Discover Okonjima Nature Reserve
Okonjima, born of the desire to find balance for cattle farmers and predators, is now a game reserve home to the beloved AfriCat foundation.
Half way between Windhoek and Etosha lies the well-known Okonjima Nature Reserve. The 96 kilometre fence surrounding the 22 000 ha Okonjima private, Nature Reserve was finally completed in 2010.
Okonjima, home of The AfriCat Foundation, was established as a small ‘guest farm’ in 1986. For many years, Val (VJ) & Rose Hanssen had been avid cattle farmers until the need for solutions to increasing livestock losses and a post-independence interest in Namibia as a tourist destination, changed the face of Okonjima, as well as that of Carnivore Conservation.
The essence of the AfriCat Foundation conservation
Situated on the route between Windhoek and Etosha National Park, the AfriCat Foundation is ideally located at the beautiful Okonjima Nature Reserve. A non-profit organisation committed to the conservation of Namibia’s large carnivores, the foundation is home to a number of magnificent wild cats.
Over the years, the foundation has recognised the absolute need for emphasis on essential success elements such as education, community support, research and rehabilitation. AfriCat continues to make a noteworthy impact in Okonjima and embraces an ethos of conservation through education, keeping in mind the objective for the long term survival of Namibia’s predators in their natural, unaltered territory. AfriCat supports continuing co-operation with researchers, academics, scientists and conservation specialists by working diligently with farmers and permitting productive study to take place in support of the long-term protection of Namibia’s predators.
AfriCat offers an environment where large carnivores that could not previously be released can refine their hunting skills in the Okonjima Nature Reserve. Carnivores eventually learn and develop to the point of becoming independent, which opens up the prospect of returning them to their natural environment. Day visits to AfriCat include a guided drive through the reserve to the AfriCat Carnivore Care and Information Centre, where you can revel in the opportunity to meet some of Africa’s most majestic and largest predatory cats. The centre houses animals that cannot be rehabilitated into the wild and are thus looked after. The expert guide will expound upon the work that AfriCat does with its resident carnivores and those in the surrounding areas. You will also enjoy the opportunity to take exceptional photographs of the foundation’s charges. The 1.5 hour tour includes a light lunch or snack boasting Namibian flavours and spice.
Discover Okonjima Nature Reserve
Explore our fantastic array of Safari packages here: https://www.myworldinstyle.com/index.php/tour-destination/safari/