit while taking in the panoramic sunsets.

All camps have a pool, which are irresistible in the heat. There are indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and even in the chillier months we’d recommend spending just a few minutes outdoors admiring the starscape. 

Go on game-viewing expeditions in the camp's vehicles to see leopards, cheetahs, giraffes and wildebeest, to name a few, and there are night-time drives also available - while birdwatchers can look out for over 250 species of birds. Head out on foot on walking tracks to experience a day in the life of a bushman and learn how they adapt to the wilderness - children love the educational trail. You will have the chance to track the leopards on foot with your experienced guide, and visit the local wild dog family that has been rescued from the wild.

The AfriCat Foundation (set up to protect Namibia’s vulnerable big cats) has its HQ at Okonjima, and guests are able to visit the centre to learn about the foundation’s work. There’s also radio-tracking of rescued cheetahs and hyenas, nature trails and birdwatching. 

Guests at the Main Lodge and Bush Camp can also head out to the hide in the evening to see the nocturnal animals come to life (we were thrilled to see no less than eight honey badgers on our last visit!) If you’re staying at the Villa or the Bush Suite, you’ve no need to move for this activity – you’ll have your own floodlit waterhole.