The river glides by under your private balcony, birds call and in the distance local fishermen pole themselves through the channels on dugout canoes - the genuine article for a refreshing change.

The four-poster beds (if you choose a deluxe tent that is) are dwarfed by the octagonal tent with floor to ceiling gauze windows you can roll up for the full show. A large and secluded en suite bathroom extends back into the trees and includes a free-standing slipper bath and a steaming hot shower.

The classic tents, more basic and a tad smaller, still offer equal river views and a private wooden deck out front to enjoy the bush. Minus the bath tub, the en-suite bathroom still provides a shower with separate toilet.

It can be hot along the banks of the river, but the standing fans do their level best against the heat amply aided by the generous shade of teak, jackalberry and mopane trees typical of this lush region.

The main lodge is an equally cavernous tented structure on a large platform with a viewing deck and the river below dominating the scene. The interior is elegant with white linen drapes and table clothes and leather chairs reminiscent of an East African safari scene from yesteryear.

Activities at Taranga Safari Lodge focus on the rather large river winding its en route to form the Okavango Delta: fishing (seasonal), scenic river cruises, birdwatching and guided nature walks (included in your stay). You can also take a stroll up-river with a pair of binos looking for any number of birds including fish eagles, kingfishers, jacanas and many, many more.

Situated 35km west of Rundu, Taranga Safari Lodge makes for a wonderful stopover between Vic Falls, Botswana and Caprivi to the east and Etosha and the rest of Namibia to the south.