Reviews of Nambwa Tented Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
19 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Nambwa Tented Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
30% success
11% success
0% success
22% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
82% success
75% success
73% success
67% success
56% success
50% success
44% success
10% success
0% success
0% success
"Nambwa Tented Lodge review"
The drives (by boat, on foot and in the car) were all excellent with much wildlife on display." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana
Buffalo
6 sightings
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
5 sightings
Giraffe
2 sightings
Hippo
1 sighting
Roan antelope
4 sightings
Sable antelope
1 sighting
Sitatunga
2 sightings
Wildebeest
5 sightings
Zebra
6 sightings
"beautiful tented cabins above the forest"
"Nwamba lodge"
The room had a bath but the water colour was off putting." See all these reviews: 21n in Namibia
"Superb location,camp & staff"
The lodge is superb with spacious & very well equipped & supplied tents. the guiding was excellent & we had one of the best boat trips ever, seeing a host of birds & river life at close quarters. The lodge & tents are raised high off the ground, which is just as well as the site is on an elephant path.
It is quite exiting to see 20-30 elephants approaching the camp knowing that they an traverse the sit by passing under most of it. Even more exiting for the campers at ground level! we can thoroughly recommend Nambwa.
We had hoped to do some guided walking on this visit but it unfortunately was not a possible option." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia; 5n in Botswana
"Lovely Accommodation"
Having crossed the border (without difficulty) into Namibia's Caprivi Strip from Botswana at Mehombo, it was an easy drive along a good road to the entrance of the Bwabwata National Park. Our guide was waiting and having left our car securely, we were taken via a game drive to Nambwa.
It is true that game density is not as high as some other national parks but we did see two of the antelope on our wish list - the Lechwe and Tsessebe - plus one drive when we came across elephant as far as the eye could see. There are also water safaris which are enjoyable. Birding was good." See all these reviews: 10n in Zimbabwe; 8n in Botswana; 2n in Namibia
"Nambwa Tented Lodge review"
Unfortunately, the service did not live up to this high standard. The staff were disorganised, other than Linda, who seemed to have to involve herself in everything to make things work. Nothing seemed to happen without asking twice, from ordering hot water for coffee in the room, getting a drink or lunch at the time requested." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"A stunning tented camp, but so-so service"
the fire - there was smoke in the air when we arrived, and it developed as the afternoon progressed. We went on the sunset river cruise, but that was cut short to return because of fears the fire would engulf the camp. As we returned there was an intense bush fire raging just across the river channel from the camp, and evacuation was being considered. I think it was only the efforts of the staff working to divert the firs that saved the camp.
there was no proper camp manager at that time, and although the young F&B manager and head guide were doing their best the organisation and service did not match the quality of the facilities.
We'd definitely go back, but we'd probably take a fire extinguisher!" See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia; 7n in Zimbabwe; 3n in Botswana
"Nambwa Tented Lodge review"
The camp itself is located right on the river on wooden platforms so the views all round are good. The tents are huge and well equipped and whilst I accept it may be an old fashioned view I still like my bath in the bathroom not in the bedroom !
There is a large living area in the tents but we prefer to be outside and although there is a balcony all round the tent there are no sunbeds anywhere and no pool.
The evening meals were disappointing as the food although OK was cold by the time it got to you, nothing worse than cold soup. The service very hit and miss, we ordered two glasses of wine the first night and they arrived after we had finished our main course. We also asked what was on the menu that night and the waiter didn't know and there was no written menu.
The best thing were the activities with the excellent Beaven, an early morning river cruise and an evening game drive. Thankfully they were good as they were extremely expensive, more than double the price we paid elsewhere.
For me this is somewhere that is trading in style over substance and needs to provide more than a pretty tent." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
It seems that just before these travellers visited, Nambwa’s General Manager had quit the bush and move town for medical treatment. Clearly service levels had dropped; Tinolla offered apologies for this on behalf of the whole team.
To remedy this, Tinolla herself has stepped in to run the lodge whilst new managers are appointed and trained. A new assistant manager (a former ‘executive chef’) started at the end of October.
With this focus, we’re assured that high standards of food and service should be restored at Nambwa.
There’s also good news: Nambwa is now installing a swimming pool, which should be operational within 2016. They’re also considering sun loungers/day beds for the decking around the rooms.
So these travellers did visit Nambwa during a period when standards were unacceptably poor. However, we believe that subsequent changes should quickly return standards to the high levels that we’d expect.
"Systems Manager"
"Nambwa Tented Lodge - A Great Experience"
We were picked up at the park entrance by Kennit ,our guide for our stay. Unless you are an experienced 4x4 driver I would recommend making use of this service as the road is rough with deep sand. A large number of elephants were encountered on our road to the lodge, a theme which was to be repeated throughout our stay.
The communal areas are comfortable, pleasing on the eye and offer views over the plain below. Our tent, built high off the ground was simply stunning. Very spacious, very well appointed and relaxing to be in with the bonus of a lounge area. A wrap around veranda also gave views across the plains. Whilst there is no pool at the moment (plans for two are in the offing) there was nowhere to simply stretch out and take in the views and soak up the sun.
Juan was a very welcoming and attentive host. He spent a lot of time engaging with the guests, ensuring everyone was happy with all aspects of their stay. Kennit, our guide, took us on river drives, game drives and bush walks. His knowledge, bird spotting abilities, patience and humour all added to our overall experience. We have brought home treasured memories from these activities. All staff were engaged in their work, friendly and helpful.
We had a great time here and would highly recommend it. Perhaps two nights would be the ideal if you have a busy itinerary." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia; 9n in Botswana
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