Okonjima Fast Facts Page

For more detailed information, please go to the relevant section on our website. Easy access to all parts of our site can be found using the sitemap.

Bush Suite

Okonjima introduction
Accommodation
Lodge facilities
Activities
Okonjima wildlife
Okonjima animal warning!
Okonjima phosphate deficiency!
An example of what your programme will look like
The Villa
Bush Suite
Bush Camp
Main Camp
The Omboroko Camp Site
Meals
Urgent Statement!
Seasons
Location by road or air / property size
NB: Please take note of the following!
Rates
What to bring with you
Terms and Conditions
Awards
The WSPA/AFRICAT environmental education centre
OKONJIMA’S VISION
The Okonjima Hanssen family
Contact details

OKONJIMA INTRODUCTION:
West of the Waterberg Plateau Park, the vast plains are occasionally broken by the remnants of ancient Sandstone ‘Outcrops’, which once covered large areas of northern Namibia. Nestled among the "Omboroko Mountains" lies OKONJIMA – a Herero name meaning Place of the baboons.

This is much more than just a lodge. OKONJIMA is also home to THE AFRICAT FOUNDATION.

AFRICAT became internationally renowned after featuring in an award-winning documentary filmed for the Discovery Channel in 1995 &1996.

Namibia is home to the world’s largest wild/free-ranging cheetah population; the majority of this country’s cheetahs and leopards can be found on approximately 7000 commercial farms. These large carnivores occasionally prey upon the livestock that roam unprotected in the veld. As a result, carnivores are often regarded as vermin by the livestock and game-farming community and are deliberately trapped and/or killed.

AFRICAT has had to take on a large number of captive cats / carnivores no longer wanted by other establishments. Among the carnivores being rescued, researched and rehabilitated by AFRICAT are cheetah, leopard, lion, caracal, wild dog and hyaena.

OKONJIMA is a family-run business. Wayne, Donna and Rosalea Hanssen who co-own and live on the property, bought OKONJIMA from their parents, Val and Rose in 1993 turning, the then, cattle farm into a conservation project.

Today THE AFRICAT FOUNDATION is the ‘World’s Largest Cheetah and Leopard Rescue and Release Programme’.

AFRICAT has saved more than 850 cats since 1993.

OKONJIMA is in a Malaria-Free area.

ACCOMMODATION:

A Grand Villa with 2 rooms and 2 Suites. (8 – 12 pax = 1 group only)
A Select, Private Bush Suite with 2 rooms. (4 pax = 1 group only)
A Luxury Bush Camp with 8 unique, thatched, African-style chalets. (16 pax)
The Bush Camp’s, 3 en-suite, luxury Twin Tents. (6 pax)
A Main Camp with 10 comfortable, en-suite, double rooms. (20 pax)
The Main Camp’s, 3 en-suite, luxury, Twin Tents. (6 pax)

LODGE FACILITIES:

Main Camp & Bush Camp each has a curio shop. If you are a guest at The Villa and Bush Suite you are welcome to visit either Camp, if you so wish.
All 4 Camps have a swimming pool, outside fire-place, an independent kitchen/ restaurant & bar facilities.
The Villa, Bush Suite & Bush Camp also have an inside fireplace and each have a waterhole where wildlife may be viewed.
The Villa and Bush Suite boast ‘ozoneated pools’, where ultra violet light is used to keep the pool clean instead of chemicals or chlorine.

ACTIVITIES:

THE AFRICAT FOUNDATION: AfriCat is a non-profit organisation set up to conserve and protect threatened cheetah, leopard, and other wild cats of Namibia. You will be able to observe some of this programme at work and learn more about these amazing and beautiful animals.

LEOPARD VIEWING: Leopards are frequently seen, giving you an opportunity to observe these magnificent predators from a hide, or ‘radio-tracked’ from our game-viewing vehicles. The leopards roam freely and catch their own prey within the 4500 ha rehabilitation area. These cats however, are notoriously people-shy and sightings are not guaranteed.

THE CHEETAH PROJECT: Offers you a valuable insight into the welfare work of The AfriCat Foundation.

CHEETAH TRACKING ON FOOT: You are invited to participate on foot in the radio-tracking of the rehabilitated cheetahs on the Cheetah Tracking Trail.

BUSHMAN TRAIL: Experience a day in the life of a Bushman. It constitutes an easy walking trail and is highly informative. You get to learn about the art of making traditional artefacts and how the San adapt and survive in an unforgiving wilderness environment. Participation is welcomed!

