13 Day Windhoek to Chobe Self Drive Journey

The Okonjima Nature Reserve sprawls over 200 square kilometres of undulating plains, mountainous outcrops, and riverine thickets, and it is here that leopard (Panthera pardus), the most adaptable of all the wild cats, thrive. Read more about our Leopard Research.

These intelligent, solitary predators occur in high density in the expanse of Okonjima Nature Reserve’s multi-faceted topography. The Reserve’s predator research programme has spanned three decades, and its findings have provided great insight to leopard behavioral patterns as well as offered an upbeat prognosis for a sustainable future for the species in today’s Africa.

A two-day Okonjima stay offers the best chance to view wild leopard in Namibia, as well as those collared for research purposes, in their natural habitats.

The Okonjima Nature Reserve, a huge protected area set amongst the rugged commercial farmlands of central Namibia, comprises a diversified ecosystem representative of both the larger and small mammals of Namibia, as well as most of the country’s endemic birds.

Game drives and guided bush walks offer visitors an intimate, up-close perspective of Namibia’s wildlife and, especially, its most protected species.

The Okonjima Nature Reserve is home to, and runs extensive research projects on rare and endangered species, big and small.

LEOPARD TRACKING

The Leopard ‘experience’ will take you out into the Okonjima Nature Reserve and will allow you to spend more time with our experienced guides and participate in the research data collection for our long-standing leopard project and newly introduced brown hyaena programme. Some of our adult leopards are radio collared which enables the guides to track them with a specialised telemetry device contributing to frequent viewing, giving visitors an opportunity to observe these magnificent predators in their natural habitat and experience the fascinating behaviour and interactions between these two species while they compete for food. Although this significantly increases the chance of an excellent sighting, it cannot ever be guaranteed as they are wild free-roaming predators.
Morning activities (seasonal times): Departure 06:00 / 06:30 AM; Return 09:30 / 10:00 AM.
Afternoon activities (seasonal times): Departure: 15:30 / 16:00 PM; Return 19:00 / 19:30 PM.

THE AfriCat FOUNDATION CARNIVORE CARE & INFORMATION CENTRE (ACCC)

During the visit to AfriCat, visitors will have the opportunity to spend some time at the Carnivore Care & Information Centre, which provides valuable insights into the Foundation's work.
The visit will include a short guided drive to the AfriCat Carnivore Care Centre, where visitors can meet some of the ambassador cheetahs. Our knowledgeable guides will answer questions, explain the Foundation's work with carnivores in Namibia, and help position the vehicle for that perfect photo opportunity.

Morning activities (seasonal times): Departure 06:00 / 06:30 AM; Return 09:30 / 10:00 AM.
Afternoon activities (seasonal times): Departure: 15:30 / 16:00 PM; Return 19:00 / 19:30 PM.

ENDANGERED SPECIES NATURE DRIVE

This game-drive allows more time to enjoy and understand the Okonjima Nature Reserve as a natural island bound ecosystem. As the private Nature Reserve was established primarily to conserve some of our more threatened mammal species, it provides an increased chance to encounter these relatively rare animals. This is once again assisted by the AfriCat Foundation’s research projects on the shy brown hyaena, bat-eared fox and rhino. There are more than 40 mammal species within the Okonjima Nature Reserve, both large and small as well as a good representation of the typical flora. At the discretion of your guide, there may be the chance to view some of these animals, large or small.

Morning activities (seasonal times): Departure 06:00 / 06:30 AM; Return 09:30 / 10:00 AM.
Afternoon activities (seasonal times): Departure: 15:30 / 16:00 PM; Return 19:00 / 19:30 PM.

GAME DRIVE:

Experienced guides will entertain you with their knowledge, sharing interesting and enlightening information about the history of the Okonjima Nature Reserve and the research gathered over the past 30 years of conservation on Okonjima. On this trail, no telemetry device is used to track any of the carnivores researched by the AfriCat Foundation. Wildlife is the focus of the drive. Visitors are offered insight as our guides attempt to foster a general appreciation of the natural habitat of the Nature Reserve.
Morning activities (seasonal times): Departure 06:00 / 06:30 AM; Return 09:30 / 10:00 AM.
Afternoon activities (seasonal times): Departure: 15:30 / 16:00 PM; Return 19:00 / 19:30 PM.

