This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines open now

User menu
Hakusembe River Lodge
Hakusembe River Lodge
Hakusembe River Lodge
Hakusembe River Lodge

Hakusembe River Lodge


17°50’59.5"S 19°40’14.4"E

Reviews of Hakusembe Lodge

Wildlife sightings and reviews

93 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Hakusembe Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa

Wildlife sightings by our travellers
Starting in Sep-2018, 12 of our travellers have recorded their wildlife sightings at Hakusembe Lodge.
Hippo

25% success

Showing 1-10 of 93
Duration
Arrival date
Mr. & Mrs. E
UK

"Hakusembe River Lodge review"

1 night Arrived 31 Oct 2023
"A 'roadstead' stop en-route to the Caprivi Strip, providing a break between two very long-distance drives.

We were confused on our arrival by the 'explanation' of the time zone which applied at the lodge. Because of its proximity to the Angolan border, the mobile phone network shows Angolan time, which is one hour behind Namibian time. By the number of people arriving for meals one hour after service began we do not think we were alone in understanding that this meant the lodge was operating meal times on Angolan time!

The rooms and facilities were reasonable and the grounds were lovely and beautifully maintained. We were fortunate on the morning of our departure to meet a groundsman who pointed out two nesting owls in the trees near our room.

The buffet-style meals offered a reasonable choice and standard but overall we would not have wanted to stay longer, and could possibly have been somewhere more welcoming." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana; 1n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average

Location:
Good
Service:
Average
Facilities:
Average
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Mr D.
Stillwater

"Hakusembe River Lodge review"

2 nights Arrived 10 Jun 2023
"This lodge catered to larger groups and was a different experience than the quiet and sedate Xaro Lodge but was, like Xaro, beautifully situated on the river with plenty of opportunities to explore the river and environs (which we did, including two river excursions).

Proximity to the Mbunza Living Museum--just a short walk from the lodge--was also a bonus.

The room assigned was large and comfortable, the setting marvelous, and the buffet meals were great." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia; 5n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe; 1n in South Africa
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Mr & Mrs G
Cottenham

"1 night stopover between Etosha and Botswana"

1 night Arrived 4 Dec 2022
"This lodge was booked as a stopover for us on the edge of the Caprivi strip, before we crossed the border into Botswana. We arrived at around 3pm, as we had heard good things about the sunset boat trip. Unfortunately the water levels in the river were too low, so the boat trips could not take place. Instead we checked in at a more leisurely pace, and also enjoyed walking around the gardens viewing the birdlife.

The african hoopoe mentioned in an earlier review still had its young in a nest located in a trunk of a tree just by the car park. There were also many other species including our favourite, the lilac breasted roller.

We enjoyed drinks on the main lodge view deck over the river, and watched the local villagers on the Angolan side go about their evening chores on the opposite river bank. There were also several shoals of tigerfish close to the river bank below the viewing deck.

Food here was good. Like other Gondwana Collection lodges, the meals are all self service buffets, with a large variety of dishes to choose from. Springbok steak, quiche, salad, soup, chips / potato wedges, vegetables and more. Breakfast was similar, with plenty of the usual cooked options to choose from, as well as yoghurts, 'continental' meats and cheeses, pastries, toast etc.

The staff were all very friendly and attentive, and we enjoyed our stay here." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good

Location:
Good
Service:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Rob and Gin
Australia

"Hakusembe River Lodge review"

1 night Arrived 27 Nov 2022
"Nice camp and surrounds." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good

Location:
Good
Food:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Boghall birder
Roslin

"Hakusembe River Lodge review"

1 night Arrived 14 Nov 2022
"Excellent. Great location by the river with great food and friendly staff.

The birding in the grounds was really good too (white faced scops owl roosting in the trees in the garden and African hoopoe nesting in a hole in a tree beside the car park)." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia; 2n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Dr D & Dr U
UK

"Hakusembe River Lodge review"

1 night Arrived 11 May 2022
"Fabulous setting and food.

Very nice staff, bit on the large side but perfect for an overnight stay." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia; 1n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Sightings Report

Hippo

Multiple sightings

safari lovers
UK

"Hakusembe River Lodge review"

1 night Arrived 7 Apr 2022
"Loved this very spacious quite large camp for its gardens and location on the river. Accommodation well spread out - individual large and comfortable rooms.

An excellent one night stop at the western end of the Capriviv strip.

We did the evening sundowner cruise - the guide was not available so the assistant camp manager took us . He knew nothing about the wildlife . The setting sun made for some lovely photos.

Food was self service buffet. Big choice and very tasty." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Average
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report

Hippo

4 sightings

Mrs CH
Wimbledon

"Hakusembe River Lodge review"

1 night Arrived 27 Mar 2022
"Lovely chalet overlooking the river. Extremely comfortable and well fitted out.

This is not a place to holiday but an excellent stopping off point on the way to the Caprivi. The gardens are particularly lovely and there are walks behind the lodge which makes a real change from being confined to the car on safari." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good

Location:
Good
Service:
Average
Activities:
Average
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Average
Facilities:
Good
Mr J
Coventry

"Good for an overnight stay."

1 night Arrived 27 Jan 2020
"Only stayed one night." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good

Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Mr L
Leicestershire

"Excellent"

1 night Arrived 26 Sep 2019
"Had a great house here could have slept 7 but we had it all to ourselves.

Had a nice relaxing stay." See all these reviews: 22n in Namibia; 2n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report

Hippo

1 sighting

Showing 1-10 of 93
86%
93 reviews of Hakusembe Lodge by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
39
46
6
2
0
Filter by month

Holiday styles & special interests in Namibia

From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Namibia.


Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Diverse habitats, discreet hides and superb guiding.

Cultural experiences

Cultural experiences

Get an insight into Africa's cultures and history.

Family holidays

Family holidays

Hand-picked camps for an incredible family safari.

Honeymoons

Honeymoons

Romantic safaris and castaway island retreats.

Luxury

Luxury

First-class service, scenic vistas and unparalleled comfort await you during these carefully selected luxury holidays. 

Photography holidays

Photography holidays

Great holidays to suit the keen photographer.

Private villas & houses

Private villas & houses

Enjoy Africa with just your friends & family

Riding holidays

Riding holidays

Explore Africa's wilderness on horseback.

Solo Travel

Solo Travel

Trip ideas ideally suited for a solo traveller.

Walking

Walking

Explore Africa's most scenic trails on foot.

Walking safaris

Walking safaris

Explore Africa's untouched wildernesses on foot.

Wellbeing

Wellbeing

Wellness escapes in stunning locations

Wildlife safaris

Wildlife safaris

These trips include hard-hitting game and fascinatingly elusive species alike, as well as superb guiding and a variety of diverse ecosystems.

Other lodges in Caprivi Strip

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


Ndhovu Safari Lodge

Ndhovu Safari Lodge

Ndhovu is a simple riverside lodge, with tents that are reminiscent of safaris a decade or two ago.


88% (126 reviews)
Chobe Princesses

Chobe Princesses

The Chobe Princess houseboats offer a memorable way to explore the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers in Namibia's Caprivi. Perfect for a couple or for a group of family or friends.


96% (63 reviews)
Lianshulu Lodge

Lianshulu Lodge

Beside the Kwando River, within Mudumu National Park, Lianshulu is a small safari lodge offering 4WD safaris and river trips – with particularly good birdlife.


91% (60 reviews)
Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge

Nkasa Lupala

Peaceful Nkasa Lupala is a comfortable lodge in a remote and little-explored area close to Nkasa Rupara National Park.


93% (33 reviews)
Nunda River Lodge

Nunda River Lodge

NNunda River Lodge overlooks a pretty part of the Kavango River near Popa Falls and the productive Mahango National Park.


83% (29 reviews)
Camp Kwando

Camp Kwando

Near to Mudumu National Park, Camp Kwando is a comfortable and unfussy option with opportunities for game drives, boat safaris and fishing.


74% (24 reviews)
Ichingo Chobe River Lodge

Ichingo Chobe Lodge

Safari holiday in Namibia's Caprivi Strip, staying at Ichingo Chobe River Lodge on Impalila Island.


97% (24 reviews)
Nambwa Tented Lodge

Nambwa Tented Lodge

A beautiful safari lodge In the remote Bwabwata National Park, Nambwa Tented Lodge brings serious comfort to a relaxing safari.


94% (21 reviews)
River Dance Lodge

River Dance

Build on stilts on the banks of the Kavango River, River Dance Lodge has great views, a relaxed ambience and excellent birdlife.


93% (16 reviews)
Taranga Safari Lodge

Taranga Lodge

Situated on the banks of the Kavango, Taranga Safari Lodge works as a convenient stopover before going onto explore the Caprivi.


75% (11 reviews)
Zambezi Queen

Zambezi Queen

The Zambezi Queen offers luxurious two- and three-night cruises along the game-rich Chobe River, including game viewing by small boat and 4WD as well as catch-and-release fishing.


95% (11 reviews)
Divava Okavango Lodge & Spa

Divava Lodge & Spa

The substantial Divava Okavango Lodge & Spa offers plenty of pampering opportunities in an unspoilt riverside setting


91% (7 reviews)
Kaza Safari Lodge

Kaza Safari Lodge

Kaza Safari Lodge is situated on the great Zambezi River; come for relaxation, great birding and boat trips along the Chobe Riverfront.


100% (5 reviews)
Cascade Island Lodge

Cascade Island Lodge

Cascade Island Lodge, near Kasane in the Caprivi Strip is a very luxurious, high end option for those seeking peace and privacy on the Zambezi River.


85% (4 reviews)
Namushasha Lodge

Namushasha Lodge

One of the larger lodges in the Bwabwata National Park, Namushasha is an economic option with an attractive river-side location.


80% (3 reviews)
Shametu River Lodge

Shametu Lodge

Shametu River Lodge has the best views of the Popa Rapids of any private lodge in the Divundu area.


60% (3 reviews)
Jackalberry Tented Camp

Jackalberry Camp

Jackalberry Camp is uniquely situated in the Nkasa Rupara National Park affording unrivalled access to this little-visited corner of Namibia.


93% (3 reviews)
Serondela Lodge

Serondela

Accessible only by river, Serondela combines the remoteness of Namibia’s Caprivi Strip with access to Botswana’s flagship Chobe National Park.


80% (2 reviews)
Kazile Island Lodge

Kazile Island Lodge

On an island in the Kwando River within Bwabwata National Park, the remote Kazile lsland Lodge offers games drives, bush walks and boat cruises.


70% (2 reviews)
Chobe Savanna Lodge

Chobe Savanna Lodge

Chobe Savanna Lodge stands opposite Chobe National Park, Botswana. Click here to learn more about the area and your options for a safari there.


100% (1 review)
Chobe Water Villas

Chobe Water Villas

Chobe Water Villas is a beautiful and thoughtfully designed lodge, in a great location on the Namibian banks of the Chobe River.


No reviews yet
Nambwa Lagoon Camp

Nambwa Lagoon Camp

Nambwa Lagoon Camp is a small, tented satellite camp near the Kwando River offering boat trips, birding and game drives.


No reviews yet

Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team

Africa