By Roxanne Reid
I was resting on my bed at one of Namibia’s Okonjima Lodges. I could hear a black-backed jackal howling; from the picture window I could see a gemsbok silhouetted against the setting sun. It was hard to leave our fabulous room with a view for meals and activities, but we’d done it – and were glad we did.
I was resting on my bed at one of Namibia’s Okonjima Lodges. I could hear a black-backed jackal howling; from the picture window I could see a gemsbok silhouetted against the setting sun. It was hard to leave our fabulous room with a view for meals and activities, but we’d done it – and were glad we did.
We’d spent a wonderful day at Okonjima Lodge’s Plains Camp. We’d been leopard tracking early in the morning. In the afternoon our guide Martin Njekwa had told us more about AfriCat and its ‘education through conservation’ work with Namibia’s large carnivores.
Plains Camp room
Our room had two double beds, a writing desk and an unusually big bathroom but the highlight was without doubt the enormous window with a 180-degree view of golden grass, termite mounds and a koppie. From here we watched small families of warthog, herds of gemsbok, a sprinkling of steenbok, a secretary bird stalking the veld in search of food.
Plains Camp main building
The main area – reception, dining-cum-lounge area and curio shop – was more barn than traditional safari lapa. The décor was different too – modern industrial with glass and brushed metal, and warm touches like indoor and outdoor fireplaces, squashy chairs and walls covered in photos of the family’s farming days. The farm theme is a nod to the place’s history, given that the first generation of the Hanssen family that still owns Okonjima were cattle farmers.
Plains Camp dining area, with photos on the wall
Photos also record some of the staff and others who have helped to make Plains Camp what it is today. Both farm and nature are echoed in décor details. For instance, horizontal windmill blades were fitted with lights, and there was a cascading chandelier made of tree twigs.
Plains Camp: outdoor fireplace for cooler evenings and swimming pool for searingly hot days
The barn looked out over a small waterhole that attracted wildlife like warthog and gemsbok, and onto the open plains beyond. This vast modern space was a little daunting at first, but the staff were so welcoming and warm that we soon relaxed and enjoyed its non-conformist approach.
Staff is helpful and friendly, like Laura (left) and Josephine
Bush Camp
General manager Shanna Groenewald offered to how us around the smaller, more exclusive Bush Camp. And boy were we glad we accepted. It was just plain gorgeous, the kind of place I could happily drool over but never afford to stay.
General manager Shanna Groenewald offered to how us around the smaller, more exclusive Bush Camp. And boy were we glad we accepted. It was just plain gorgeous, the kind of place I could happily drool over but never afford to stay.
Bush Camp's bar area
Ernest Hemingway would have felt at home among the main lapa’s luxurious leather sofas and fireplaces. Whether he was enjoying breakfast in the dining area or knocking back a whisky in the sitting room, he’d have a wide view of a waterhole and the hills beyond. Of course, he’d have to leave his rifle at the door – there’s no hunting here. Which for me is a bonus point, but he may not have agreed.
The bedroom rondavel on the right, with the smaller sitting area on the left
The masterpiece at Bush Camp is the accommodation itself. The bedroom is a separate rondavel with earth-coloured walls and huge glass windows under thatch. Spaced far apart for privacy, each room has two queen-sized beds, comfy leather chairs and a large shower.
The beds at Okonjima's Bush Camp are huge; you can have your own or cuddle up together in one
The stylish bathroom area at Bush Camp
The real jewel is the smaller rondavel next to the bedroom – an open-fronted relaxing area where you can lie back on your couch and enjoy the sights and sounds of passing animals, watch the birds that come to visit your private bird bath. A mini-bar and coffee station are perfect for those who don’t want to make the short walk to the main lapa but prefer to pretend they’re completely alone in the wilderness.
The reception area at Bush Camp
Shanna talked fervently about motivating and inspiring Okonjima staff to give of their best. They’re encouraged to develop their talents too, so when this camp was being renovated in May 2015, staff input was welcomed. Just one example is that a talented member of the kitchen staff painted the colourful designs on the walls.
Your private sitting area at Bush Camp is open at the front for that close-to-nature feeling
If you have a big budget, you’ll love sinking into the luxury of this place, going leopard tracking in the Okonjima Nature Reserve and visiting AfriCat to learn about their work with Namibia’s carnivores. If like me you don’t have a big budget, heck, just look at these photos and dream of being the star of this ‘African safari’ movie setting.
I was a guest of Plains Camp for two nights but had free rein to write what I chose. I paid for all travel costs.
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I was a guest of Plains Camp for two nights but had free rein to write what I chose. I paid for all travel costs.
Like it? Pin this image!
Copyright © Roxanne Reid - No words or photographs on this site may be used without permission from roxannereid.co.za
