Susuwe Island Lodge: Our full report

Situated in the heart of Namibia’s Caprivi Strip, in Bwabwata National Park, Susuwe Island Lodge is a little gem, tucked away in a lush riverine forest on an island in the river. It’s a luxurious and romantic base game-drives into Bwabwata and boat trips on the Kwando River for fishing & bird-watching.

Susuwe Island Lodge has got six very stylish, luxurious brick-and-thatch chalets that are all complete with en-suite bathroom, lounge and bedroom. The bedrooms are furnished either with a double or a twin bed that are equipped with mosquito nets. Each of these suites has a ceiling fan, gauze screen doors and a small safe. The en-suite bathrooms have a large bay window, a flushing toilet, his and her wash-basins, a shower and a bath.

Outside, the private deck which overlooks the Kwando River, is a perfect place for sitting with a pair of binoculars to watch the prolific birdlife around you. Each chalet has its own private plunge pool as well as wooden deck chairs to relax in.

The main area consists of one open-sided thatched building, where you can find a lounge with a small library, a bar and the individual dining tables. In the evening, sit around the campfire to enjoy an aperitif and perhaps also drinks after dinner.

Next to the main building is a two-storey lookout that gives the opportunity for some game and bird-watching.

The activities at Susuwe Island Lodge concentrate on game drives with an experienced guide and in a 4WD vehicle. Sunrise and sunset boat cruises as well as bird watching and fishing trips are also organised by the lodge. One highlight of the activities is a visit Horseshoe Bend where you can often witness a vast number of elephant drinking in the afternoon.

Game drives head into Bwabwata National Park, where the animals can be a little skittish – and certainly game densities don’t rival Chobe’s. However, with patience, aside from large numbers of elephants there kudu, impala and groups of roan, sable and even eland. The predators are around, including lion, leopard and even wild dogs – although you may have to work hard for good sightings. Boat trips occasionally yield sightings of sitatunga in areas of papyrus – as well numerous hippos and the odd crocodile – although the highlight of the boat trips for many will be the birdlife. Note that game drives into Mudumu National Park are possible on a private-drive bass, but costs are very high.

Our view

Susuwe Island Lodge is a beautiful lodge, which offers a high standard of accommodation, guiding and food. Bird-watching here can be good, with many of the Okavango Delta’s ‘specials’ occurring here – like the slaty egret. Game drives may be more variable, but best in the dry season, when high elephant concentrations are common. Susuwe is an excellent choice for a couple of nights stop when driving across the Caprivi Strip.

Geographics

Location: Caprivi Strip, Namibia

Ideal length of stay: Two to three nights

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Food quality: On our last visit in 2010 we found the food to be excellent. Our breakfast was extensive and good – both a cold continental buffet and hot food being served.

For lunch we had a grilled chicken stir-fry with a mustard sauce, followed by a homemade honey cake.

In the evening, dinner is a three-course set menu and as a starter we were served grilled tomato with filled tuna, followed by the main course, which was roast beef with potatoes, red peppers and broccoli. For dessert we had a brandy snap filled with fruit and chocolate sauce.

The meals were all freshly prepared and we found them superb.

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Drinks included: Drinks are not included.

Children

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

Equipment: None

Generally recommended for children: We think of Susuwe as being a lodge for adults rather than children.

Notes: Minimum age: 12

Central communications

Power supply: Generator

Communications: There is sometimes mobile phone reception.

TV & radio: None.

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Dangerous animals: Moderate Risk

Security measures: One guard during the evening.

Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers in the rooms.

Extras

Laundry facilities: Full Laundry Service -Included