NATURE TRAIL: Self-guided walking trails of up to 8 km, for those of you who want to spend some time alone in the solitude of the Okonjima wilderness.

BIRD WATCHING: Identify some of the more than 250+ species in the area, including some of the Namibian endemics – Carp’s Black Tit, Hartlaub’s Francolin and the Damara Rock Runner.

NOCTURNAL ANIMALS: MAIN CAMP & BUSH CAMP GUESTS ONLY! At the nocturnal hide you may view after-dinner 'Nightlife' such as porcupine, honey-badgers and caracal, amongst others. The Villa and Bush Suite guests do not visit the nocturnal hide. If Bush Suite guests wish to join the Bush Camp guests during their after-dinner activity – prior notice must be given! The Villa & Bush Suite guests will have the possibility to view night life from their private ‘flood-lit’ water holes.

SWIMMING: Guests are welcome to make use of the pool at any time of the day or night. All camps have their own swimming pool.

PHOTOGRAPHY: With the abundance of animals and bird life and spectacular scenery, Okonjima is a photographer’s paradise. Be sure to take plenty of film and memory cards!! Photographers take note: Due to the specific nature of our rehabilitation project – all free roaming cats on OKONJIMA are radio-collared.
ALL cats that are part of AfriCat’s Welfare Project are NOT radio-collared.

OKONJIMA WILDLIFE:

Leopard, Cheetah, Caracal, African Wild Cat, Brown Hyaena, Black Backed Jackal, Aardwolf, Bat-eared Fox, Aardvark, Pangolin, Honey-badger, Porcupine, Large & Small Spotted Genet, Striped Polecat, Kudu, Oryx, Red Hartebeest, Gnu or Blue Wildebeest, Eland, Impala, Giraffe, Hartmann’s (Mountain) Zebra, Burchell’s Zebra, Steenbok, Common Duiker, Damara Dik-Dik, Warthog, Chacma Baboon, Rock Hyrax, Jameson’s Red Rock Rabbit, Springhare, Scrub Hare, Ground Squirrel, Dwarf, Slender, Yellow & Banded Mongoose to name the most common species.

Over 250 bird species have been identified on OKONJIMA, including some Namibian endemics such as the Carp’s Black Tit, Hartlaub’s Francolin and the Damara Rock Runner.

[The Africat Welfare Project is also home to Lion, Spotted Hyaena and Wild Dog]

OKONJIMA ANIMAL WARNING!

Under NO circumstances should animals be fed! (except birds from your room; birdseed is provided at The Villa, Bush Suite & Bush Camp)
Open food in your room, citrus and sweets can cause problems with baboons, badgers, mice etc
If baboons are fed or food is readily available, they often have to be put down!
OKONJIMA can honestly say that we have had NO problems with baboons or other wild animals, scavenging for food around our lodges. All kitchen ‘left-overs’ are offered to nocturnal animals such as porcupine and honey-badgers at our night hide. These animals are NOT dependent on this food, but see this as an ‘easy meal’. As a traveller in Namibia you do not often have the opportunity to see nocturnal animals, but you are under no obligation to join this activity.

OKONJIMA PHOSPHATE DEFICIENCY!

During our cattle-farming days, we realised that the OKONJIMA soil had a phosphate deficiency, resulting in sour grazing. On changing from cattle to game and wildlife conservation, we were sadly forced to fence-in our property, as OKONJIMA is surrounded by cattle and hunting farms, where predators are seldom tolerated.
Fences prevent natural game migrations to better grazing areas, thus supplements are the only way to sustain a healthy population of plains game (Oryx, Impala, Eland Wildebeest, Zebra etc).

This is why you will pass troughs of ‘lick’ and ‘rock-salt’ on your drives around our property or in front of the Lodges.

The management of an enclosed wildlife area involves taking care of every aspect within this wilderness, including responsibility for the well-being of ALL species!

AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT YOUR PROGRAMME WILL LOOK LIKE:
ONE NIGHT @ OKONJIMA – BUSH CAMP and MAIN CAMP guests

— After afternoon coffee, tea and cake - ‘radio-track’ Leopards from our game-viewing vehicles. The leopards roam freely and catch their own prey within the 4500 ha private Rehabilitation Area.
— After dinner - join us at the nocturnal hide where you may view 'Nightlife' such as porcupine, honey-badgers and caracal, amongst others.
— The following morning (day of departure) - visit The Cheetah Project, which offers you valuable insight into the welfare work of The AfriCat Foundation.

