16 Namibia & Botswana camping & accommodation safari

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.

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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

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.

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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

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.

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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.

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Rhino Tracking Credit: Freda Bauer

Rhino Tracking Credit: Crew 10

Rhino Tracking Credit: Crew 10

Rhino Tracking Credit: Crew 10

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.

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Game & Nature Drive Credit: Freda Bauer

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: Pie Production

Game & Nature Drive Credit: Pie Production

Guests are invited on a nocturnal game drive, led by our knowledgeable guides. This evening drive in the Okonjima Nature Reserve allows guests a chance to spot the many nocturnal game species they wouldn’t normally see during the day. After the sun has set and the temperatures have dropped, the African bush comes to life once again:bat-eared foxes roam about, aardwolf on the hunt for insects, owls observe their surroundings from a height. All Okonjima guests are welcome to join a nocturnal drive. The Nocturnal Game can only be booked directly at the Lodge.

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Night Drive Credit: Okonjima

Night Drive Credit: Okonjima

Night Drive Credit: Crew 10

Night Drive Credit: Crew 10

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.

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Nature Trails Credit: Okonjima

Nature Trails Credit: Freda Bauer

Nature Trails Credit: Pie Production

Nature Trails 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.

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Into Africat Credit: Okonjima

Into Africat Credit: Crew 10

Into Africat Credit: Freda Bauer

Into Africat Credit: Okonjima

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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​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 by 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. He has also upskilled three ladies from Onguma and they too are available and receiving great reviews!

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Namibia can offer a truly memorable and interactive experience in the wilderness for families travelling with children by offering children's accommodation, specially designed game drives for children, activities and meals.

Onguma Nature Reserve welcomes children to explore and experience the uniqueness of the untamed African bush with its many wild animals both the big and small!

At Onguma Bush Camp there has always been an emphasis on family and the Lodge encourages families. The staff go out of their way to make sure the young ones have the time of their lives and the parents get their own satisfying safari experience. The bushveld of Onguma is a wild wonderland, a child's dream come true, and the Lodge delights in being able to share her secrets with the next generation.

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Experience the waterworld of the Kavango on a romantic boat trip as the sun goes down; incl. ½ bottle of champagne per person.
Please note: This activity is seasonal and depending on water level.
In the dry season between September and December, the rivers tend to hold so little water that boat trips are limited, with little or no access to the river channels. You are welcome to enquire about the boat cruise activities upon check-in. We make every effort to maintain the activity as long as water levels permit. The safety of our guests comes first.

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Hakusembe Cruise Credit: Gondwana Collection Namibia

Hakusembe Cruise Credit: Gondwana Collection Namibia

Hakusembe Cruise Credit: Gondwana Collection Namibia

Hakusembe Cruise Credit: Gondwana Collection Namibia

Experience the thrill of targeting one of the world's most powerful freshwater game fish. Renowned for their strength, speed, and fighting spirit, tiger fish provide an exciting challenge for both experienced anglers and first-time fishermen alike.

The excursion is conducted with a maximum of two guests per boat, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable fishing experience. Your guide will take you to promising fishing spots and assist you throughout the outing as you try your luck at landing this remarkable predator.

Please note:

Maximum of 2 persons per boat
Drinks are not included
Any lost lures must be replaced and will be charged at the lodge
A valid fishing licence is required and is not included in the excursion rate
Guests are requested to bring their own fishing licence, as licences cannot currently be obtained at the lodge until further notice

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Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Join a guided morning or afternoon game drive of approximately three hours into Bwabwata National Park, home to an extraordinary diversity of wildlife and bird species. This remarkable park supports large mammals such as elephants, Cape buffalo, hippo, roan and sable antelope, tsessebe, zebra, wildebeest, red lechwe, and sitatunga, as well as crocodiles and predators including lion, leopard, cheetah, and spotted hyena. Elephants are frequently seen moving through the park, offering memorable wildlife encounters. Accompanied by an experienced guide, learn more about the park’s fascinating fauna and flora. Park entrance fees, a short boat transfer, snacks, and refreshments are included.

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Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Welcome the new day or watch the sunset while enjoying a relaxing boat cruise on the Kwando River, listening to the guide sharing knowledge about the Kwando River system, noted for its wildlife and for most of its length the land either side is protected as game reserves or wildlife management areas. Refreshments and light snacks are included.

Please note: This activity is seasonal and depending on water level.
In the dry season between September and December, the rivers tend to hold so little water that boat trips are limited, with little or no access to the river channels. You are welcome to enquire about the boat cruise activities upon check-in. We make every effort to maintain the activity as long as water levels permit. The safety of our guests comes first

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Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

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.

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Fishing Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Fishing Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Fishing Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Fishing Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia