The Grand African Villa. Okonjima. Namibia

Why we love it

Okomjima is a private farm and home to the Africat Foundation, which is dedicated to the conservation of large carnivores and has rescued over one thousand cheetah and leopard in Namibia and released over 85% back in to the wild. It is a great place to view cheetah and leopards up close. The Villa is set apart from the camp and offers wonderful views over a waterhole.

What to expect

The Villa can accommodate 8 adults and 4 children. The 2 en-suite master bedrooms in the main house have indoor and outside showers and a beautiful bath with a view. The two additional en suite rooms are approximately 50 metres away from the main house and have a bath with a view and either an inside or outside bush shower. There is a spacious lounge with a fireplace. There is an infinity pool with teak decking and a shaded sala for afternoon siestas. All the bedrooms have air-conditioning, high roofs with fans and when needed, heating facilities. You can make use of glass panelled doors which fold away or roll down canvas partitions that protect you from insects but still let in the sounds of the bush. The villa has Wi-Fi and internet connection. The Villa has a hostess, chef as well as guide and exclusive game drive vehicle.

What to do

Visit the Carnivore information centre and learn about the work being done to conserve predators in this area, particularly cheetah which can be seen up close. You can also radio track leopards from the game viewing vehicle which offers excellent photographic opportunities. A visit to the night hide to view nocturnal wildlife such as porcupines is a highlight. Also join the Bushmen Trail and learn how the San people adapted to life in the wilderness. There is also a self-guided trail and cycle tracks to explore. The Vlla has a massage therapist.

Kids:  The Villa only takes kids over 12.

The good news

The African foundation is responsible for rescueing over 1000 cheetah and releasing over 85% in the wild. It serves also as a research and education centire.

How to get there

It is two and a half hour drive from Windhoek, and three hour drive to Etosha, and there is a private air strip

When to visit

April to August is winter and mild to hot in the day with bitterly cold mornings. The summer months are from November to March and are hot with some rainfall expected.