Location
Okonjima Nature Reserve, Namibia

West of the Waterberg Plateau, situated among ancient sandstone outcrops within the Omboroko Mountains, lies Okonjima—"place of the baboons.” The private Okonjima Nature Reserve is home to the AfriCat Foundation, dedicated to the conservation of Namibia’s big carnivores, especially cheetahs and leopards. Injured or orphaned animals are rehabilitated on the wilderness reserve, honing their hunting skills away from conflicts with local livestock. Within the Okonjima complex and adjoining the reserve, Okonjima Luxury Bush Camp lies two miles from the main camp, for the ultimate in seclusion and proximity to nature. 

Despite the wild setting, the camp’s deluxe accommodations belie any preconceived notion of "roughing it." Eight individual chalets and one ultra-luxury suite are situated approximately 100 yards apart from one another for complete privacy. Combining earthy ochre walls, khaki canvas, deluxe African-style furniture and original art pieces beneath a traditional thatched roof, each chalet holds a host of amenities. All have one queen and one 3/4-bed, en suite bathroom facilities including toilets and hot-water showers, a mini bar, private safe for valuables, kettle for early morning tea or coffee, and a telephone. The front canvas panel of each chalet can be rolled up to unveil a 180-degree bushveld view, as well as an individual birdbath in front of each unit that draws birds and small mammals for up-close observation.

The public areas include a spacious camelthorn-shaped lapa that encompasses the reception area and curio shop, a cozy lounge with a rustic indoor fireplace, kitchen and dining area, an outdoor fireplace and swimming pool—all overlooking a waterhole where wildlife congregates.