Reviews of Ndhovu Safari Lodge
They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.




Ndhovu Safari Lodge review
This is a casual and well run lodge with a pretty and peaceful setting on the Okavango River.
The problem for us is that it is about a 6 or 7 hour drive to Maun from there plus you lose an hour when you cross into Botswana and the border crossing can take an hour.
We had to forfeit our second night there and move closer to Maun in order to be at the Maun airport to drop our vehicle and catch a plane by 1pm. This was not the Lodge's fault.
Ndhovu
We are not sure if the couple in charge were managers or owners. The lady was very friendly and helpful, the man was very off- hand. We had to ask both days for the "donkie" to be lit so that we could have hot water.
We arrived at midday, but were not offered lunch. Perhaps we should have asked, but we waited a couple of hours and then asked if we could have something to eat. We were given a packet of crisps. However when dinner was served in the evening, it was very good.
We were seriously outnumbered by the other German guests. We do not speak German, but the host made no attempt to make us feel more comfortable at the communal dining table.
Ndhovu Safari Lodge review
A nice set up and location. The tents and lodge were a little tired and could do with a spruce up.
The food was great however the service needed some prompting. It was unfortunate the main host was away and this may have made a difference.
We liked the honesty book for drinks and the boat trip and safari were great.
Hippos grunting in the night at Ndhovu
Nice roomy tented accommodation with fully enclosed ensuite, on the banks of the river and set amongst trees that were teeming with birdlife. It was nice in the night to hear the hippos grunting happily and then to wake to the sound of glorious birdsong in the early morning. Elements of the camp did however look a little tired.
The camp is located a short drive from the Mahango National Park and we did an early morning self-drive through this which was excellent.
The camp food was good - we especially liked the smoked zebra on the breakfast meat platter!- and the staff and service were good, even though the friendly host and hostess were apparently leaving the camp a few days after our departure. Communal dining enhanced the evening at the camp
We went on the sun-downer river trip which was enjoyable both for the trip and the company of two of the other guests.
Ndhovu Safari Lodge review
located well with a nice NP within 15mins where roan antelope were seen & elephant very close up plus other game & birds
very nice lodge boat trip was very good with birding & wildlife abundant saw 5 giant kingfishers & otter
very good hosts
A pleasant little camp
The camp and its location very good.
Average game viewing opportunities, though the river trip and our own self drive in Mahango were excellent. The final access road to the camp is about 2km long and very sandy and difficult in places - we got bogged down and needed a push twice.
Ideally we should have had a high clearance vehicle or 4WD, though this was the only place in the trip where it was a problem.
Ndhovu Safari Lodge
Well worn tented accommodation. The owner and manager were very friendly and nothing was too much trouble. They offer an honesty bar where you help yourself and then record it in a book ready to pay on leaving. We went on a game drive across the river which was led by Ely who looked after us really well and was extremely knowledgeable of the Caprivi Strip.
Evening meal was on a shared table with other guests which is a good way to get to know other travellers. The food was extremely wholesome and tasty.
Ndhovu Safari Lodge
Lovely location on the banks of the river. Lots of hippo to watch.
Mahangu National Park is just down the road and is highly recommended.
Much smaller than Etosha but with a very good variety of wildlife.
Ndhovu Safari Lodge review
We slept in the floating pontoon which was a lovely experience with hippo noises around us!
The camp was looking tired and the managers had only been in for a short time as the owner was away. Swimming pool was looking uninviting and the general appearance of the place was in need of a makeover.
However, there was a good viewing area to see the hippos and we spent an hour watching them in the water at close quarters the next day before we left and that was special.
Another great location
Situated on the banks of the Okavango just before the river begins forming its delta. The tents were very comfortable and Klaus, the manager, took us on our own personal safari into Mahango National Park. We saw numerous hippo, elephant and ostriches being chased by around 50 baboons who were after their 12 chicks!
We also enjoyed the sundowner cruise here and saw our first snake - a Western African Green Snake.
The owners dog was lovely as well!