Gondwana Collection | Lodges

Hakusembe River Lodge

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Overview of Hakusembe River Lodge

Hakusembe River Lodge is situated 16 kilometers west of Rundu on the B10 road along the Okavango River in northern Namibia. This property offers a refreshing oasis with green lawns, large trees, thatched chalets, and a sparkling river strip, providing a soothing break from travel. The lodge captures the verdant charm of the Okavango region, where river birds soar between reeds, locals navigate dugout canoes, and distant village sounds drift across the water.

It's part of the Gondwana Collection and serves as a practical stopover between Windhoek, Etosha, the Zambezi region, or Victoria Falls. Guests can relax on verandas overlooking the river, cool off in the pool, or explore the Mbunza cultural village nearby. The setting encourages unwinding with the gentle splashing of water and bird calls, making it a spot to let worldly worries fade.

The lodge caters to individuals, families, and campers, with options for chalets, self-catering tents, and campsites. It's accessible by standard vehicles and partially suitable for restricted mobility, including one adapted twin room. Activities include fishing for tiger fish, boat cruises on the river, or simply strolling along the banks.

The camp's design integrates with the riverside environment, allowing time to absorb the peace or join excursions that highlight the area's natural features. Transfers can be arranged to Rundu Airport, 10 kilometers away.

Location and Accessibility

Positioned at GPS coordinates S 17° 48.996 E 019° 40.127, the lodge is on the Okavango River bank, creating an instant sense of calm upon arrival via the winding gravel track. It's 16 kilometers from Rundu, a key town in the Kavango region, and provides a break on longer journeys through northern Namibia.

The area features riverine habitats with opportunities to observe local life on the opposite bank. Access is straightforward on tarred and gravel roads, with secure parking available. The property is partially accessible for guests with restricted mobility, including one twin room. Transfers to Rundu Airport (10km one way) are available for min 2 pax.

Accommodation Options

The lodge includes 20 chalets, four Camping2Go units, and four campsites, designed for comfort along the river.

Chalets

• 6 twin rooms (one suitable for restricted mobility).
• 12 triple rooms.
• 1 villa with 1 twin room, 4 single rooms, and 1 bathroom.
• 1 family unit with 2 twin rooms and 3 single rooms.
• Each chalet features air conditioning/heating, an en-suite bathroom with shower, a safe, veranda, tea/coffee facilities, hairdryer, and umbrella.

Camping2Go Units

• Four pre-set tents, each with four beds, bedding and towels provided.
• Includes en-suite shower/bathroom, fully equipped shaded outdoor kitchen with seating, fridge, gas cooker, power points, barbecue facilities, and water cooler.

Campsites

• Four sites, each for up to six people with one camper van or two SUVs.
• Private ablution facilities with hot and cold water, power points, barbecue areas, shade, and lights.
• Wood available for purchase; no pets allowed.

Property Facilities and Amenities

Shared facilities include:

• Restaurant and bar for meals and drinks.
• Cold water swimming pool.
• Curio shop for local items.
• Wi-Fi at reception (1GB free per person per day).
• 24-hour security and mobile connectivity.
• Laundry service available.
• Credit cards accepted: Visa and MasterCard.

Campsite and Camping2Go guests can use these amenities.

Dining and Meals

Meals are served in the restaurant at set times:

• Breakfast: 07:00-09:00.
• Light lunch: 12:00-14:00.
• Three-course lunch: 12:00-14:00.
• Dinner: 19:00-21:00.

Bed and breakfast is included for chalet bookings, with lunches and dinners available for purchase. Options include buffets or à la carte, and lunch packs can be prepared.

Activities and Experiences

Activities center on the Okavango River and local culture, with guided options for exploration.

Guided Activities

• Sunset Boat Cruise: Romantic trip as the sun sets (1.5 hours, departs 1.5 hours before sunset), with refreshments and snack.
• Morning Boat Cruise for Bird Lovers: Focus on river birds (1.5 hours, mornings), with refreshments and snack.
• Fishing Trips: Target tiger fish with basic tackle and bait (on request, min/max 2 per boat, per hour), catch-and-release; fishing license separate.
• Fishing Excursion: Tailored for anglers (on request), seasonal based on water levels, catch-and-release.

Unguided Activities

• Strolls to the Mbunza cultural village or along the river.

These provide ways to appreciate the river's ecosystem and nearby communities.

Child Policy and Reservations

Children are welcome:

• Up to 5 years: Free of charge.
• Ages 6-13: 50% of the bed and breakfast rate.

Family units suit kids.

Video of Hakusembe River Lodge

In summary, Hakusembe River Lodge offers a peaceful riverside stay in the Kavango, with chalets, camping, and river activities. It's well-placed for breaks on northern Namibia itineraries.

INCLUDES

• Bed and breakfast (for chalet bookings)
• Air conditioning/heating in chalets
• En-suite bathroom with shower
• Safe in chalets
• Veranda for each chalet
• Tea/coffee facilities in chalets
• Hairdryer in chalets
• Umbrella in chalets
• Access to cold water swimming pool
• Wi-Fi at reception (1GB free per person per day)
• 24-hour security
• Mobile connectivity
• Secure parking
• Curio shop access
• Bedding and towels in Camping2Go tents
• Fully equipped outdoor kitchen, fridge, gas cooker, en-suite shower/bathroom, power points, barbecue facilities, and water cooler in Camping2Go tents
• Private ablution facilities, power points, barbecue facilities, hot & cold water, shade, and lights at campsites

EXCLUDES

• Lunch and dinner (available for purchase)
• Guided activities (e.g., Boat Cruises, Fishing Trips—bookable separately)
• Fishing license (required for fishing, arrangable separately)
• Wood for camping (available for purchase)
• Laundry service (available for a fee)
• Transfers (e.g., to Rundu Airport—arrangable separately)
• Pets (not allowed)
• Additional Wi-Fi beyond 1GB free per person per day
• Any items from the curio shop (for purchase)