Explore the national park with our guides who are familiar with the waterholes and the animals that visit them. Let them introduce you to African wildlife from the elevated seat of a game vehicle. Early mornings or late afternoons provide the best game viewing times. And, after Etosha enchantment return to the lodge to dive into the cool waters of the pools. Dine on the veranda under a dome of stars, sit next to a blazing fire or watch the ruby sun sink gracefully into the landscape. Be at peace.

Explore the National Park and its amazing wildlife in a 9-seater game vehicle. Refreshments, snacks, entrance fees to the National Park and passenger liability insurance are included.

Explore the national park with our guides who are familiar with the waterholes and the animals that visit them. Let them introduce you to African wildlife from the elevated seat of a game vehicle. Early mornings or late afternoons provide the best game viewing times. And, after Etosha enchantment return to the lodge to dive into the cool waters of the pools. Dine on the veranda under a dome of stars, sit next to a blazing fire or watch the ruby sun sink gracefully into the landscape. Be at peace.

Explore the National Park and its amazing wildlife in a 9-seater game vehicle. Refreshments, snacks, entrance fees to the National Park and passenger liability insurance are included. Departing morning or afternoon.

The Dream Cruiser is Onguma's newest and most unique under the stars sleep-out experience.

Arriving in time to enjoy sundowners and take a tour of your overnight accommodation, this sleep out in the wilderness of the reserve is on our custom built Land Cruiser, featuring a full bathroom on the lower deck and a bedroom with lounge area on the upper deck.

A night on the Dream Cruiser calls for al fresco picnic-style dining is delivered by our chef for you to enjoy as the evening turns to night and the stars dance in all their glory.
A ranger is on call via a two-way radio, so make the most of this time and relax in the safety and complete comfort of this unique space.

After a good night's rest, you can enjoy morning tea/coffee with homemade rusks before being collected for breakfast at the lodge.

Onguma's fabulous new water-level hide affords guests a great opportunity to calmly sit and enjoy nature unobserved. Amateur and professional photographers alike love the angles and light from this equipped hide.

There is a small ablution facility nearby, benches from which to view the surroundings and lots of windows and vantage points for creative camera angles.

Onguma Nature Reserve consists of 34 000 hectares of Namibian wilderness & is home to numerous plains game, more than 300 bird species ?and even 4 of the Big 5. ?The Reserve boasts over thirty different animal species. Plains game roam freely on the Reserve and predators although not always easy to spot, are nevertheless common residents of the area. Lions and Cheetahs are frequently seen and often heard. There is a healthy black rhino and leopard population and hyenas are also often seen and heard.

Etosha is a 22 750km² wildlife sanctuary in Namibia – one of Africa’s most stable and accessible countries. Etosha, meaning ‘place of dry water’, and refers to a flat calcrete depression (or pan) of about 5 000km². The ‘Pan’ (overlooked by the Onguma Reserve) provides a great, parched, silver-white backdrop of shimmering mirages to an area of semi-arid savannah grassland and thorn scrub. The pan itself contains water only after very good rains and sometimes for only a few days each year, but is enough to stimulate the growth of a blue-green algae which lures thousands of flamingos.

Africa takes on a new perspective when you experience it on foot as the first explorers did. A bush walk is a unique physical, mental and spiritual adventure through nature. Experience the sights, smells and sounds of the Namibian bush by conducting an early morning leisurely walk accompanied by one of our experienced armed rangers.

?Johan, our resident therapist, is a professional massage therapist with over 15 years experience, having lived and worked at renowned Wellness Centres in Asia and Africa. His passion for and dedication to massage therapy originated in the East, where he was trained and educated from the best teachers in their respective fields. Having the opportunity to spend considerable time with monks in Thailand, has also led him to incorporate focused awareness into his massage therapies.

Experience the waterworld of the Kavango on a romantic boat trip as the sun goes down; incl. ½ bottle of champagne per person

Hakusembe River Lodge Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia Hakusembe River Lodge Activities

Hakusembe River Lodge Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia Hakusembe River Lodge Boat Activities

Experience catching one of the strongest fighting fresh water fish in the world. 2 persons per boat. Lost lures to be replaced at Lodge, drinks not included. The fishing licence is not included in the rate. Please bring your own fishing licence as licences cannot be obtained at the lodge until further notice.

