Reviews of Okonjima Main Camp
(95%) From 132 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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Good game tracking at Okonjima
We wanted to visit Okonjima to learn more about the work of the Africat foundation. We probably needed more than the 2 nights we allowed in order to get a full understanding. We were surprised by the variety of game that we saw on the game drives, beyond the cheetah and leopard for which the camp is renowned.
On our first game drive we encountered cheetah that were semi-tame, contained within an enclosure, and not themselves capable to hunt game. On other drives, we used radio antenna to track leopard and hyena that had been collared, and were living in the wild. We got the impression that we might not have found the leopard at all by more 'normal' tracking methods.
We also enjoyed night game viewing of animals from a hide, where food is routinely left for them in a prepared location. These were excellent experiences, but they felt a little contrived, and different from our previous game viewing activities. We also felt that the presentation of Africat work was somewaht low key.
Okonjima Main Camp review
We were upgraded to a Bush Chalet (we had been booked into the Main Camp). This was superb.
Service was excellent and the best we experienced in Namibia. In addition the food was also excellent. Although the animals are in an 'enclosed' space -- this is so huge (thousands of square kilometers) that even the animals that are radio-collared were difficult to find.
Brilliant place for Cheetahs!
We were booked in to stay at the Main Camp but got an upgrade to the Bush Camp. It was such a lovely place. The lodges are far apart from one other and very well appointed.
Main draw here for us are the cheetahs and we had a lovely afternoon seeing six of them. Activity is itself limited to well worn tracks within well-secured pens. You will not see any part of the action or works they do here, as they are all tucked away somewhere.
The guided walk tracking collared hyena is very good in itself as you get chance to have a couple of hours to walk and get a bit of exercise.
The waterhole by the main area is lovely and lots of Oryx's' are always around. They serve lovely a breakfast and especially the freshly made omelets. The dinners are very good and have a very nice selection of wine too. There are very friendly and professional staff and guides, which made our stay very memorable. We loved the swimming pool here.
The cats were a treat
I did not think that seeing radio-collared leopards would be a big treat, but it was actually quite exciting.
The new rooms are beautiful; the older rooms looked as though they were small, but I did not see any interiors.
The gardens were a great place to relax, with many birds (thanks to several birdfeeders).
We only stayed here one night, but I think two would have been nice, because there seemed to be good walking, in addition to the cat-viewing rides, and it was just a nice place to hang out.
an excellent place to visit
what a wonderful place with really good trips to see cheetahs and leopards which were quite magnificent. The whole experience from arrival to departure could not be faulted.
I left wishing we had had more time here.
Okonjima Main Camp review
We would have liked to stay here longer!!!
In our opinion, Michael was the best guide we had on the whole trip, very knowledgeable, mature and calm about what he does. The food was good and the pool was superb.
The Leopard drive in the morning was great fun and if we had stayed another night I would have gone on the Cheetah drive again. It was so nice to see them with space and lots of shelter.
Okonjima Main Camp review
Good situation with fine communal facilities and pool and well planned rooms with the large picture windows giving a great outlook both by day and at night. The food was very good as was the service. The outings were enjoyable and we managed to see all that we had hoped to, and were enhanced by the knowledgeable and lively banter between the guides driving our vehicles.
One of our party had a birthday during our stay, and arranged for special pre-dinner drinks to be served. The method of preparation was unknown to the staff, but during our afternoon excursion, they had consulted the internet and prepared two alternative versions for us which showed commendable initiative and commitment to service. Following this, at our brunch after the next morning's excursion, we were provided with two complementary bottles of champagne, a very thoughtful touch.
The one slight downside was the fact that a small number of staff carried pistols, which surprisingly were said to be for personal protection after an organised robbery at the site a couple of years ago and the theft of the camp's takings in the local town en route to the bank. However security arrangements appeared to be very good and there was no feeling of concern whatsoever among our group. In fact only a couple of the more observant, and ex-military, members of the group noticed the weapons and made the subsequent enquiry.
Okonjima Main Camp review
Leopard tracking is an excellent experience!
Read more about the whole safariOkonjima Main Camp review
After a minor hiccup regarding which room grade we had booked, fortunately Expert Africa's voucher system confirmed our booking precisely our luggage was transferred to one of the new view rooms ( a bungalow really ).. These are huge with a wall of glass over looking the savannah.
We arrived early afternoon and after lunch went on a game drive in search of Leopard... did we find one ? yes we did.... a beautiful male out walking, thanks to our guide.
Back at the lodge we had a very good evening meal with our guide.. Martin... joining us which was a very nice touch.
After dinner we went to a hide to watch porcupine.
In the morning after breakfast we went on another drive this time to look for cheetah... did we find them ? yes we did... not one but 5.. and they came right up close to the vehicle.
On the way back we also found a female leopard with a cub although they were hard to see as they were so well concealed in the bushes.
Our only negative comment was that the gift shop was closed and since the trust receives its income from the lodge and shop we found it strange that they were not prepared to open it... this was our last day in Namibia and we were ready to buy gifts... this therefore had to wait until we were in Cape Town
Okonjima Main Camp review
Cheetah are guaranteed.
Leopard is not guaranteed but is so worth the extra time and far more exciting.
We have always believed that acting responsibly is the only way to approach tourism and we're one of
the few companies to hold AITO's original coveted 5-star status for responsible tourism. It's a lead
that others are now following.
