Welcome To Shamvura Camp
Situated on a large forested sand dune and one of the very few high
points along the Okavango River, Shamvura Camp offers spectacular views
over the river and surrounding floodplains.
The Treetop cottage affords the visitor a birds-eye view of one of
the last remnants of natural riverine forest comprising mainly of "Knobthorn
Acacia" (Acacia nigrescens).
The surrounding floodplains comprise of phragmites mauritianus reeds
and patches of papyrus and are vital breeding areas for almost 90 species
of fish and a habitat for over 60 species of wetland birds.
Accommodation Prices at Shamvura Camp
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.
Shamvura Camp Prices 2024 and 2025
Accommodation at Shamvura Camp
Shamvura Camp is strategically located ±110km east of Rundu, just
off the main B8 tar road to Katima Mulilo. The location is convenient for
easy access to the Kaudom Game Reserve (±65km), the Mahango Game
Park (±100km) and onward via the Mohembo Gate into neighbouring Botswana.
Shamvura Camp has an elevated location, overlooking the Okavango/cuito
floodplain and does not flood during the rainy season making it easily accessible
all year round. From here we offer you outstanding freshwater fishing, game-viewing,
nature walks, cultural activities, microlight flights and a once-in-a-lifetime
birding opportunity.
Malaria is present in the area, and visitors are advised to take the necessary
precautions.
Shamvura Camp offers six different accommodation possibilities. All units
have spacious shaded parking areas and all-weather roads leading to them.
Tree Top Cottage
Elevated on a raised platform in the forested area, the Tree Top Cottage
offers a splendid view of the forest from its spacious veranda.
It accommodates up to six people. The main bedroom features a double
bed, ceiling fan, and en suite bathroom. In the open-plan dining/kitchen/lounge
area, there is a comfortable studio couch providing two additional beds.
The veranda has space for one or two more beds/stretchers. The kitchen
is fully equipped with crockery and cutlery for six people, a fridge/freezer,
and a stove.
Guests can also enjoy a private enclosed grassed braai area with wood
provided. The cottage is supplied with electricity.
Tree Top Cottage Facilities
- Double Bed
- Ceiling Fan
- Fully Equipped Kitchen
- Fridge/Freezer
- Stove
- Spacious Veranda
- Private Enclosed Braai Area
- Electricity
Maroela Tent
A 2-bed unit, the Maroela Tent is raised on a wooden platform with a
large, spacious covered veranda offering an excellent view of the river
from behind the forest fringe.
It is located near a large Maroela tree and includes a large enclosed
grassed braai area with firewood provided. There is a partially enclosed
parking and turning area.
While there is no electricity, battery lamps, fresh drinking water, mozzie
nets, and mosquito repellents are provided.
Maroela Tent Facilities
- 2 Beds
- Covered Veranda
- Enclosed Braai Area
- Battery Lamps
- Fresh Drinking Water
- Mozzie Nets
- Mosquito Repellents
Combretum Tent
The Combretum Tent is a 3-4 bed unit situated on a slightly raised cement
base with a covered veranda.
Ablution facilities are nearby but not en suite. It features a braai
area and is located under a large Combretum colonum tree offering dense
shade.
The entire site, including the parking area, is enclosed with reed and
pole fences, providing a good view of the Angolan floodplains.
While there is no electricity, battery lamps, fresh drinking water, mozzie
nets, and mosquito repellents are provided.
Combretum Tent Facilities
- 3-4 Beds
- Covered Veranda
- Nearby Ablution Facilities
- Braai Area
- Battery Lamps
- Fresh Drinking Water
- Mozzie Nets
- Mosquito Repellents
Mangetti Tent
A 3-4 bed unit, the Mangetti Tent is raised on a wooden platform with
a veranda providing a good view of the Angolan floodplains.
It includes en suite shower facilities, a grassed enclosed braai area,
and a partially enclosed parking and turning area for vehicles.
No electricity is provided, but battery lamps, fresh drinking water,
mozzie nets, and mosquito repellents are supplied.
Mangetti Tent Facilities
- 3-4 Beds
- Veranda
- En Suite Shower Facilities
- Grassed Braai Area
- Battery Lamps
- Fresh Drinking Water
- Mozzie Nets
- Mosquito Repellents
Ushivi Tent
The Ushivi Tent is a 4-bed unit located near the main complex. It features
a large, reed-enclosed area providing absolute privacy.
The unit has no view but offers a braai area with firewood, outside lighting,
and a fully equipped kitchen with crockery and cutlery for up to eight
people.
A fridge/freezer and stove are also included. Ablution facilities are
within the enclosed area. Ushivi has electricity and a plug point.
Fresh drinking water, mozzie nets, and mosquito repellents are provided,
along with an adjoining "guide's nook" with its own electrical point.
Ushivi Tent Facilities
- 4 Beds
- Reed-Enclosed Private Area
- Braai Area
- Fully Equipped Kitchen
- Fridge/Freezer
- Stove
- Ablution Facilities
- Electricity
- Fresh Drinking Water
- Mozzie Nets
- Mosquito Repellents
Camping
Camping facilities are available at Ushivi or Combretum when the main
tents are unoccupied.
