Jan Oelofse Safaris

Okonjati Game Reseerve & Surrounds
Otjozondjupa Region - Namibia

Okonjati game reserve and the surrounding concessions operates under a dual sustainable use model, accommodating both photography/ecotourism guests, and international hunters. On this land, over 25 species of megafauna are conserved, including elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards and cheetahs on over 200,000 acres of wilderness.

Since operations began in 1975, world renowned conservationist and hunting guide Jan Oelofse and his extended family have been incredibly committed to conservation, culminating the formation of the Okonjati Game Reserve, a 80,000 acre protected area of private land that has fully restored many of it's native megafauna species. From iconic species such a elephants, black & white rhinos, all three species of native big cats to a wide variety of plains game, the reserve hosts over 6,000 animals year round.

Like many large reserves across Southern Africa, Okonjati game reserve runs a dual sustainable use program, where both ecotourism (through Mt Etjo Safari Lodge) and trophy hunting (through Jan Oelofse Safaris) help to generate revenue for conservation activities, whilst also supporting larger land management activities. Additionally, the hunting operation helps conserve a larger neighboring government concession, where ecotourism activities are not economically viable.

Jan Oelofse and his family have been pioneers in the game capture and wildlife conservation industry for decades, providing much needed support for species that are otherwise disappearing across large areas of Africa and beyond. So successful have their activities been, that they've been able to use excess wildlife to restock areas of Namibia, Angola and the DRC that have been depleted of their wildlife. In a world where biodiversity is rapidly disappearing, conservation legacies such as the Oelofse family remind us that this trend is reversable, and dedicated conservation can help restore this.

Conservation Efforts:

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Native Elephant, Rhino and Hippos Species

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Native Ungulate Species

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Native Large Cats, Hyenas and Large Canids

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Native Small Carnivores

200,000 acres

Preserved in the Otjozondjupa Region of Namibia

Okonjati game reserve has a long and esteemed history of wildlife conservation. Piece by piece, they combined areas of degraded grazing land into wildlife habitat, tearing down fences as they went, and restocking species that had been wiped from the landscape due to disease, overhunting and competition with livestock.

Specific restoration efforts include...

Restoring both Black & White Rhinos onto their private land. These rhinos have served as a source population for other new herds, proving the success of their restoration.
Returning a herd of 35 elephants onto their private land
Returning a self-sustaining population of both lions & cheetahs on their private land, and their neighbouring concession.
The reintroduction of rare plains game species like Roan, Sable, Red Lechwe, Hartman's Mountain Zebra and Black-faced Impala.
Supporting thriving herds of common plains game like Gemsbok, Kudu, Springbok, Red Hartebeest, Blue Wildebeest and Plains Zebra, as well as a wide variety of smaller mammals, birds, reptiles and plants.

Mt Etjo Rhino Trust & Orphanage

Mount Etjo Safari Lodge and Okonjati Game Reserve, founded by legendary conservationist Jan Oelofse and his family, is preparing NOW to be of assistance to the individual rhinos who can be saved, protected and nurtured to reproduce - to hopefully save the entire species from extinction. It is our privilege and pride to be amongst those chosen as trusted custodians of a National treasure.

In the past, we have coordinated activities to protect the rhinos entrusted to us on our own account, carrying the responsibility and financial burdens through our own business as Mount Etjo Safari Lodge. However, the increasing threats all over Namibia and, on the other hand, the outspoken and sincere interest of the local and overseas public in this topic, have resulted in the involvement of other parties in the fight against poaching and the foundation of the MOUNT ETJO RHINO TRUST.

It is our aim to create a “place of refugee”, as Mount Etjo is called, for both black and white rhinos, where these animals may roam freely without too much invasive intrusion into their natural habitat and life cycle. We are against de-horning or confining these proud animals to smaller spaces, it is our belief that in their natural surroundings they will thrive best. Secondly, we wish to share our compassion for rhinos with visitors to and supporters of Mount Etjo, with those who are interested, who respect and treasure and uphold the values of all life.

Through the dedicated Rhino Orphanage, Annette Oelofse has already raised several black and white rhinos, her successes are above all testament to her dedication and passion for rhinos. The first black rhino that she raised, Nossie, is now 18 years old, has long been integrated into the wild, and has successfully given birth to 7 calves of her own. Saving this one life has thus already contributed significantly to the survival of the species. The following years Annette has raised another black rhino, Floppy, and another white rhino, Ombepo, adding to her experience and unparalleled understanding of rhino behavior.

Thanks to Annette’s continued dedication, about 30 more rhinos are alive today. She has received numerous awards and has been invited to many interviews and talks in recognition of her work. The documentary “Paid in Blood”, by Byron Pace, is currently in production, outlining her selfless work as a conservationist.

Economic & Social Contributions

70+ Hunters/year

52 Other Staff

Mostly from the United States and Europe

Providing employment for rural communities

Jan Oelofse Legacy Award

The Jan Oelofse Legacy Award has been offering hunts annually to disabled hunters since 1992, including 10 trophy animals, daily rates and skinning. We have wholeheartedly chosen to continue this legacy in the name of conservationist Jan Oelofse, who was the founder of our outfit, and the initiator behind this award many years ago. Our facilities are fully equipped to cater for disabled hunters, offering hunts to outdoorsmen and women in wheelchairs, from lightly disabled candidates to quadriplegics. Our professional hunter Rudie de Klerk is exceptionally experienced in guiding these hunts, having suffered and recovered from a disability inflicted by an elephant attack some time ago. The recipients of this award have often found this experience life-changing, and have given us the opportunity to meet extraordinarily inspirational people, who have succeeded against the odds.

Mt Etjo Private School

The Mount Etjo Private School was inaugurated by former President, his Excellency Dr Sam Nujoma, in 1992. Many learners have since graduated from the school, following careers in engineering, medicine and accounting. Today, the school counts more than 30 students and is almost entirely funded from hunting proceeds. Hunting & ecotourism clients often visit - donations are more than welcome!

8 Tons of Donated Meat

Donated to local communities to prevent food insecurities

Imapa

Plains Zebra

Greater Kudu

Imapa

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Trophy & Hunting Gallery

Damaraland Dik-Dik harvested on the main concession, in 2023.

Sable Antelope Bull harvested on the main reserve in 2023.

Giraffe Bull harvested on the main concession, in 2023.

Gemsbok Bull harvested on the main concession, in 2023.

Black-faced Impala ram harvested on the main concession, in 2023.

Cape Eland Bull harvested on the main concession, in 2023.

Plains Zebra stallion harvested on the main concession, in 2023.

Grey Duiker ram harvested on the main concession, in 2023.

Contact Details & Inquiries

Mt Etjo Safaris and Jan Oelofse hunting safaris both accept bookings almost all year round, and welcome visitors of all interests. The funds generated off each form of sustainable use tourism goes directly towards protecting the reserve, conserving vulnerable species, and restoring iconic species outside of their borders.

Down Below are the owners contact details contact details, so please feel free to get in touch with them regarding your next African adventure.