20 20Lodge,

The stands here aren’t right on the river bank, like the chalets are, but you can view the mighty Zambezi River from the bar, which is built on a deck over the river. Curt-Ingo Sagell, Silke Kauert and Rachelle Lambrechts always greet visitors warmly and their friendly pooches like to lie around in the campsite. Soon it will feel like your home away from home. The ablution facilities are clean and the communal kitchen has a sink to wash your dishes and a two-plate stove. Or book a meal at the restaurant.

Birdwatching is probably the second most popular activity after fishing for tiger fish in the Zambezi. Schalow’s turaco nest in the lodge garden and you might also see African wood owl. The big drawcard is Pel’s fishing-owl and although you can look for one on a boat cruise with Curt, I was lucky enough to see one right in front of the bar one night! (Before I had my first Amarula…)

Rates: Camping (three stands, with power) R100 per adult; R50 per child under 12. Chalets from R500 per person sharing (self-catering); R600 per person with breakfast; R800 per person with breakfast and dinner. Discounts for children under 12. Sunset cruise R300 per person for two people; the bigger the group, the lower the rate (10 or more people pay R150 each). Fishing outings (half-day or full-day) or boat outings (1 – 3 nights) on the Zambezi and Chobe for up to six people: rates on request. Where? 6 km east of Katima Mulilo. GPS: S17.49515 E24.32406 Contact: 00 246 66 252 287; caprivihouseboatsafaris.com

– Toast Coetzer