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
25% success
"Hakusembe Lodge review"
We were given the two –tier 'honeymoon chalet' which also serves as the owners' residence when on site. This is the problem. The downstairs living room and upstairs bedroom with balcony overlooking the river were lovely but the kitchen looked as if someone had just abandoned it (half used washing-up liquid, fridge not clean) and the bathroom had part used cakes of soap and the owners' wash puff hanging in the shower. The under-sink cupboard was full of their toiletries – drawers in the living room contained papers left behind. It felt a bit like camping out in someone's home which had been grudgingly lent to us. We'd have been so disappointed if we'd been on honeymoon; as it was we just felt a bit uncomfortable.
The grounds were very pretty and other accommodation all looked good, despite the fact there was still some post-flood clearing up ongoing- this appeared to be carried out to a very high standard, despite Sally's attempts to add paw-prints in the cement!
Food was good, but despite them knowing about my cheese allergy I was told 'tonight you'll enjoy Steak Cordon Bleu' – I don't think so – in the event a plain steak was provided – however this was what they'd served me for lunch too. Perhaps because so many people only stay one night there seemed to be little attempt to co-ordinate meals.
Evening champagne cruises were excellent (free if staying more than one night) and the lunch time boat trip with food cooked on the boat is very highly recommended – it's a shame so many people only stay 1 night and miss the opportunity to do this; seeing life (human and animal) on the river was fantastic. We saw excellent wildlife, including Otters, and loads of great birds, and learnt a lot about how people in this area (in both countries) live.
Thanks to Eddie for everything, including returning our room key to Ghaub." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia; 2n in Zambia; 1n in Botswana
"Hakusembe Lodge review"
The room was quite cramped for four (hence the average rating), but had all we needed. The restaurant was small and cosy and the food was good - it was nice to be able to serve our own vegetables.
The veiws along the river and across into Angola are amazing and the sunset river cruise with Eddy, with multiple sightings of crocodiles, was just wonderful. Eddy also kindly arranged for us to a visit a local school at our request, which was really interesting, and we also visited a local camp which had been set up to accommodate people who lost their homes in floods earlier this year.
We were also pleasantly surprised to find that our (very) dirty car had been washed for us!" See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia
"Would not return here"
When we arrived for dinner, they had clearly forgotten about us and taken a booking from a large party at the nearby campsite. Eventually they had to lay a table for us in the bar.
We enjoyed the sunset cruise" See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana
We'll be keeping a close eye on any further reviews of this lodge.
"Manager"
"A nice riverside lodge with good food"
The food here was very good and the service too - they even arranged a doctor for us at very short notice. The Sunset Cruise is definitely worth the money." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia; 5n in Botswana
"Hakusembe overnight stay"
Apparently the lodge had suffered from heavy floodings of the river earlier in the year, and they were still recovering from it (swimming pool wasn't fixed yet)." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Manager"
"Floating on the Okavango at Hakusembe Lodge"
We were allocated the floating honeymoon suite, somewhat flattering, but not recommended except for honeymooners: the chemical toilet was far from romantic, the deck in front ot the cabin needed repaiiring after the flood (carefree honeymooners could slip through and be swept away on the flooded river), and the deck needed some furniture. We would have been very much more comfortable in one of the chalets." See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana
"Hakusembe Lodge review"
The welcome here was second to none.
The gardens were beautiful and the rooms lovely.
We took a very informative river cruise.
The evening meal was served by the river and the table looked like it had been set for a wedding ...amazing" See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Smiling staff at Hakusembe"
We liked our chalet which had a little veranda and views over the lawn to the river. The bathroom was fine but a bit dated." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Hakusembe Lodge review"
We had three niights there which was perhaps one too many because scope for activities is limited - no game drives." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Oasis by the River."
Our accommodation was a rondavel set in pretty gardens overlooking the river. The room had aircon. a fridge and tea and coffee making facilities and was very comfortable. There was a lovely swimming pool and a welcoming bar. We went on a sundowner champagne cruise with Louis and saw lots of birds and local people going about their daily tasks.
Some neighbours dropped in for a drink and it was interesting to hear about their lives before the chef cooked us excellent steaks on the braai. As we were interested in birds Louis took us for an early morning walk which was very productive. This is a delightful lodge and we could easily have stayed longer in its relaxed and friendly atmosphere." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 2n in Zambia
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