Namushasha Lodge: Our full report

Nestled amongst the riverine vegetation along the banks of the Kwando River, Namushasha Lodge is close to the Bwabwata National Park. Overlooking a hippo pool, the lodge offers lovely views and good bird watching opportunities – the area boasts over 300 bird species.

Namushasha Lodge is a fairly large lodge in comparison to most lodges in the Caprivi, having 22 thatched chalets. These are modestly furnished with twin or double beds with mosquito nets, and bedside tables with lamps. All have an en-suite bathroom with a flushing toilet, a wash basin and a shower. There is also one family room available for four people.

The lodge also has a nice campsite with 16 sites each with their own BBQ, and an ablution block for all. There is no electricity at the campsite.

The main area consists of a restaurant, a well-stocked bar and a sundowner deck from where you can watch the local wildlife. In the evening a campfire is lit where guests gather to chat about the adventures of the day while enjoying some pre and post dinner drinks from the bar. There is also a curio shop to buy souvenirs from you trip.

Within the lush grounds is a small swimming pool where you can relax during the heat of the day on the deck chairs.

Activities at Namushasha focus on game drives into the Bwabwata National Park where you can see herds of elephant and buffalo as well as plains game, the occasional predators and rarer water loving antelope like sable, roan and the elusive sitatunga.

Boat ‘cruises’ along the Kwando River also run morning and evening and give you the opportunity to really see the diversity of bird life in this area - herons, jacanas and the migrant carmine bee­eater to name but a few.

There is also the option to do some “catch and release fishing" or to go bird watching.

Guests who are travelling in a 4 WD vehicle can explore the nearby Mudumu National Park independently. Although the same applies to the Mamili National Park caution needs to be taken here as often the area can be flooded. Do not attempt to visit this park without prior planning.

Our view

Namushasha Lodge is in a good location for visits to the Bwabwata NP and for boat trips along the Kwando River. It has a well positioned deck overlooking the river from where you watch the wildlife go by. As it’s a bigger lodge it doesn’t really offer the same levels of personal service as smaller, owner run establishments. Also although independent travelers do stay here the lodge could be said to best suit larger groups.

Geographics

Location: Caprivi Strip, Namibia

Ideal length of stay: 2 nights

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Half Board

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor Dining

Drinks included: No drinks are included

Children

Attitude towards children: Children area welcomed at Namushasha Lodge

Generally recommended for children: Yes

Central communications

Power supply: Generator

Communications: Rooms have mobile reception

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: Closest doctor is in Katima Mulilo

Dangerous animals: Moderate Risk

Security measures: Security guards

Extras

Laundry facilities: Laundry can be done at an extra charge

Money: They can change US$ and €