Okonjima Bush Suite: Our full report

Situated in Namibia's Central Highlands, with the backdrop of the Omboroko Mountains, Okonjima Bush Suite is the luxurious sister camp to Okonjima Main Camp and Okonjima Bush Camp and Okonjima Villa. The Bush Suite is nestled in the open acacia thorn-veld which is indicative of this area.

Okonjima is the home of the AfriCat Foundation. Here a team of dedicated individuals devote their time to trying to save Namibia's big cats - cheetah, leopard, lion and even caracal. They have also, more recently, helped a group of wild dog too. As with the other properties on this reserve, a stay of one or two nights at Okonjima Bush Suite will give you the chance to see big cats at close range, as well as being able to learn more about these fascinating animals.

Enter through a very large vase-like entrance to find the camp, overlooking a waterhole. Okonjima Bush Suite has two bedrooms, both with en-suite bathrooms and is ideally suited to small groups of for or a family who would like privacy.

The bedrooms all have air-conditioning and fans to keep you cool in the high temperatures of summer, as well as heating for the cooler winter months. Each room has two queen-size beds, and from one of the rooms the bed can be wheeled outside onto the terrace, for a night under the stars! Adorning the walls are some beautiful photographs of leopards and cheetahs, taken at Okonjima. The bedrooms have their own bathroom with two sinks and both indoor and outdoor showers. There's also a bidet and a bath with a view of the bush. There is also a WiFi internet connection.

A personal host/hostess and chef attend to your needs whilst you enjoy exclusive guided activities which can be tailored to your wishes enabling you the pace to be set by your group.

The living area consists of a large, spacious lounge filled with brown leather furniture, a fireplace and tables made from treetrunks. Next to this, there's an indoor dining area, however you can also take your meals outside under the cover of natural shade, complete with a log-burning fireplace with views across the plains. The chef (and you), has use of a modern kitchenette with full cooking facilities and a fridge, including a wine chiller.

There is also a 13m swimming pool built in the shape of a mokoro. It's surrounded by decking where you can relax during the afternoon, if you wish.

Our View

Okonjima Bush Suite is a great place to stay if you wish to visit the AfriCat Foundation and do so in privacy and luxury.

Geographics

Location: Central Highlands, Namibia

Ideal length of stay: Two nights

Directions: 48km south of Otjiwarongo on the B1 you will see a clearly marked signpost for Okonjima. Head west for about 24km along this track and follow the signs directing you towards the Bush Suite.

Key personnel

Owner: Hanssen Family

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Food quality: Guests at Okonjima Bush Suite have their own personal chef who can cook their food to order at a very high standard.

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included

Drinks included: No

Special interests

Photographic: If you want the opportunity to take close-up shots of big cats – especially cheetah and leopard – then Okonjima Bush Suite would be ideal for you. Obviously some of the cats are semi-habituated and not truly wild, but you’ll often be able to get pretty close to them.

See more ideas for Photographic in Namibia

Wildlife safaris: Okonjima does some great work with the big cats, and visitors get the opportunity to see much of this at close quarters, getting much better views of the big cats than are possible in most places. Obviously some are not truly wild – but if they were you wouldn’t be able to approach them so closely.

See more ideas for Wildlife safaris in Namibia

Children

Attitude towards children: Children are welcome here.

Equipment: None

Generally recommended for children: We would recommend this for children aged 12 and up.

Notes: Children must be supervised at all times by their parents.

Central communications

Power supply: Mains Electricity

Communications: WiFi is available at Okonjima Bush Suite.

TV & radio: None

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: In emergencies patients will be flown to Windhoek.

Dangerous animals: High Risk

Security measures: The camp is protected by its isolation. The gates to the Okonjima reserve are guarded.

Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers at the camp.

Extras

Disabled access: On Request

Laundry facilities: A landry service is available but it is an additional cost.

Money: All currencies are accepted – US$, GB£, Euro, Rand and N$.