#namibia accommodation

[okonjimanamibia]

When you are looking for an amazing holiday, to celebrate with your family and friends, or even the birth of your child or an anniversary to remember, then the only destination that I can recommend is the Grand African Villa in Okonjima, Namibia.

[okonjimanamibia]

When you are looking for an amazing holiday, to celebrate with your family and friends, or even the birth of your child or an anniversary to remember, then the only destination that I can recommend is the Grand African Villa in Okonjima, Namibia.

[okonjimanamibia]

Spring-time in Namibia, at Okonjima Game Reserve

It is a time of colour, of feathers getting ruffled, dances to impress, temperature rising and greater activity for all the animals at Okonjima, Namibia

The Kalahari Apple-leaf trees are in full blossom all over the Namibia, a festival of purple & green.

Here is another highlight by one of the Okonjima game reserve guides, Clive:

"It's nearing the breeding season and the males are changing into their pulling plumage, and calls and dances are being practised. We were lucky enough to see a Red Crested Korhaan trying his best to impress a certain female that came to watch. . . .

The male calls with a loud clicking noise which gets the females looking his way and then up he goes. After flying straight up, he stops flapping and plummets down, just opening his wings before he stops suddenly - hence they are also known as the ‘suicide bird’.

His crest is fully raised and he's dancing and hopping round and round the female, it's quite a show.

He's trying his best and all the guests are rooting for him, but alas, she's playing hard to get. After trying his best she seems to say," Yeah, not bad but let me look around a bit." with that she flies off. Poor Mr Korhaan just stands there watching her fly away; you can almost hear his thoughts.

Slowly his crest goes down, gives us a look as if to say that it was our fault and struts off. Keep trying mate, better luck next time.”

I have been lucky enough to see this spectacle, it is extraordinary, and I believe quite unique. Although our guide at the time said that he had never known anyone to capture the moment on video. I am determined next time; to spend some time trying to video that moment, it may take a great deal of patience.

I could not find anything on YouTube, so if you go to Okonjima, have your video camera at the ready – it could be a first!

Mark

[okonjimanamibia]

Okonjima, Namibia – some quotes

I am a fan of quotations, although one particular friend of mine does not believe in them to illustrate a point, on the basis that they don’t always get across exactly what you want to say.

However, as independent, credible sources of unbiased opinion I do feel that they give authority to a statement or focus. I think that Okonjima, home of AfriCat, is one of the most special places that you can ever visit.

Okonjima has had thousands of visitors over the past 20 years or more and they have made many comments, there are also reviews on TripAdvisor, here is a sample of some of them.

“We visited Okonjima in April 2012 and are already planning to return in 2013. It was, by far, my favourite visit to Africa…” Melissa Barton, Detroit, USA

“From start to finish our trip to Okonjima was great…tracking and finding the leopards was very special indeed.” Janine Jacobs, Zimbabwe

“Thank you for a wonderful visit to Okonjima, you put a program together that was really special. We felt like we had a private tour.” Tom Ruisinger, USA

“Thank you for a wonderful stay…the kids loved it here.” Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt

“My husband and I stayed at Okonjima in Jan 2011…in celebration of our 50th anniversary. We had a wonderful time.” Fran Gallogly, Netherlands

“Two of the best days of my life were spent at Okonjima.”Jem Mead, London, England

“When I grow up…I want to work on a reserve, to help and study and love the big cats and cheetahs.” Sam McMillin, Aged 8, Wichita Falls, USA

“I intend to come back to Okonjima, because it was one of the best places that I was in, in my life.” Carmen Monari, Argentina

Heartfelt and inspiring words that illustrate the point that Okonjima is a special place to visit.

Mark

[okonjimanamibia]

Where would you visit again and again?

About five years ago, I woke up in the middle of the night with a bolt of lightning in my mind, an epiphany – I had to ask my father questions that I have never asked him before.

I began writing down a number of questions and eventually came up with a hundred that I wanted to ask my father, before he died. The questions included things about his childhood, family, friends, and how he met my mother. One of the questions was which holiday destination would he go back to for a second or third time. He said going to Cornwall because it is the most relaxing place he has spent time in. I spent three hours with him reminiscing and chatting about his life. He died a year later.

For me, the lure of Africa is very strong – having visited Kenya and Namibia for two separate charities that are involved in education, the environment, and sustainable livelihoods.

The beauty and lure of Namibia

However, I have to say, that Namibia has to be the place that I would want to visit again and again. The attraction of Okonjima, home of AfriCat, the wildlife, the children, the schools, the views, the beauty of the landscape – in the words of BBC presenter, Chris Packham, “… I am constantly yearning to return to, to be back in, Namibia. It’s like a magnet whose draw I cannot resist and I am never disappointed…”

Chris has been to Okonjima five times and is a patron of the AfriCat Foundation. I can fully understand why, as I have been there twice and still want to go back, again and again.

Mark

[okonjimanamibia]

TripAdvisor recognises Okinjima, Namibia, as a top destination.

We all spend a great deal of time planning our holidays, not least planning our holiday budgets.

The one place where over 100 million travellers look for independent reviews and opinions on holiday destinations is TripAdvisor.com.

Okinjima Lodge in Namibia has now been officially recognised as a top destination. This certificate of excellence honours travel destinations that constantly earn top ratings and with a 4.5 out of 5 rating, Okinjima, home of AfriCat has earned a place amongst the very best.

View of the North Mountain, Okonjima, Namibia

What makes this all the more satisfying is the reviews come from people who have visited Okinjima and have had a fantastic Namibian safari holiday and have wanted to share their great experience with other people.

So, if you are considering a luxury holiday, a Namibian safari, or a holiday that you will never forget, check out TripAdvisor.com and check out the Okinjima Game Reserve.

Okonjima Namibia