The first impression is simply astonishing. Here, where the dense bush savannah is inhabited solely by animal life, an unexpected opening appears and reveals giraffes, black wildebeest, zebras and oryx congregating to trade the news of the day. Rising above all this is a mountainside, dotted with the pointed roofs of our lodge bungalows. This is Onjala, a gem cradled in the arms of Africa.
Welcome to this 1,700 hectare private nature reserve, located a mere 40 minute’s drive from Windhoek airport. It’s yours now. Feel free to move around as you like, making friends with everyone or everything that crosses your path.
Spend hours floating in the waterfall pool or being pampered and revitalized at our ZenSations Spa. Inside our comfortable suites, you can listen at night while the wildlife sings you to sleep with their own unique lullaby.
At breakfast in the garden the next morning, you won’t be quite sure whether it was real or a dream.
Onjala can be the opening scene in your journey or the grand finale. Either way, it’s always a time of enchantment within the treasures of the African spirit.
Environment
We subscribe to environment-friendly practices and sustainable tourism.
With a low rainfall and high solar radiation yield, water recycling and renewable energy are our main focuses. The lodge-own water treatment plant supplies water used for flush-toilets and irrigation.
A solar heating system generates the majority of the lodge’s hot water supply. Further attention is given to correct waste management and de-bushing measurements to rehabilitate the formally over-utilized farm land by excessive grazing.
Accommodation
Onjala has 23 rooms and can accommodate a maximum of 51 guests. This maintains the personal atmosphere we value so highly. We are always happy to welcome families, and to advise you of the most child-friendly deals and activities.
We would like to assure you that all of our employees enjoy having children around and know how to get along with them.
Lodge Room
Built in an unconventional architectural style, rough natural stone of the area was used to blend unobtrusively with its backdrop.
The eleven duplex rooms in the main structure with large sliding glass doors and small lounges are comfortably furnished. The lower balcony overlooks the surrounding scenery and the second balcony on the upper level looks onto the central courtyard with small tropical garden, pool and waterfall.
Bungalow Room
Four freestanding bungalows, each with two separate units, are tucked away in the bush a small distance from the main lodge, affording increased tranquility and privacy.
The units are spacious and well appointed with large en-suite bathrooms. The decor reflects the warm colours of Africa, creating a calm, restful atmosphere. The wrap-around veranda invites to linger and take in the sights and sounds of the surrounding bush, possibly sighting an occasional warthog or antelope in close proximity.
Panorama Suite
Four free-standing exquisitely appointed Panorama Suites welcome with added luxury and privacy. Each of the thatched chalets offers a spacious sleeping area, lounge, dressing area and a generous bathroom.
Air conditioning ensures a comfortable stay, regardless of the weather. The peacefulness and tranquility of the surrounding bush can be soaked up, while enjoying an ice-cold drink from the mini-bar.
ZenSations SPA
Ultimate relaxation and wellness
Onjala is a place for your body and soul. We have a high quality spa on Onjala. Guests can enjoy facial treatments, body massages, body wraps and hand and foot treatments, as well as several different water treatments. Each treatment is tailored to specific needs and ingredients, from anti-ageing, balancing and detoxing to restoring, hydrating and firming.
In the Bush spa, you can experience a relaxing massage in the open air. ZenSations focuses on massage, relaxation programs and on the cleansing, detoxifying and refreshing of your skin. The therapists follow a holistic approach involving energizing the body, mind and soul.
The concept involves Reiki, African massage and aromatherapy products that are created from indigenous plants. This haven for relaxation uses Africology, a product inspired by the traditional African healers, and the natural wisdom they have accumulated, celebrating Africa’s vibrant heritage and plant life.
Africology captures the energetic essence of local plants, and harnesses them to work in harmony with the body’s energy fields.”
Activities
Game Drive
Late afternoon game drives in an open vehicle around the nature reserve offer excellent sightings of a large variety of game such as giraffes, warthogs, various antelopes, ostriches, zebras and with luck even leopards.
Botanical Walk
Join our experienced guide on an early morning botanical walk. To enjoy this activity you should have a passion for nature and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Mountain Biking
Mountain bikes are available to explore the mountainous terrain. Either keep on the marked paths or cycle off-road.
Hiking Trails
To enjoy the unspoiled nature, several marked trails and a network of farm-roads allow you to explore the surroundings at leisure. With some luck and patience you might even see wildlife up-close.
Astronomy and star-gazing
Namibia is renowned for its clear and cloudless skies. Onjala has an extraordinary observatory.
Birding
Namibia’s highlands bustle with a colourful diversity of birdlife. On walks and at the lodge a variety of birds can be observed.
Where: Onjala Private Nature Reserve, 40 minute drive from Windhoek airport
Contact: web@onjala.com OR +264 61 259325
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came here from fb. The photos are stunning!
Hi Lorna. I agree, these photos are stunning, I agree. Peter, the owners of Onjala took all the photos. He is such a brilliant photographer.
yes, Onjala, is truly a gem in the Namibian bush with 1st class accommodation and the most wonderful staff, who couldn’t do enough to assist. Their warmth was out of the ordinary, and the Star Gazing tour, seeing the amazing galaxy through the naked eye and high tech telescope was mind-blowing! everyone should go ! I was there for 2 days in June 2015, and it felt like I’d been there for at least a week….and the Spa was extraordinary as well, if you want to recharge and visit Namibia , this is the place to go!