Ntwala Island Lodge: Our full report

Situated 70 kilometres upriver from the Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River, near to its sister-camp Impalila Island Lodge, Ntwala Island Lodge is quite simply a beautiful and exclusive retreat. On a private island, with only four luxurious double suites that are each individually designed, it has a really personal feel.

Ntwala’s large suites are furnished with king-size beds surrounded by mosquito netting drapes. From here you can look out over your private deck with plunge pool; both nestled amongst the lush vegetation. The room has two comfortable chairs with a reading table in between, a wardrobe, writing desk, tea and coffee making facilities, a well-stocked mini bar and a small safe. Outside there is a sala (with day bed) and a wooden veranda extending over the river with swings and deck chairs, as well as the plunge pool to cool off from the day’s heat.

The spacious en-suite bathrooms are pretty impressive with his and hers wooden basins, a luxurious stone bathtub and both an indoor and outdoor shower.

Linked by floating wooden walkways
The main building has an open plan lounge area with comfortable sofas and a dining area with individual tables. There is a well-stocked bar and a walk in wine cellar available to enjoy some pre and post dinner drinks. Ntwala Lodge has a curio shop, too, to buy some souvenirs from your trip.

To the front of the main area, overlooking the Mambova rapids, is a fire pit surrounded by directors’ chairs where the campfire is set up in the evenings and guests gather before and after dinner to chat and enjoy drinks. The lodge also has an elevated, river-facing viewing deck from where you can enjoy beautiful views and watch the bird and wildlife which frequent this area.

Ntwala is very close to Chobe National Park in Botswana; so some of its activities are based around various types of game viewing experiences. Most activities here are privately guided - each set of guests being allocated their own personal guide. These include boat trips along the Chobe River where, in season, you will get to see huge herds of elephant coming to drink at the waters edge, as well as many other species of game. Other such trips include sundowner boat cruises, bird watching walks, cultural village visits and fishing. Game drives into the Chobe National Park and day trips (by light aircraft or by road) to Victoria Falls can also be arranged.

Our View

Ntwala Island Lodge is an exclusive lodge and a wonderful place to stay for a honeymoon, offering great service, stylish accommodation and excellent food.

As well as being incorporated into a trip through the Caprivi, a stay at Ntwala can easily be combined into most trips to Botswana – or even used for a short side-trip of a few days when coming from, or going to, the Livingstone and Victoria Falls.

Geographics

Location: Caprivi Strip, Namibia

Ideal length of stay: Two to three nights

Key personnel

Owner: Islands In Africa

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Food quality: Whenever we have visited Ntwala the standard of food has been exceptionally high. Beautifully presented and well cooked; meals here are a real joy.

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Special interests

Honeymoons: Being so private and luxuriously equipped, Ntwala's beautiful suites are very well-suited to honeymooners who just want to relax on a tropical island. Activities are always available … and travelling by boat always seems somehow 'softer' and even more romantic than by rugged 4WD.

See more ideas for Honeymoons in Namibia

Birdwatching: Being on a lush island between the Chobe and Zambezi rivers, Ntwala is a top bird-watching destination. Some of the Okavango's specials are found nearby, as well as highly unusual species like the rock pratincoles, which frequent the bubbling rapids.

See more ideas for Birdwatching in Namibia

Wildlife safaris: Ntwala's motor-boat trips along the Chobe and Zambezi rivers are excellent for birdlife, and spotting hippos and crocodiles. Relaxed big game from herds of elephants to massive congregations of buffalo are also often seen from the waterfront of Chobe National Park – especially during Botswana's dry season.

See more ideas for Wildlife safaris in Namibia

Children

Attitude towards children: Children of 12 years and older are welcome.

Generally recommended for children: As it is such a romantic getaway we do not really think Ntwala suits children particularly well.

Central communications

Power supply: Generator

Communications: There is mobile phone reception but the signal is weak.

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: The closest doctor is in Kasane

Dangerous animals: Moderate Risk

Fire safety: Fire extinguisher outside each room

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible

Laundry facilities: Included