Nunda River Lodge: Our full report
Nunda River Lodge (sometimes referred to as Nunda Safari Lodge) opened in May 2008 in Namibia's Caprivi Strip, ...
... now renamed as the Zambezi Region. Taking the local Thimbukushu name for the fruit of the jackalberry tree, Nunda sits on the banks of the Kavango River, 2km downstream from Popa Falls (also referred to as the Popa Rapids).With a total of 19 bungalows, Meru tents and chalets, guest accommodation at Nunda River Lodge is varied, but all the rooms and tents are clean and comfortable. In each, double or twin beds are surrounded by mosquito nets and covered with crisp white linen, with colour accents in the cushions and throws at the foot of the bed. An en-suite bathroom, with shower, single basin and flush toilet, is standard, and all rooms also have an electronic safe, floor-standing electric fan, flask of fresh drinking water and tea- and coffee-making facilities.
- Eight spacious bungalows are set under a shady canopy of trees, each with a thatched roof and a private, covered deck or patio overlooking the Kavango River. One of the bungalows has four beds, so would suit a family, and some of the en-suite bathrooms feature a bath as well as a shower.
- Seven twin-bedded Meru tents are raised off the ground on wooden decks. Like the bungalows, these too have plenty of tree shade and a private deck or patio overlooking the river.
- Four smaller chalets are set further back in the grounds from the tents and bungalows, and have no river views.
Activities from Nunda include guided game drives to Caprivi's Mahangu and Bwabwata national parks, boat cruises, bird walks and visits to a traditional village.
Our view
Nunda River Lodge is a comfortable, friendly base to explore this central part of the Caprivi – in particular Mahango National Park and Popa Falls. It’s also a short drive to the Botswana border crossing at Mahembo, so it makes a good stopover on the way towards Botswana’s Panhandle.
Namibia expert
Geographics
- Location
- Caprivi Strip, Namibia
- Ideal length of stay
- Two nights would be good here to explore this part of the Caprivi
- Directions
- Nunda Lodge is south of Divundu, just 2km from Popa Falls.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Half Board
- Food quality
- When we visited Nunda in June 2017, we did not stay long enough to enjoy a meal, but we understand from the owner that:
Breakfast is a buffet of fresh fruit and cereals as well as a cooked breakfast to order.
Lunch is a light option of toasted sandwiches, burgers or fish with a selection of salads.
Dinner is a set menu with a choice of two main courses, which usually include a vegetarian option. They also have a buffet salad bar. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Drinks included
- Drinks are not included. Filtered drinking water is provided in the rooms.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children are welcome at Nunda Safari Lodge
- Property’s age restrictions
- No age restriction
- Special activities & services
- None
- Equipment
- One of the bungalows has 4 beds so is suitable for a family.
- Generally recommended for children
- Because of the openness of the lodge we would suggest that it is not suitable for children under eight years old.
- Notes
- Dangerous game, including crocodiles and hippos, will wander through camp day and night, and parents need to supervise children very closely at all times, the swimming pool is also unfenced.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Nunda River Lodge
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Nunda River Lodge have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
80% success
75% success
75% success
67% success
50% success
50% success
25% success
25% success
25% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- A generator is available for back up.
- Communications
- There is cell-phone reception here.
- TV & radio
- There is a TV in the bar.
- Water supply
- Other
- Water supply notes
- The water supply is pumped from the river and filtered. Hot and cold running water is provided and the toilets are flush toilets.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There is a clinic at nearby Bagani and a hospital at Andara 15kms away.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- There are guards on duty 24 hours.
- Fire safety
- All rooms and the main area have fire extinguishers.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Fishing
Mokoro
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is available for stays of two nights or more, with a laundry list provided in the rooms. Ironing is not possible.
- Money
- There is no currency exchange.
- Accepted payment on location
- Visa and Mastercard are accepted, as is cash in Nambian dollars and South African rand.
Other lodges in Caprivi Strip
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Ndhovu Safari Lodge
Ndhovu is a simple riverside lodge, with tents that are reminiscent of safaris a decade or two ago.
Hakusembe Lodge
Hakusembe River Lodge is a substantial lodge with a superb location on the Kavango River.
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.
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.
Nkasa Lupala
Peaceful Nkasa Lupala is a comfortable lodge in a remote and little-explored area close to Nkasa Rupara National Park.
Camp Kwando
Near to Mudumu National Park, Camp Kwando is a comfortable and unfussy option with opportunities for game drives, boat safaris and fishing.
Ichingo Chobe Lodge
Safari holiday in Namibia's Caprivi Strip, staying at Ichingo Chobe River Lodge on Impalila Island.
Nambwa Tented Lodge
A beautiful safari lodge In the remote Bwabwata National Park, Nambwa Tented Lodge brings serious comfort to a relaxing safari.
River Dance
Build on stilts on the banks of the Kavango River, River Dance Lodge has great views, a relaxed ambience and excellent birdlife.
Taranga Lodge
Situated on the banks of the Kavango, Taranga Safari Lodge works as a convenient stopover before going onto explore the Caprivi.
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.
Divava Lodge & Spa
The substantial Divava Okavango Lodge & Spa offers plenty of pampering opportunities in an unspoilt riverside setting
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.
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.
Namushasha Lodge
One of the larger lodges in the Bwabwata National Park, Namushasha is an economic option with an attractive river-side location.
Shametu Lodge
Shametu River Lodge has the best views of the Popa Rapids of any private lodge in the Divundu area.
Jackalberry Camp
Jackalberry Camp is uniquely situated in the Nkasa Rupara National Park affording unrivalled access to this little-visited corner of Namibia.
Serondela
Accessible only by river, Serondela combines the remoteness of Namibia’s Caprivi Strip with access to Botswana’s flagship Chobe National Park.
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.
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.
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.
Nambwa Lagoon Camp
Nambwa Lagoon Camp is a small, tented satellite camp near the Kwando River offering boat trips, birding and game drives.