TWO NIGHTS @ OKONJIMA – BUSH CAMP and MAIN CAMP guests

Day 1:
— After afternoon coffee, tea and cake - ‘radio-track’ Leopards from our game-viewing vehicles. The leopards roam freely and catch their own prey within the 4500 ha private Rehabilitation Area.
— After dinner - join us at the nocturnal hide where you may view 'Nightlife' such as porcupine honey-badgers and caracal, amongst others.
— The following morning - you are welcome to join the Bushman Trail – It constitutes an easy walking trail and is highly informative. You get to learn about the art of making traditional artefacts and how the San adapt and survive in an unforgiving wilderness environment. Participation is welcomed!

Day 2:
— After brunch - you are welcome to go on one of our Self-guided Walking Trails of up to 8 km, or do some birding - identify some of the more than 250+ species in the area, including Namibian endemics – Carp’s Black Tit, Hartlaub’s Francolin and the Damara Rock Runner.
— After afternoon coffee, tea and cake - visit The Cheetah Project, which offers you valuable insight into the welfare work of The AfriCat Foundation.
— The following morning (day of departure) - you are invited to participate on foot in the radio-tracking of the rehabilitated cheetahs on the Cheetah Tracking Trail.

PLEASE NOTE:

Due to unforeseen circumstances, changes to the 1 or 2 day program may be necessary.

THE VILLA and BUSH SUITE: You will have your private guide, and therefore your guide will be flexible as to the wishes of the activities that you would like to participate in. (Within a ‘cat logic’ day. Cats are not active during the hot hours of the day, and we do not like disturbing any of the rehabilitated or welfare cats between 10h00 – 15h00).

THE OMBOROKO CAMP SITE: Campers ONLY participate in the AfriCat Welfare Project. If you are a camper and stay 2 nights, The Bushman Trail and self-guided walks in the Omboroko Mountains are also on offer.

THE VILLA
OKONJIMA’S GRAND AFRICAN HOUSE
COMPLETED DEC 2005
A Unique Experience in a Home away from Home.

THE VILLA, overlooking a natural waterhole, is situated in a secluded wilderness area approximately 10 km from our Main Camp.

THE VILLA has 2 separate, private Suites, together with 2 select, en-suite bedrooms in the ‘Main House’, which together can accommodate groups of up to 8 adults and 4 children.
The graceful ‘Main House’ consists of:

an Up-to-date, chef-designed kitchen with wine and soft drink coolers, both gas and electrical cooking facilities and an endless supply of ice from a double door refrigerator.
The living spaces are punctuated by a spacious lounge and dining area with an open, wood-burning fireplace.
There are 2 en-suite, luxury bedrooms. The bathrooms have both an inside shower and a spectacular, outside bush-shower, together with a beautiful bath-with-a-view.
a Magnificent infinity pool, surrounded on three sides by African, red teak decking and a walkway to an open, shaded ‘Sala’ - for some serious birding and afternoon napping - incorporating a roof fan to stir the gentle breeze that crosses the adjoining waterhole.

2 separate, exquisite, thatched Suites situated approximately 35m – 50m on either side of ‘The Main House’ are completed

by a well-stocked mini bar in each Suite.
Guests, once again, have the choice of either an inside or a unique, outside bush-shower.
Toilets and bidets accompany the baths, all with a bush view.

Fittingly, 3 of the 4 bedrooms have magnificent, wheeled, king size beds, for rolling out onto the terraces to sleep under the stars.
All the bedrooms

Have air-conditioning, high airy roofs with fans and when needed, heating facilities.
An array of three, glass-panelled doors easily fold away to give magnificent, panoramic views of the surrounding vistas. These open doorways may be substituted with an elegant but practical, ‘roll-down’ canvas partitioning that contains heavy-duty gauze screens. This zip-fastened, secure, tent-style canvassing not only provides sufficient light, but also contributes to the impression of living in the wild by delivering the audible ambience of your surroundings, while still maintaining a degree of comfort and safety.
Have Wi-Fi or a dial-up, internet connection with ample work space.

