Kavita Lion Lodge: Our full report

STOP PRESS! Kavita Lion Lodge is closing permanently on the 17th November 2012. Please note however that AfriCat North’s Environmental Education, Research and Human-Wildlife Conflict programmes will continue as before; however, the Lion Sanctuary will be relocated to AfriCat HQ on Okonjima. The AfriCat North base will be moved to new premises within the immediate area, by mid-2013.

Kavita Lion Lodge is situated on a 9,000 hectare (9km2) game farm bordering south west Etosha National Park. About twelve years ago, Uwe and Tammy Hoth bought this family run cattle farm. Since then, they have worked to revert the land back to its original wilderness. At the same time, they established the AfriLeo Foundation. The foundation's aim is the protection and conservation of wild lion populations in Namibia and tackling issues such as the human-predator conflict. In April 2010, the AfriLeo Foundation merged with the AfriCat foundation (whose home is at Okonjima), which, through resuce and rehabilitation as well as education, is aims to protect and conserve Namibia's large cats.

Kavita has eight thatched chalets, each with an en-suite bathroom, a private verandah with some patio chairs, and a view over the waterhole. Two of these chalets are built on two stories, giving an even better view over the waterhole. In addition to this, a family cottage has three en-suite double rooms overlooking the gardens.

The large restaurant and bar make up the main area. Pre dinner drinks can be enjoyed around the campfire before meals are served either in the restaurant or under a thatched 'lapa'. There is also a swimming pool where guests can cool off between excursions.

There are a range of activities offered at Kavita Lion Lodge. These include game and nature drives in open 4WD safari vehicles, bush walks, birding trails and an introduction to the Afri-Leo Foundation. Visitors are also introduced to five lions rescued from Namibia's last zoo and who now have their home here in a 50 acre enclosure. These lions can also viewed from the hide. In addition to this the lodge offers pre-arranged day trips to Himba settlements in the Opuwo district and overnight safaris to Epupa Falls.

Geographics

Location: Etosha National Park, Namibia

Ideal length of stay: We would recommend staying two nights at Kavita Lion Lodge.

Directions: Kavita Lion Lodge is situated about 40km north of the town of Kamanjab. Travel north on the C35 road for about 36kms where you will see a sign board to the lodge. Turn right into a farm road and follow the signs for another 5kms to the lodge.

Key personnel

Owner: Uwe and Tammy Hoth

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Half Board

Food quality: All meals are served as a buffet. Dinner buffets include a selection of salads, meats, vegetables and rice.

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Children

Attitude towards children: Children of all ages are welcome at Kavita Lion Lodge.

Generally recommended for children: Although there is an education programme for children, the fact that children cannot visit the lions means that there is little here to keep the amused.

Notes: Children must be supervised at all times.

Central communications

Power supply: Generator

Communications: There is mobile reception here.

TV & radio: There are no TVs or radios in the camp.

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: The nearest doctor is in Outjo.

Dangerous animals: Moderate Risk

Security measures: There are no guards, but the lodge does have dogs. Staff members are often armed.

Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers in all rooms.

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible

Laundry facilities: Laundry is possible if guests are staying two nights or more.

Money: Currency exchange for pounds, Euros and US dollars in possible.