Naturally Namibia - The North

Guided afternoon/evening game drives take place on the 30 000-hectare private Ongava Game Reserve. The reserve is famed for its population of rhino as well as lion and other game such as antelope, including endemic black-faced impala, and zebra.

Credit: Dr Olwen Evans | Ongava

Credit: Dr Olwen Evans | Ongava

Credit: Dr Olwen Evans | Ongava

Credit: Dr Olwen Evans | Ongava

Credit: Hazel & Tom Chapman | Ongava

Full- or half-day guided morning game drives in the Etosha National Park, Namibia’s prime savannah wilderness area (with packed lunch on full day). See the massive saltpan as well as the perennial springs that provide the water required by the Park’s high-density big game population.

Credit: Dr Olwen Evans | Ongava

Credit: Dr Olwen Evans | Ongava

Credit: Mike Myers

Offered seasonally and subject to an available walking guide, nature walks through the area take in the abundant array of life, from unusual plants to arid-adapted animals, with a chance of approaching white rhino.

Credit: Dr Olwen Evans | Ongava

Credit: Dr Olwen Evans | Ongava

Credit: Venture Media | Ongava

Credit: Tom & Hazel Chapman | Ongava

Credit: Tom & Hazel Chapman | Ongava

Guests can interface with science and research across the Ongava Game Reserve and part of this experience is an immersion into the world of natural history and science at the new Ongava Visitor Centre. With dozens of in-depth displays that feature information on the geology, animals, plants and ecological functioning of this fascinating region, guests are encouraged to meander through the self-guided exhibition area.

Located just 9 km from the Mushara Collection, Etosha National Park is a magnificent game reserve in the northern part of Namibia, covering a vast area of 22,270 km². If you're a wildlife enthusiast, this park is a must-visit destination as it is home to dozens of mammal and reptile species, several amphibian species, and over 300 bird species.

It's the perfect place to witness Namibia's greatest daily wildlife dramas unfold. Joining a game drive with Mushara's experienced and enthusiastic guides, you can learn about the Etosha pan, the flora and fauna, and the diverse animal species that roam the park. The game viewing vehicles are designed to withstand any weather condition, providing a spacious and comfortable ride with 360-degree unobstructed views from elevated seats. Thanks to the guides' up-to-date information on game movements, they have a high success rate for spotting game, ensuring your visit is a truly memorable experience.

Our 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. Some of our adult leopard 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 . Although there is a av very good chance of an excellent sighting, it cannot ever be guaranteed as they are wild free-roaming predators.

Leopard Tracking Credit: Crew 10

Leopard Tracking Credit: Yasin Kirsch

Leopard Tracking Credit: Crew 10

Leopard Tracking Credit: Freda Bauer

Leopard Tracking Credit: Freda Bauer

This Hyaena ‘experience’ offers more time to appreciate and understand the Okonjima Nature Reserve as a balanced ecosystem, with a focus on the ‘secretly social’ and rare brown hyaena. Since the private nature reserve was primarily established for the conservation of some of our more vulnerable mammal species, it offers an improved opportunity to encounter these relatively rare animals.

Brown Hyena Tracking Credit: Freda Bauer

Brown Hyena Tracking Credit: Freda Bauer

Brown Hyena Tracking Credit: Freda Bauer

Brown Hyena Tracking Credit: Crew 10

On this trail, no telemetry device is used to track the rhino, the guide and guests are joined by our dedicated Okonjima anti-poaching team who have spent many hours, getting to know each individual, dedicating their time towards the fight for the conservation of the rhino in the Okonjima Nature Reserve. This activity can only be booked directly at the Lodge.

Rhino Tracking Credit: Crew 10

Rhino Tracking Credit: Crew 10

Rhino Tracking Credit: Crew 10

Rhino Tracking Credit: Freda Bauer

Rhino Tracking Credit: Crew 10

The choice of going with the researcher or guide, will be determined by circumstances, weather and operations. Sightings are not guaranteed, as this complex, vulnerable species needs a gentle and respectful approach. Tracking on foot will be done in silence and maintaining a discreet distance. The Pangolin tracking is a specialized night/day (seasonal) activity. During the summer months this activity tends to take place between 10pm and 6am and during the winter months from 5pm to 11pm. As this would be the most active period of the day for these mostly nocturnal animals. You will join a guide and tracker on a walking trail in the dark within the 20 000ha Okonjima Nature Reserve. We limit participation to a max of 6 people per pangolin tracking. This gives the client insight into this secret life of the very endangered Ground Pangolin. A flashlight and walking shoes are compulsory.
This activity is reserved for guests that are staying for a minimum of 2 nights with us.

Pangolin Tracking Credit: Crew 10

Pangolin Tracking Credit: Crew 10

Pangolin Tracking Credit: Crew 10

Pangolin Tracking Credit: Freda Bauer

Pangolin Tracking Credit: Freda Bauer

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.

Game & Nature Drive Credit: Crew 10

Game & Nature Drive Credit: Yasin Kirsch

Game & Nature Drive Credit: Freda Bauer

Game & Nature Drive Credit: Freda Bauer

Game & Nature Drive Credit: Freda Bauer

Game & Nature Drive Credit: Pie Production

Game & Nature Drive Credit: Pie Production

Into AfriCat – behind the Science will present the current research and conservation work of the AfriCat Foundation. This experience will complement all existing Okonjima activities, offering guests a deeper understanding of the purpose, methods, and importance of AfriCat’s conservation research within the Okonjima Nature Reserve.

Into Africat Credit: Crew 10

Into Africat Credit: Okonjima

Into Africat Credit: Freda Bauer

Into Africat Credit: Okonjima

Self-guided walking trails for those guests who want to spend some time alone in the solitude of the Okonjima 2000ha wilderness area. Maps available at reception desk.

Nature Trails Credit: Okonjima

Nature Trails Credit: Freda Bauer

Nature Trails Credit: Pie Production

Nature Trails Credit: Pie Production