A personal host or hostess and chef attend to all your needs whilst you enjoy your exclusive guide and game-drive vehicle, thus setting the leisurely pace that bests suits you, your family or small group of friends, during your stay at OKONJIMA’S Grand African House.
No children under the age of 8 years.
A Fully Inclusive rate ONLY.
See also Your Children are perfect little angels

BUSH SUITE
OKONJIMA’S Select, Private Suite
COMPLETED JUN 2006

A Unique Bush-Cottage in Africa.

The Bush Suite, overlooking a waterhole, nestled in the open Acacia thornveld with the sandstone Omboroko Mountains in the background, is situated in a secluded wilderness area approximately 3,5km from Main Camp and 500m from Bush Camp.

Bush Suite:

Has 2 separate, private, en-suite bedrooms under a magnificent thatched roof, which together can accommodate a family or small group of 4.
consists of a modern, chef-designed kitchenette, with wine and soft drink coolers, both gas and electrical cooking facilities and an endless supply of ice from a double door refrigerator.
The living space boasts a spacious lounge, a dining area under-roof or outside under natural shade and an open, wood-burning fireplace.
a uniquely designed pool (13 metres in length).

The Bedrooms

Have high roofs with fans, air-conditioning and when needed, heating facilities.
Has 2 Queen-size beds, of which ONE can be wheeled outside onto the terraces, for a night under the stars!
The doorways have an elegant but practical, ‘roll-down’ canvas partitioning that contains heavy-duty gauze screens; on either side, 2 large glass-panelled windows enhance your 180 degree vista. The zip-fastened, secure, tent-style canvassing not only provides sufficient light, but also contributes to the impression of living in the wild by delivering the audible ambience of your surroundings, while still maintaining a degree of comfort and safety.
Each bathroom has both an inside shower and a spectacular, outside bush-shower, together with a beautiful, colonial, bath-with-a-view.
Toilets and bidets accompany the baths, all with a bush-view.
Each bedroom has a Wi-Fi or dial-up, internet connection with ample work space

A personal host / hostess and chef attend to your needs whilst you enjoy your exclusive guide and game-drive vehicle, thus setting the leisurely pace that bests suits you, your family or small group of friends, during your stay at OKONJIMA’S unique Bush Suite.
No children under the age of 8 years.
A Fully Inclusive rate ONLY.
See also Your Children are perfect little angels

BUSH CAMP
OKONJIMA’S LUXURY, AFRICAN CHALETS
COMPLETED AUG 2001

The Luxury Bush Camp is Situated at the Edge of a Wilderness Area, 3km from Main Camp.
Bush Camp comprises:

8 thatched, African-style chalets,
3 luxury, en-suite tents
a Lapa in the form of the indigenous ‘camelthorn’ pod and a secluded swimming pool.

Each exclusive chalet enjoys complete privacy, and is a unique combination of earthy ochre walls and khaki-green canvas, under a thatched roof.
Each chalet is equipped with queen and a ¾ bed, a mini-bar, a private safe for valuables, a kettle for that early morning cup of tea or coffee and a telephone.
All chalets are between 80m – 100m apart from each other.
For those who wish to feel the closeness of nature, the front 180º of canvas paneling may be rolled up, inviting you to enjoy your own ‘bushveld’ vista.
In front of each chalet, a birdbath is visited by a variety of birds and small mammals.
The extensive ‘camelthorn’ shaped Lapa, encompasses the reception area and curio-shop, a cozy lounge with a rustic, inside fire-place, an outside fire-place, a kitchen and dining area – all overlooking a waterhole.
No children under the age of 12 years.
Rate: Half Board (HB) and Full Board (FB) on request.
See also Your Children are perfect little angels

Please note: BUSH CAMP CLOSES from the 3rd of February 2007 until the 8th of February 2007 and then again on the 11th of February 2007 until the 19th of February 2007.

MAIN CAMP
OKONJIMA’S HOMESTEAD
THE FAMILY FARM HOUSE, TURNED LODGE IN 1993

Main Camp was the original Hanssen-family farmhouse, reconstructed as a lodge in 1993.

All 10 double rooms are situated around a lush garden and overlook the open-fire entertainment area.
3 en-suite, luxury twin tents.
A secluded swimming pool.
No children under the age of 12 years.
Rate: Half Board (HB) and a Full Board (FB) on request.
See also Your Children are perfect little angels

Please note: MAIN CAMP CLOSES from 21st December until the end of January!