These sites include outside ablution facilities and extensive enclosed
parking areas, allowing for the erection of additional tents.
Camping is offered exclusively to guests participating in additional
activities or groups of more than four persons.
Camping Facilities
- Outside Ablution Facilities
- Enclosed Parking Areas
- Space for Additional Tents
Shamvura Camp Activities and Things to Do
- Birdwatching
- Boating
- Fishing
Special Birdwatching
The diversity of birdlife at and around Shamvura is spectacular, offering the opportunity to view many rare species, as well as numerous Namibian endemics or near-endemics. Boat trips can be tailored to suit avid birders, with many species visible from the comfort of a cruising boat on the river, guided by an experienced expert.
Shamvura is a registered bird ringing station with "A" permit holders on-site. Bird ringing/banding involves catching various birds, recording measurements, placing a numbered ring on the bird's leg, and submitting the data to SAFRING at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Bird ringing and netting excursions can be arranged for resident guests, offering hands-on experience and opportunities to observe inconspicuous bird species often missed while hiking.
The area is surrounded by hundreds of hectares of uninhabited floodplains, providing excellent hiking opportunities. Although there are no large game species, birding opportunities abound, alongside sightings of smaller mammals, insects, and reptiles. Situated on the Angolan border, the region often reveals species of fauna unknown elsewhere in Namibia.
Guided trips in a wato (traditional dugout canoe) offer a relaxing outing along the river. Prearranged microlight flights provide a spectacular aerial view. Visitors can tick off a list of approximately 400 bird species at Shamvura, including 21 endemics or near-endemics. This list is available in hardcopy at the camp.
Bird Species Highlights
- Rufous-bellied Tit
- Racket-tailed Roller
- Arnots Chat
- Grey-headed Parrot
- African Skimmer
- Rock Pratincole
- White-backed Night Heron
- Slaty Egret
- Angolan Swallow
- Rosy-throated Longclaw
- Yellow Wagtail
- Sharp-tailed Starling
- Allen's Gallinule
- Western Banded Snake Eagle
- Ayres Hawk Eagle
- Bat Hawk
- African Hobby
Unusual vagrants recently observed include Green Sandpiper, American Golden Plover, Terek Sandpiper, River Warbler, Grey Plover, Sanderling, Turnstone, Curlew, and Cardinal Quelea. Netting excursions sometimes reveal out-of-habitat species like Great Reed Warblers and Streaky-breasted Flufftail.
Fishing
The Okavango River is home to over 80 fish species, with select ones prized for angling. Originating deep in central Angola, the river flows eastward, disappearing underground in Botswana's Okavango Delta. While in Namibia, it forms the meandering border with Angola, featuring diverse habitats including reed and papyrus floodplains. These floodplains are rich breeding grounds for fish and the birdlife that feed on them. Despite being well populated along its Namibian banks, the river remains surprisingly unpolluted and free of exotic or introduced fish species.
Key Angling Species
- Tigerfish – A challenging apex predator with razor-sharp
teeth, known for acrobatic fights when hooked. Trophy sizes range from 2kg
to 7kg.
- Nembwe – A predatory bream species, known for ambush
tactics, providing memorable fights and succulent flesh. Sizes up to 2kg.
- Three-Spot Tilapia – An algae and vegetation feeder
with occasional predatory phases, offering thrilling battles. Typically
up to 2.5kg.
- Sharp-tooth and Blunt-tooth Catfish – Bottom feeders
occasionally caught on predatory tackle, averaging 6–10kg.
- Other Species – African Pike, Greenhead Tilapia,
Redbreast Tilapia, Thin-faced and Humpback Largemouth, and Purple Face Largemouth,
each presenting unique challenges to anglers.
Fishing Tips
Anglers are advised to use spinning tackle with steel traces to handle Tigerfish and other predators. Lures and spinners are effective when water clarity is high, while live bait works better during the rainy season. The best fishing conditions occur from March to May, as floodplain waters recede, and during colder months from June to August when river levels are lower.
Catch and Release
Shamvura encourages a catch-and-release policy. Trophy fish can be preserved and mounted through a professional taxidermist service upon request.
About Shamvura Camp
Established in 2001, Shamvura Camp is located on an ancient sand dune historically used for Mahango cultivation. All infrastructure and woodland regrowth have been developed since 1999. The camp caters to small, self-sufficient parties seeking privacy and quality experiences, with services customised upon request.
Mark Paxton, the owner, is a Namibian citizen and qualified game ranger with over 40 years of experience. His wife, Charlie, is actively involved in community-based craft development and transboundary projects in the Okavango River Basin.
Directions to Shamvura Camp
Shamvura Camp is strategically located ±110km east of Rundu, just off
the main B8 tar road to Katima Mulilo. It offers convenient access to the
Kaudom Game Reserve (±65km) and the Mahango Game Park.
Hire A Car For Your Trip
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.
