Gondwana Collection | Lodges

Namushasha River Lodge

Share Namushasha River Lodge

Overview of Namushasha River Lodge

Namushasha River Lodge is located along the Kwando River in Namibia's Zambezi Region, offering a blend of water-based adventures and wildlife sightings from the nearby Bwabwata National Park.

This property provides an enriching experience with authentic African charm, featuring an open-sided dining room under a high thatched roof that invites the river environment indoors. The lodge includes 25 bungalows close to the riverbank, allowing guests to relax amid the tranquility of this African paradise.

In 2024, the rooms were refreshed with updated designs for enhanced comfort. From January 1 to April 2, 2026, the lodge will undergo upgrades to guest areas like the reception, restaurant, bar, and sundowner deck, aiming for a brighter, more modern space while maintaining its appeal. The closure is planned with minimal disruption, and assistance is available for rescheduling.

The lodge serves as an ideal stopover en route to Victoria Falls, combining the uncharted water world with the region's wildlife. Guests can enjoy the sounds of the river, observe animals from the park, and partake in activities that highlight the area's natural beauty.

The setting evokes a sense of peace, with opportunities to unwind on verandas or explore the surroundings. It's part of the Gondwana Collection and emphasizes a connection to the local environment, where the Kwando River supports diverse fauna and flora.

Location and Accessibility

Situated 24 kilometers south of Kongola on the C49 (D3501), the lodge is on the banks of the Kwando River, providing direct access to water activities and views of the floodplain. GPS coordinates are -17.98639°, 23.2956°.

The area is characterized by vast and spectacular open landscapes, including floodplains and woodlands, with the river attracting elephants, buffalo, hippos, and over 400 bird species. Access is via tarred and gravel roads, suitable for standard vehicles, with secure parking available.

Transfers from Mpacha Airport in Katima Mulilo (120km away) are offered at N$1005 per person return (minimum 2 guests). A package transfer between three Zambezi Gondwana properties (Namushasha River Lodge, Zambezi Mubala Lodge, Chobe River Camp) costs N$1170 per person round trip. The property is not fully specified for restricted mobility, so inquire for details.

Accommodation Options

The lodge has 25 bungalows, positioned near the river for scenic views.

Twin Rooms

• 20 rooms, each with twin beds.
• Amenities include air conditioning/heating, safe, veranda, en-suite bathroom with shower, mosquito nets, tea/coffee facilities, hairdryer, and umbrella.

Triple Rooms

• 3 rooms, each with three beds.
• Amenities mirror the twin rooms.

Family Rooms

• 2 rooms, each with four beds suitable for two adults and two children under 13.
• Amenities include air conditioning/heating, safe, veranda, en-suite bathroom with shower, mosquito nets, tea/coffee facilities, hairdryer, and umbrella.

All rooms feature refreshed designs from 2024 for added comfort.

No camping mentioned in the details.

Property Facilities and Amenities

Shared facilities include:

• Restaurant and bar for meals and relaxation.
• Boma for outdoor gatherings.
• Curio shop for souvenirs.
• Cold water swimming pool.
• Wi-Fi at reception (1MB free per person per day).
• 24-hour security and mobile connectivity.
• Secure parking.
• Credit cards accepted: Visa and MasterCard.

Dining and Meals

Meals are served in the restaurant at set times, using fresh ingredients suitable for the riverside setting:

• 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 room bookings, with lunches and dinners available for purchase. Lunch packs can be prepared for excursions.

Activities and Experiences

Activities focus on the Kwando River and Bwabwata National Park, with guided options for wildlife and cultural immersion. Boat activities are seasonal and dependent on water levels, limited during the dry season (September to December).

Guided Activities

• Game Drive into Bwabwata National Park: A 3-hour tour departing AM (±8:00) or PM (±15:00), including park entrance fees, short boat transfer, snacks, and refreshments. Features mammals like elephants, Cape buffalo, hippo, roan antelope, sable antelope, tsessebe, zebra, wildebeest, red lechwe, sitatunga, crocodile, and predators (lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena).
• Morning/Sunset Boat Cruise: A 1.5-hour cruise on the Kwando River, departing AM (±8:00) or PM (1.5 hours before sunset), with refreshments and light snacks. Guided focus on wildlife, birdlife, and the river system.
• Afternoon Boat Cruise: A 3-hour tour departing ±15:00, including refreshments and light snacks. Highlights elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and over 400 bird species (e.g., African fish eagles, African skimmers, lesser jacana, black coucal, wattled crane, western-banded snake eagle, Shelley's sunbird, Arnott's chat).
• Fishing: Guided per hour (minimum/maximum 2 persons per boat), including boat, basic tackle, and bait. Catch-and-release for catfish, tilapia, nembwe, tigerfish. Fishing license not included; lost/broken equipment at guest's expense. Seasonal and water-level dependent.
• Fishing Excursion for Enthusiastic Anglers: Tailor-made on request, seasonal, catch-and-release.

No unguided activities specified.

Child Policy and Reservations

Children are welcome, with a family-friendly policy:

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

The family rooms make it suitable for younger visitors.

Video of Namushasha River Lodge

In summary, Namushasha River Lodge serves as a tranquil spot along the Kwando River, combining comfort with opportunities for wildlife viewing and river exploration. It's suited for short stays or as part of a larger Zambezi itinerary, allowing time to unwind in the floodplain environment.

INCLUDES

• Bed and breakfast (for room bookings)
• Air conditioning/heating in bungalows
• Safe in bungalows
• Veranda for each bungalow
• En-suite bathroom with shower
• Mosquito nets in bungalows
• Tea/coffee facilities in bungalows
• Hairdryer in bungalows
• Umbrella in bungalows
• Access to cold water swimming pool
• Wi-Fi at reception (1MB free per person per day)
• 24-hour security
• Mobile connectivity
• Secure parking
• Curio shop access

EXCLUDES

• Lunch and dinner (available for purchase)
• Guided activities (e.g., Game Drive, Boat Cruises, Fishing—bookable separately)
• Fishing license (required for fishing, arrangable separately)
• Lost or broken fishing equipment (at guests expense)
• Laundry service (available for a fee)
• Transfers (arrangable separately)
• Additional Wi-Fi beyond 1MB free per person per day
• Any items from the curio shop (for purchase)
• National park entrance fees outside of included activities