Namushasha River Lodge

The most remarkable aspect of staying at Namushasha in the Caprivi is its beautiful setting along the Kwando River. The lodge is designed for the optimal riverside experience making it ideal for spotting hippo, elephant and other animals, along with a diversity of birds. Namushasha is known for its superb service and is representative of the Godwana Collection's high standards.

Namushasha Lodge Details

Accommodation is in 24 comfortable chalets, all with en-suite bathrooms. There is one family chalet and a double chalet; the remainder are twin or triple chalets. Each room is set apart in the trees on the banks of the Kwando River, offering lovely views from its wooden deck. These tastefully decorated rooms are large and well-equipped, with high thatched ceilings. The chalets have tea- and coffee-making stations, side tables with bedside lamps, a large wardrobe, a desk and chair, a safe and mosquito netting. Chairs and tables are placed on the viewing decks and outdoor verandas for birdwatching and soaking up the setting. The showers in the bathrooms are noted for their excellent water pressure and the rooms for their cleanliness and crisp linen.

Open Riverside Main Areas

The spacious main lodge structure consists of an open-sided restaurant and bar that flow out onto the terraced viewing decks. Dining and lounge areas are set out on the decks for relaxing to the sounds of grunting hippos and the sights of animals and birds that are drawn to the river. Namushasha features a swimming pool, an attractive gift shop and a fire pit for evenings under the stars.

The food is rated as high quality and of excellent value, especially the game dishes. Light lunches and the breakfast and dinner buffets are served in the dining area and out on the sundowner terrace overlooking the river.

Things to Do

The two top activities at Namushasha are the open-boat river cruise at sunset and the combination morning boat trip and 4x4 game drive in Bwabwata National Park. The boat trips meander along the Kwando River, offering excellent sightings of hippo, crocodile and plenty of other game, along with a wide variety of bird species. On sunset cruises, sundowners can be enjoyed on the water.

The morning boat trips are great for spotting wildlife and birds, and are best done as part of a highly recommended boat trip and game drive combination. The guides know their birds, flora and fauna inside out, and can tell you more about the region and its people. These experienced guides take you into Bwabwata National Park in 4x4 safari vehicles, looking out for elephant and buffalo herds, plains game and the more elusive predators. Seeing rare sable and roan antelope is a treat here, as is being lucky enough to spot the shy and rare sitatunga of the Zambezi region.

Catch-and-release fishing trips are another popular activity at Namushasha, which caters for older kids too. Guests can set off on self-drives in Mudumu National Park and explore the Kavango region solo. Another option is to visit the traditional village near the lodge, stopping in at the Cultural Centre (Living Museum) to find out more about the local people and their culture.

Getting There

Namushasha is located in Namibia's Eastern Caprivi, also referred to as the Kavango and Zambezi regions. The lodge is on the route between northern Namibia and Victoria Falls, making it a good layover option. To get there follow the main road (B8) running east-to-west through the Caprivi Strip and take the C49 southwest from Kongola.

Our Take on Namushasha Lodge

Many a traveller has wished that they could have stayed at Namushasha a little longer, so make sure you spend at least two or three nights here. The lodge offers excellent value for money and is family-friendly, as well as being a top-notch camping option. The prime riverside setting provides a lovely spot in which to unwind in nature. Friendly staff contribute to the growing ranks of return visitors.