THE OMBOROKO CAMP SITE
OKONJIMA’S EXCLUSIVE CAMP SITE
COMPLETED APRIL 2004

Your Private Campsite includes 2 private, open-air showers (incl. hot water),
2 private open-air, flush toilets,
a washing-up area under a roof.
a viewpoint for sundowners.
Okonjima will provide fire wood.
Please note that we accommodate a minimum of 4 pax & a maximum of 16 pax per site.
No tents, drinks or meals are provided by Okonjima.
None of the Lodge facilities are open or available to campers.
No children under the age of 12 years.
Rate includes camp site and a guided activity.

ONE NIGHT @ THE OMBOROKO CAMP SITE:

Your rate will include a private campsite and a guided tour to The AfriCat Welfare Project.
Self-guided Walking Trails in the surrounding mountains are free of charge

TWO NIGHTS @ THE OMBOROKO CAMP SITE:
1st Day:

Your rate will include a private campsite and a guided tour to The AfriCat Welfare Project.
Self-guided Walking Trails in the surrounding mountains are free of charge

2nd Day:

Experience the life style of the San People on the Bushman Trial.
Self-guided Walking Trails in the surrounding mountains are free of charge

MEALS:

An early morning snack is served in the dining area at Bush Camp and at the Lion Lapa at the Main Camp. The Villa and Bush Suite guest will be shown where their private meals are served.
Brunch is served between 09h30 and 10h30, and consists of a buffet of muesli and other breakfast cereals, fruit, yoghurt, cold meats and cheeses and bread. Eggs, sausage and bacon are made to order.
Brunch is served after the morning trail, and replaces a conventional lunch. We do this to make full use of the cool morning hours. However, if you would still like a light lunch, you may make a booking at reception. (additional cost)
Fresh fruit, as well as hot and cold refreshments, are available throughout the day.
Coffee, tea, cakes and savouries are served between 15h00 and 16h00.
A three-course evening meal is served between 19h00 and 20h00.
If you plan to arrive at lunchtime, we offer a light lunch as part of full board for that day.
NB! Please cancel lunch if you are not able to arrive in time.
PLEASE NOTE – DINNER at MAIN CAMP & BUSH CAMP has to be served at a set time, due to the fact that the ‘after dinner’ night hide activity would return too late if dinner was prolonged or served to each guest at a different time.
Any ‘special dietary requirements’ will be accommodated subject to prior notification!

URGENT STATEMENT!

An increasing number of tourism lodges are holding cheetahs, leopards and other wild animals in captivity for entertainment purposes. OKONJIMA supports the conservation of wild animals IN THEIR NATURAL HABITAT and has set an example by withdrawing cheetahs from appearing on the lawn in front of the lodge.

The practice of catching cheetahs in the wild for captivity is causing a drain on the wild population. Revenue earned through showing these captive cheetahs at lodges rarely goes back into conservation practices. THE AFRICAT FOUNDATION has also had to take on a large number of unwanted cheetahs, when lodge owners or farmers decide that they are not worth keeping.

It is OKONJIMA’S long-term aim, to encourage viewing of large carnivores in the wild, rather than in a captive environment and cheetahs on the lawn are detrimental to this long-term approach.

Guests visiting OKONJIMA will still be visiting THE AFRICAT FOUNDATION and learning about large carnivores in the wild like cheetah, leopard and lion, but in a constructive manner.

SEASONS:
Either the Main Camp OR the Bush Camp, The Villa OR Bush Suite are closed during certain periods in December, January & February each year for maintenance and upgrading.

Please contact OKONJIMA to confirm closing dates.

This year we will close:

MAIN CAMP: from the 21st of DECEMBER 2006 until 31 JANUARY 2007.

BUSH CAMP: from the 3rd of FEBRUARY 2007 until the 8th of FEBRUARY 2007
and again from the 11th of FEBRUARY 2007 until the 19th of FEBRUARY 2007

During the time BUSH CAMP is closed - we will be booking guests wanting to visit Okonjima in the 4 rooms at The Villa - at the BUSH CAMP rate.

Please note there are ONLY 4 rooms so first come - first serve. There will be NO exclusivity during this period, unless your group books out all 4 rooms.

The private BUSH SUITE: Has been booked out from the 4th of FEBRUARY 2007 until the 10th of MARCH 2007.

THE VILLA will not close this year, and if maintenance is needed we will fit it in between bookings.

If any of the above is confusing - please contact Martinette or Yolandi at Okonjima.

