Central Highlands

The Central Highlands form Namibia’s geographical and cultural heart. It’s a broad band of rolling hills and mountain ridges that separate the coastal deserts from the higher more temperate interior. This is ranching country, shaped by vast distances, big skies and a slower rhythm of travel.

Many former cattle and sheep farms have diversified into guest farms or wildlife reserves, offering visitors insight into rural Namibian life. Others, most notably Okonjima, have become leaders in wildlife conservation, research and predator rehabilitation, placing the Central Highlands firmly on the map for travellers interested in meaningful wildlife encounters.

For those travelling between Windhoek and Etosha, the Central Highlands provide an ideal place to pause, explore and deepen your understanding of Namibia beyond its headline destinations.

Conservation & Wildlife at Okonjima

Okonjima is one of Namibia’s most important conservation success stories. Home to the AfriCat Foundation, it plays a pioneering role in predator research and rehabilitation, particularly for cheetah and leopard.

Animals rescued from neighbouring farmlands are rehabilitated and, where possible, reintroduced into the wild. You can gain insight into these efforts through guided activities that combine education with wildlife viewing, including leopard tracking, visits to research facilities and discussions around human–wildlife coexistence. There are also opportunities to learn about rarer species such as brown hyena and pangolin.

However it’s not for those with shallow pockets. But there are plenty of alternatives such as Otjiwa Safari Lodge which offers a traditional safari-style experience in the same  broad region.

Important Note: You can also visit as a day visitor but then your programme is limited to visiting the Africat centre.

Waterberg Plateau National Park

East of the main north–south highway rises the distinctive Waterberg Plateau, a flat-topped sandstone massif towering some 150 metres above the surrounding plains. Named for the natural springs at its base, the Waterberg supports far richer vegetation than the surrounding landscape.

This protected area is home to species including sable, roan antelope, eland and both black and white rhino. Cheetah, leopard and a wide variety of birdlife also occur here, making it one of the more rewarding regions for walking and guided exploration. Geological features, ancient dinosaur footprints and dramatic red cliffs add to its appeal.

Bird species include the black eagle and the rare Ruppel’s parrot, rock runners and Bradfield’s hornbills.

TIP: We recommend at least two nights here so that you can enjoy one of the many walking trails.

Erongo Mountains

Further to the west & south, the Erongo Mountains rise abruptly from the plains, forming a rugged volcanic massif near the town of Omaruru. This area is not an alternative to the above, and in fact works well as a scenic stopover between Etosha National Park and Swakopmund, breaking up the journey with striking scenery and excellent walking opportunities. Alternatively between Swakopmund and Windhoek.

Granite koppies, bushman rock art sites and open plains give the Erongo region a distinct sense of place, well suited to travellers who enjoy hiking, nature and wide-open spaces rather than classic game drives alone.

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