Hakusembe River Lodge Credit: Gondwana Collection Namibia Hakusembe River Lodge Fishing Activity

Hakusembe River Lodge Credit: Gondwana Collection Namibia Hakusembe River Lodge Fishing Activity

We will gladly submit a detailed offer for a tailor-made excursion for the enthusiastic fishermen. Available on request.

An approximate 3-hour long game drive into the Bwabwata National Park. Morning / afternoon drive (guided). Park entrance fees, short boat transfer, snacks and refreshments included.

Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia Game Drive

Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia Game Drive

Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia Game Drive

Experience an unforgettable boat trip on the Kwando River. Refreshments and light snacks included.

Join a guided fishing trip and catch species such as catfish, tilapia, nambwe and tigerfish. Boat and basic tackle & bait are included, drinks on own account. A fishing licence can be obtained at the lodge but is not included in the rate. Lost lure or broken fishing equipment to be replaced at guest’s expense. All fishing is on a catch and release basis.

We will gladly submit a detailed offer for your tailor-made fishing excursion.

Nogatsaa Pans Lodge is built with sweeping views of the Kwikamba Pans. Careful thought has been given to the layout and design of this Lodge to promote Safari experience of yester year. Enjoy unsurpassed experience of sitting quietly watching as the animals of Africa come down to a waterhole to drink, so no better place to be to enjoy the proverbial safari straight from your armchair.

Kwikamba Pans is one of the few reliable water sources in this harsh area, making it a hot-spot for large herds of elephants. It is the perfect spot for a relaxed armchair safari: you don’t need to leave camp, with all animals making their way to Kwikamba Pan in front of the Lodge.

With this in mind our Game Activity is flexible to give you the best experience.

Guests normally arrive at Nogatsaa Pans around midday or during the afternoon.

Upon arrival a warm welcome awaits you from the awesome Nogatsaa Team. You will be given a short welcome briefing in the main lounge while enjoying the sweeping views of the Kwikamba Pans, after which you will be shown to your room for relaxation and freshening up.

High Tea is served at 16h00 in the open-plan dining area, where you can enjoy spotting all the game coming down to drink at the Pan. Various delicious cakes and savouries will be available for your enjoyment with cold or hot beverages. Your guide will come to meet you during High Tea to get your orders for refreshments during your afternoon Sundowner drive or you can choose to enjoy your sundowner right there on the deck. The afternoon sunset game drive departs around 16h30 utilising our private network of roads, sundowner drinks to be enjoyed either at the Kabungwa or Nogatsaa Hides.

Depending on the season our resident pride of lion, Herds of elephants, buffalo, impala, kudu, giraffe, zebra and roan antelope are some of the possible sightings around camp. Not to mention the numerous different bird species, including the Ground Hornbill which is on the vulnerable list. Enjoying the quiet of the bush and the surrounding environment while out on a drive is an absolute bonus.

You will return to camp around 18h30 giving you time to freshen up before dinner. Your guide will meet you at a pre-arranged time at your room to accompany you the Main area for a pre-dinner drink around the bonfire in the Boma and catch up with the other guests and their stories. Dinner is in the Dining Area anytime from 19h30 onwards

You can choose to get up early or sleep a little later – enjoy the activity around the Pan while having your breakfast on the outside deck of the restaurant. You have a choice of continental buffet or ordering hot breakfast. A mid-morning departure to visit the Poha Hide overlooking a waterhole where you will enjoy a midmorning break and some outstanding photographic opportunities.

An alternative route would be to Mapororo Hide which showcases endless views over the marsh.

You will return to Nogatsaa Pans for lunch which is served between 13h00 – 14h00.

OR

You can spend the day in camp enjoying the relaxed “Armchair” Safari

After lunch you can relax in the lodge area, have a swim or book a spa treatment to be had in the privacy of your room. Use our complimentary Wi-Fi to you connect to loved ones or just catch up on the news or just enjoy your armchair safari on the deck in front of your room or in the main area.

High Tea and Sundowners starts again at 16h00 that afternoon.