Read through our staff profiles and it seems the Caprivi is our collective favourite destination - probably as an antidote to all the great big open spaces, blue skies and spectacular desert scenery of the rest of Namibia.
Featuring the very habitats that make Botswana’s Okavango Delta such a fantastic game viewing experience, but without the exclusive prices and costly access, the Caprivi remains a much underrated African safari destination.
This little safari lodge is actually on an island - accessible by safari boat - inside the Bwabwata National Park surrounded by as much pristine wilderness and prime game viewing glory you could ever hope for. Kazile is brought to you by the same folk behind the very successful Nambwa Tented Lodge in the same concession inside the KAZA - a trans-frontier wildlife sanctuary that, when all formalities are complete, will be the world’s largest nature reserve of any kind.
Accommodation is in Meru-style tents elevated on wooden decks and furnished to a high standard without compromising the bush experience: en suite bathrooms with hot running water, comfortable beds beneath elegant mosquito drapes, fans, power outlets and a private viewing deck.
The main lodge features a wonderful open-air lounge jutting into (and above, luckily) the Kwando River; a cool, spacious living area opens onto the never-ending floodplain invariably dotted with elephants, buffalos, hippos and the full offering of Africa’s amazing wildlife including lion, rare sightings of leopard, cheetah and hyena, giraffe, zebra, many antelope and hundreds of different bird species.
Guided river safaris in specially adapted game viewing boats are one of the best ways to get safely close to big game (they’re strangely not concerned with whatever’s on the water and so carry on their daily business as if you weren’t even there); guided game drives into Bwabwata National Park; guided bush walks with an experienced ranger; visits to the Sijwa Project - a community-based project where community members whom we trained, recycle waste into artisanal crafts; bush breakfast or brunch; special sundowner at Horseshoe Lagoon; romantic picnic in the bush; fishing
The Sijwa Project, launched by Chief Mayuni of the local conservancy in collaboration with African Monarch Lodges, is dedicated to addressing Namibia’s plastic waste issue. This initiative repurposes recyclable materials from the lodges and local communities into beautiful, marketable arts and crafts, while also supporting local artisans.
The project also runs an organic permaculture garden that’s enriched with compost and even elephant dung. Visitors can check out a variety of community activities like a cultural village, artisanal training, and a beehive project. If you’re staying at an African Monarch Lodge, you can visit the Sijwa Project to experience local culture, buy unique recycled crafts, and plant a tree, helping support this fantastic community initiative.
"We can't wait to return"
I can't thank you enough for helping to put together this trip. It exceeded all our expectations and we fell in love with your country.
"We loved our experience with NTS"
We loved Namibia and its unique landscapes and kind people. It was certainly an adventure and a privilege to get to spend time there.
"We had a wonderful time in Namibia"
All in all we had a wonderful time and appreciate the effort made to ensure all aspects of our tour ran smoothly with prompt email support where needed.
"What a wonderful journey we had in beautiful and friendly Namibia!"
Namibia has stolen our travel-heart and you can consider us as new ambassadors of this spectacular country.
