Houseboat Safaris’ Lodge is an exclusive lodge nestled amid a lush green garden on the banks of the Zambezi River, a few kilometres east of Katima Mulilo in the Caprivi Region of Namibia, offering genuine hospitality in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
Please be aware the Caprivi is a malaria area, please consult your local GP or travel clinic about a suitable prophylaxis.
Discounts may be available for children sharing with adults, please specify the ages and number of children when making your booking or requesting a quote.
| January 2024 - December 2024 | |
|---|---|
| Rooms | Per Room Per Night |
| En-suite Chalet |
Please enquire |
| Houseboat |
Please enquire |
| Camping | Per Person Per Night |
| Camping | Please enquire |
| January 2025 - December 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Rooms | Per Room Per Night |
| En-suite Chalet |
Please enquire |
| Houseboat |
Please enquire |
| Camping | Per Person Per Night |
| Camping | Please enquire |
The lodge offers five rustic, en-suite chalets, that open onto the riverbank; 3 camp-sites with a power-point, light, running water and central ablutions, and a rose-wood deck with lounge bar.
Rustic thatched en suite chalets on the banks of the Zambezi River - equipped with a ceiling fan and mosquito nets. The chalets are built with reed walls and have canvas curtains opening up along the front, to give you that "sleeping in the open" feeling. We also have a tented room available as guide room and for the budget-conscious. Ablutions are shared with the camping sites.
Our camping safari boats are 7.5m aluminium Outback Safari Boats (a water-borne 4x4 safari vehicle), powered by 75hp outboard engines. With two roof top tents and a bunk bed on the lower deck each boat can accommodates up to six guests. On board is a small kitchenette with a gas stove, basin and fridge, a dining area, shower and toilet. The boats are equipped with all the necessary kitchenware and camping equipment. An assistant will accompany you and will mainly serve as skipper, assisting in other duties where and when possible (i.e. setting up camp, making fire etc).
Three fairly private camp-sites are available with communal ablutions consisting of a ladies' and men's shower and toilet. The ablution block also has two kitchenettes for those not wanting to braai, equipped with a small gas cooker and dish-washing facilities.
Text about the guest facilities at the lodge including if/where wifi is available at the kodge and if there is cell phone reception. Highlight general facilities available to all guests such as the restaurant, bar, swimming pool, shop viewing deck etc. Include what meals are served/ which meals the restaurant is open for, of if snacks are served all day.
Fishing: Let our guides take you to the rapids for the best tiger fishing in the Upper Zambezi or further down the Zambezi looking for some bream.
Boat cruises: Join us for a night boat cruise to spot our resident Pel’s Fishing Owl or relax with a refreshing sundowner on a sunset cruise. We also have half-day (4hours) and full-day cruises (8 hours) available.
Advisory The Caprivi is in Africa and is a wilderness area. There are things that bite and sting. Be aware of crocodiles, hippos, snakes, mosquitoes and spiders. On the safaris you might encounter some of the "Big Five".
Malaria is always a risk. Please consult your medical practitioner for advice.
Please note we have dogs! Big ones and small ones!
Houseboat Safari's
Depart from the lodge on one of our specially designed safari boats for a
safari down the Zambezi and/or Chobe Rivers to enjoy the spectacular views
and the abundance of game and bird life this region has to offer. Please note
these are not houseboats as the name of the lodge denotes. They are only 7.5m
long and 2m wide. They are based on a swamp boat platform and the intention
is to experience an adventure and not a luxury excursion on a floating hotel.
Angling
With a myriad of fish species abundant in the Zambezi River, ample angling
opportunities are on offer. Famous for its tiger fish and bream, the river
promises to challenge and enthral both the angling enthusiast and the novice.
In close proximity to the lodge there are excellent tiger waters at the Wanela rapids and other rock beds. By staying at the lodge these waters prove an easy morning / afternoons angling.
Other angling waters are 40 - 60km from our base with good tiger and bream angling spots. This is possible to do in a day trip returning to the lodge at night or otherwise to camp for a night or two with the houseboats as base camp along the Zambezi River.
Best angling times run from late April through to January for tiger fish and catfish species and from June through to November for the bream species.
Angling boats can be rented on a half or full day basis. All boats hired are accompanied by a skipper. Knowledgeable guides for specialized angling safaris can also be arranged.
Birding
Truly a birders paradise, the Caprivi is home to over 400 wetland and woodland
bird species. Regular visitors to our garden, to name just a few is the Schalow’s
Turaco, White- backed Night Heron, African Finfoot, Collared Sunbird and Swamp
Boubou.
In close proximity to our lodge you can view the Rock Pratincole and maybe catch a glimpse of our resident Pel’s Fishing Owl. Other specials in the area include the Slaty Egret, Coppery-tailed Coucal, Souza’s Shrike, Copper Sunbird, Rosy Throated Longclaw and African Skimmer.
Great flocks of Carmine Bea-eaters also frequent the area during their breeding season from September to October, their nesting sites an incredible site to see.
Overnight safaris on our houseboats will take you down the Zambezi and/or Chobe Rivers to enjoy, with the river as your platform, the fascinating array of fauna and flora this region has to offer. Travel at a leisurely pace down the expanse of these mighty rivers with its endless floodplains and breathtaking sunsets. In the evening relax around the warmth of a camp-fire on a secluded white sandbank before heading to the comfort of your tent, gently rocking to sleep to the sounds of an African Night.
The Rivers
The Zambezi River
The Zambezi River is the fourth largest river system in Africa. Beginning
its journey as an insignificant little spring in the north-west corner of
Zambia it runs for a length of 2700km through six countries before finally
completing its fascinating journey in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
For 130km this river forms the border between Namibia and Zambia.
The Chobe River
Forming the southern border between the Eastern Caprivi and Botswana, the
Chobe River meanders eastwards through the Chobe National Park to meet up
with the Zambezi River at Kazangula.
Other Activities
Sunset Cruises
Relax with a refreshing cold drink whilst enjoying a spectacular sunset over
the Zambezi River. You might most likely spot some hippos and if you're really
lucky, crocodiles, otters in addition to the many bird species gracing the
Zambezi River.
Half and Full Day Cruises
Enjoy a leisurely day on the Zambezi with an optional picnic or braai lunch
along the riverbank. You will be able to spot hippos and loads of birds with
some rare sightings possible. On a lucky day otters and crocodiles might also
show themselves.
With us being in close proximity to three other countries, day trips and transfers can be arranged to the following:
Chobe National Park,
Victoria Falls,
Ngonye (Sioma) Falls and our local parks; the Bwabwata, Nkasa Lupala (Mamili)
and Mudumu National Parks.
Catering Options
Self Catering
The clients supplies own foodstuff and beverages and prepares all the meals
themselves.
Assisted Self Catering
We supply all the necessary foodstuff accompanied by a guideline menu. Meals
are all prepared by the clients themselves. The skipper will assist with the
cooking duties where and when possible.
Beverages can also be supplied according to your specifications.
A road trip across Namibia is an experience you will cherish forever, the freedom to stop wherever you want and explore Namibia on your own terms, for that you will need to hire the right car.