Kind regards

OKONJIMA MANAGEMENT

WINTER: June to August: Early morning, evening and night-time temperatures can drop below freezing; temperatures of - 4ºC to - 6ºC have often been recorded. (The lowest temperature ever recorded on OKONJIMA was -18ºC). Please make sure that you bring along warm clothing such as jackets, (preferably down as well as a wind-breaker) a beanie, gloves, warm trousers and comfortable closed shoes or boots.

NO indoor heating is provided at any of the Camps.

For your comfort, Bush Camp and Main Camp provide gas heaters at meal times and water bottles are placed in the beds before you retire at night.

All open, game-viewing vehicles carry windproof blankets.

The Villa and Bush Suite each has a fire-place in the dining/lounge area and rooms are fitted with heating facilities.
If the wind does not blow the days are beautiful, warm and sunny. The mornings and evenings can get very cold.

SUMMER: September to May: The day-time temperatures can be high during October, November, December and January! Rain is expected from January to April, but can start in December during a good year. [September can suddenly get cold] Temperatures vary from 20ºC up to approximately 38ºC.

OKONJIMA’S average rainfall is approximately 450mm. During the 2006 wet season OKONJIMA had a 1000mm of rain.

Please note that Namibia can get very wet during certain rainfall seasons, and the dry rivers beds can turn into raging water traps!

A large part of Namibia is arid and the air is very dry. Please ensure that you drink plenty of water every day! (Recommendation: at least 2 litres a day)

A hat, sunscreen (SPF 30+), loose, light, cotton clothing, sunglasses and re-hydrate, are also recommended.
It is advisable to participate in the activities on offer during the early morning hours or late afternoon. A ‘siesta’ is recommended between 12h00 – 15h00; the hottest part of the day!

OKONJIMA is surrounded by rivers, which are dry for most of the year. However you are advised to check on accessibility during the rainy season.

OKONJIMA is situated in a MALARIA-FREE area.

LOCATION BY ROAD OR AIR / PROPERTY SIZE:

OKONJIMA is half-way between Windhoek and Etosha National Park (2½ hours drive – B1)

To those coming from the south (B1): Take the gravel turn-off to your left, just after the sign “Otjiwarongo 50km”.

To those coming from the north (B1): Take the gravel turn-off to the right, just after the sign “Okahandja 130km”. This turn-off is approximately 48km south of Otjiwarongo, and is marked “Okonjima 24km”.

Excellent tar road from Windhoek (B1) – 2½ hours drive from Windhoek, 3 hours drive from the International Airport – Hosea Kutako. 3 – 4 hours drive to Etosha. 24km of gravel road once you turn off the B1. Please call ahead to confirm road conditions during the summer months.

OKONJIMA is centrally located thereby being ideally suited as a base from which to organise various excursions to other locations.

Air Access: Private airstrip – 1,3km, 5min drive from Main Camp, 15min from Bush Camp, 20 min from Bush Suite, 25 - 30min from The Villa.

Co-ordinates: S 20º 51’ 59” E 16º 38’ 22”

Property Size: 22 000ha / 55 000 acres / 220 km² – OKONJIMA Lodge encompasses 4 different farms – Okonjima 6000ha, Ombujongwe 7500ha, Joumbira 4000ha & Marathon 4500ha.

Tusk Trust Rehabilitation Park: 4500ha (10 000 acres)

NB: PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THE FOLLOWING!
THIS INFORMATION IS IMPORTANT TO READ:

In order to be in time for the afternoon activities, a general guide for arrival times is before 15h00 (winter) and 16h00 (summer).

Check-in from 12h00. Guests are respectfully requested not to arrive before 12h00 and to please vacate your room on the day of departure by 10h00 at the very latest!

PAYMENT CONDITIONS:

Credit card payments can take a while to process, due to ‘bush’-telephone lines and slow connections. To ensure a swift departure - payments can be done the evening before departure or during brunch on your day of departure. Please be patient! Banks often require strict security checks!

On credit card payments you may be required to present the following information:
Name of your local Bank, your mother’s maiden name, your street address, passport number and credit card. (Visa, Master, American Express or Diners as well as Traveller’s Cheques are all accepted)
You are also welcome to add tips to your final credit card payment, stating how much you wish to spend on tips.

OKONJIMA also accepts cash payments in the following currencies: US Dollars, Euros, British Pounds, South African Rands.

