The 2000ha reserve
The entire Okonjimaproperty of 22 000 ha, has been divided into a 16 000 ha reserve and a 4 000 ha reserve – both used for carnivore rehabilitation, as well as a 2 000 ha reserve surrounding/encompassing Main & Bush Camp, the Bush Suite, the Campsite and the volunteer project, PAWS.
Because AfriCat is a working project, the predator-proof fence has been erected around the homes of our staff and the lodges which accommodate families; this precaution safeguards the accommodation facilities from potentially dangerous, ‘habituated carnivores’.
This allows our guests to feel comfortable and safe in their chalets, with the canvas panelling rolled up for the exquisite, 180° ‘bushveldt’ vistas. Unguided walking trails are also encouraged in the 2 000 ha Park.
The 2 000 ha reserve is, however, large enough to be home to several antelope species, roaming wild within this area. The ‘wilder’ leopards still maintain their territory within this Park, but are free-ranging, not rehabilitated cats; thus, they have a natural respect and fear of man and are no threat.
It is important to keep these leopardsinside of this Park, for they are the natural predator and will help maintain the delicate balance within this natural ecosystem.
The ‘habituated’ carnivores within the 16 000 ha and the 4 000 ha Parks are encouraged to hone their skills through trial and error; however, because daily monitoring of these predators is necessary, these rehabilitated carnivores feel comfortable around people, even though they have not been hand-raised. For this reason, when tracking rehabilitated carnivores, guests must be accompanied by an Okonjima guide.
The Okonjima Villa is now the onlycamp located within the 16 000 ha reserve and therefore no children under the age of 12 years are permitted and no self-guided trails are allowed around the Villa.
Here, your host and guide keep a watchful eye on the rehabilitated carnivores and guests are constantly updated as to their whereabouts.