STAY HERE CAPRIVI STRIP
Whether you call it the Caprivi Strip or the Zambezi Region (its official name), the best campsites and lodges are near water. The Okavango, Kwando, Zambezi and Chobe rivers all run through here.
pool in the river, and for its creative bathrooms. You can arrange a mokoro cruise (R200 per person) or a sunset cruise (R200 per person), or just stay in camp and look for birds. Camping R140 per person (with power). Bush hut R770 per person sharing (breakfast included); tree house R880 per person sharing (breakfast included). GPS: S18.11686 E21.67027 Contact: 00 264 66 259 903 (Shaun); ngepicamp.com
Mahangu Safari Lodge
Situated 19 km south of Divundu, the campsite has seven stands, all with power. Camping R120 per person. Special lodge rate for SADC citizens: R690 per person sharing (DBB). There’s a restaurant and a swimming pool. Fishing outings and game drives are available. GPS: S18.13841 E21.68066 Contact: 00 264 66 259 037 ( Walter); www.mahangu.com.na;
mahangulodge@iway.na
Ndhovu Safari Lodge
There’s one big camping stand here (max 10 people) with power, 19 km south of Divundu. Camping R140 per person; luxury safari tent from R1 180 per person sharing (DBB). Discounts for children. They offer houseboat safaris on the Okavango River. Go on a sunset cruise (R225 per person) and view game in Mahango (4x2). GPS: S18.13596 E21.67877 Contact: 00 264 61 224 712 ( Yolandi); ndhovu.com (See page 82.) GPS: S17.87499 E23.31760 Contact: 00 264 81 865 3052 ( Tinolla)
Mazambala Island Lodge
About 9 km west of Kongola, on the eastern bank of the Kwando River. The campsite is a 15-minute boat cruise from the lodge. Campers may use the lodge restaurant. Camping (seven stands) R120 per person; bungalows from R680 per person sharing (B&B). Half-price for children under 12. Go on a game drive or a boat cruise, fish, do a guided hike or a birdwatching tour. GPS: S17.82191 E23.33563 Contact: 00 264 66 686 041 (David); mazambala.com
Namushasha River Lodge
About 25 km south of Kongola. There’s a swimming pool and a restaurant and you can have sundowners on the deck high above the Kwando River. Camping R160 per person; chalet accommodation from R1 282 per person sharing (B&B). The fishing is excellent, as is the birdwatching. GPS: S17.98616 E23.29548 Contact: 00 264 61 230 066;
gondwana-collection.com
Camp Kwando
An excellent lodge and campsite about 30 km south of Kongola. Private stands with ablution facilities R210 per person; other stands R150 per person; chalets from R1 010 per adult sharing (DBB); half-price for children aged 4 – 8; free for children under 4. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and the deck has views of the river. Fishing, mokoro and game-viewing outings are available. GPS: S18.04298 E23.32226 Contact: 00 264 64 461 677;
campkwando.com
Malyo Wilderness Camp
The stands at Malyo go right down to the river. At night a hippo might come and mow your lawn and there