Other:

Viewing of leopards is NOT guaranteed, and the leopards, as well as the cheetahs in the Tusk Trust Rehabilitation Area are radio-collared to allow for regular monitoring of their wellbeing!

An increasing number of tourism lodges are holding cheetahs and other wild animals in captivity for entertainment purposes. More than 6 years ago OKONJIMA decided to set an example to discourage this activity by withdrawing cheetahs from appearing for guests on the lawn in front of the lodge.

Children under the age of 12 years are not permitted at Bush Camp, Main Camp and the Omboroko Camp Sites.
Children under the age of 8 years old not permitted at the exclusive Villa and the private Bush Suite.

Electricity is available 24 hours (220 Volt). 2 & 3 prong adapters/outlets (South African format) are available in all tents/rooms/chalets/suites to charge cameras, laptops etc. Due to unforeseen power-cuts, especially during the rainy season, OKONJIMA has installed new generators at all Camps.

Parking: All 4 camps have under-roof parking for private vehicles. No allocated parking spaces at the Campsite.

OKONJIMA is bordered by rivers, which are dry for most of the year. However you are advised to check on accessibility during the rainy season!

Photographers are advised that the leopards and the rehabilitated cheetahs in the ‘Tusk Trust Cheetah Rehabilitation Area’ have been fitted with radio-collars for monitoring and research purposes. All cats that form part of the Welfare Project are NOT radio-collared.

CELL Phones: Certain areas on OKONJIMA have cell-phone reception. You are respectfully requested to keep your cell-phone off at ALL times unless you are making a call or relaxing inside your private room. No cell-phones, IPods, MP3 players, disc-men etc are permitted, whilst on an activity!

PROTECT OUR ENVIRONMENT:

Water is a rare commodity in Namibia! Please do not use unnecessary amounts of water!
OKONJIMA is known for its excellent water quality and The Villa has been fitted with a water softener.
The tap water in your room is safe to drink, however for people with a delicate constitution; we would recommend bottled water from the bar!
Please use litter bins for your litter and cigarette ends.
Please switch off lights, fans & air/heating facilities when leaving your room.
NO SMOKING is permitted in the rooms or on the Game-drive Vehicles! Please be fire conscious.

SAFETY & SECURITY:

You will be asked to sign a ‘disclaimer of liability’ on check-in and this is a condition of all guests staying with us. If you have any problems with this indemnity, you should please discuss it with our lodge manager, Tristan Boehme or the Hanssen Family.
A basic first-aid kit is provided on every game vehicle, as well as at all base Camps.
The closest private hospital, MediCity - is in Otjiwarongo, 50 minutes drive from OKONJIMA.
Emergency, paramedic, air evacuation is covered by OKONJIMA’S Public Liability insurance
OKONJIMA has a security check-point at the B1 turn-off, so that all incoming or out-going traffic is accounted for. The security guards are in radio and cell-phone contact with the lodge 24:7.
Most of the Camps on OKONJIMA (except Main Camp) are not fenced off from the surrounding bushveld, and everyone should be aware at all times that you are in a private reserve where predators and other wild animals roam freely. You are warned not to approach any animals unless accompanied by an OKONJIMA guide.
You are advised not to roam freely around at night, unless accompanied by a member of the ‘Okonjima Family’. It is however, safe to walk to and from your room/chalet with a flash light/ torch. On request and if you so require, someone will escort you back to your room or chalet after dark.
We have first class fire-fighting apparatus, including our own fire engine. All rooms/chalets/suites are fitted with manual fire hydrants.

OKONJIMA is in a Malaria-Free area.

RATES:

See sections for The Omboroko Campsite, Main Camp and Bush Camp’s rates
Contact OKONJIMA LODGE directly for The Villa and Bush Suite’s rates
Cancellation fees are applicable.
Main Camp & Bush Camp offer a Full Board (FB) rate which includes all activities and all meals. Drinks and extras such as curios are not included.
Main Camp & Bush Camp also offer a Half Board (HB) rate (Dinner, Bed and Breakfast), but all activities, lunch and drinks are excluded. Activities are available at an additional cost.
The Villa, Bush Suite and The Omboroko Campsite offer an ALL INCLUSIVE RATE ONLY.
PAYMENT CONDITIONS: Reservations are only confirmed upon receipt of a 50% deposit of total amount owed. Payment either via Bank Deposit or Credit Card Transaction.

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU:

You should ALWAYS bring a flash light / torch with you when visiting Africa! A ‘headlight’ is always more convenient.
Hat & sunglasses (polarized for those long, bright road trips)
Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Re-hydrate and do not forget to drink as much water as possible. (Recommendation: at least 2 litres a day)
During the winter months (mid May – mid Sept) do not forget to bring along warm clothing! Namibia can get very cold. (see SEASONS section)
A basic first aid kit; including medication against diarrhoea, nausea, motion-sickness if you are flying, headaches, heat stroke, stomach cramps, broad-spectrum antibiotics, mosquito repellent, nasal vaseline thus preventing nosebleeds as well as sufficient prescription medication.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Any Reservations cancelled within 30 days of arrival will be subject to the following conditions:
Less than 4 weeks notice .... 25% of daily RATE
Less than 3 weeks notice ...... 50% of daily RATE
Less than 2 weeks notice .....75% of daily RATE
Less than 1 week notice ........ 80% of daily RATE
No show …………. 100%

AWARDS:
OKONJIMA and AFRICAT are proud to have achieved success in the conservation and rehabilitation of cheetahs and leopards.

OKONJIMA has won:

The Genesis Award 1997

Discovery Channel BBC / Ark Trust inc – “For a remarkable account of the AfriCat Foundation’s work to protect and save the endangered cheetah, thus increasing public awareness of animal issues.”

The WWF Green Trust Award 2000

“The Africat Foundation’s WSPA Education Centre was recognised as an organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to the environment”

The Silver Otter Award 2002

Best New Overseas Project – UK, 2nd place

The Amarula Africa Award 2003

“Bush Camp met the criteria for a truly African Experience, offering authenticity, luxury, conservation, social responsibility & environmental awareness.”

The World Travel Award for 2004.

Namibia’s Leading Safari.

THE WSPA/AFRICAT ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTRE
AFRICAT’S EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME:

AfriCat’s Education Centre continues to operate successfully. After many years of working with the farming community it became clear that Youth Education was vital to the long-term conservation of large carnivores.

The WSPA (World Society for the Protection of Animals) / AfriCat Environmental Education Centre opened in April 1998 with the objective of promoting predator and environmental awareness among Namibian youth. It is our hope that by visiting the Centre and participating in the AfriCat education program, the children and young adults of Namibia will gain a new sense of understanding of the natural world and the importance of wildlife conservation.

OKONJIMA’S VISION:
Our dream is to turn our 55 000acre Nature Reserve that was once denuded farmland, back to it’s natural state, last seen 200 years ago. This dream must be sustainable and a benefit to local communities for it to survive the tide of change in Africa. This ongoing project headed by the Hanssen Family has nearly removed all internal fences and the management of water resources, hides, the removal of undesirable bush encroachment and new bush roads is ongoing.

THE OKONJIMA HANSSEN FAMILY:
The Hanssen Family arrived on Okonjima in 1970. VJ and Rose Hanssen were cattle farmers. VJ was born in Namibia and Rose in Zambia. OKONJIMA was converted into a conservation area and the AFRICAT FOUNDATION was registered as a non-profit organisation in 1993

Sadly Rose passed away in Aug 1992, and VJ in July 2006.

WAYNE: Financial Director, Director of Large Projects; such as the Grassland Science / Bush Encroachment Programme of the 55 000 acre Nature Reserve, Roads & Infrastructure, Game Management, The Africat Foundation, Investors & Large sponsorships & ALL Future Land Projects.

DONNA: Marketing, PR, Brochure Design, Website Design, Interior Décor, the small touches. . .

ROSALEA: Reservations, Invoicing & Payments, Public Relations and takes care of the next Okonjima generation. . . . Keanu, Jayd and Kayden.

LUIGI: Director of Maintenance and Telecommunications (internet, computers)

TRISTAN: Oversees the running of all 4 Camps, Front of House, Interior design, Staff Recruitment.

YOLANDI: Assistant Reservations, Invoicing and Payments, Curios.

Until we meet,

BEST REGARDS FROM THE HANSSEN FAMILY & OKONJIMA TEAM

Bush Camp	CONTACT DETAILS: www.okonjima.com + 264 67 687032 / 3 / 4 okonjima@iway.na + 264 81 142 1195 info@okonjima.com +264 67 687051 fax
Bush Camp	The Villa

Please also read: YOUR CHILDREN are perfect little angels