Nambwa Tented Lodge | Eastern Caprivi Luxury Caprivi Safari Lodge

I’m curious to see Namibia’s Caprivi Strip. The legacy of eccentric colonial-era cartography, it’s something of an anomaly. From the moment we arrive, the area around Nambwa Tented Lodge reminds me much more of the Okavango than the Namib Desert. As he shows us to our room, the chef (standing in for the manager) explains that this luxury Namibia safari lodge has been built alongside an important elephant migration route. The landscape is largely level, which means that we can see far across the tapestry of water and floodplains as we peer through the tree canopies. The sense of space is enhanced by the fact that from where we stand, we can turn slowly around and look towards three other countries: Botswana, Zambia and Angola. I try to use the clusters of trees on small islands to gauge the distances – all I know for sure is that I feel free here, and that whatever imaginary lines humans have inked across this landscape, the itinerant elephant can travel freely each time they decide to pack up their trunks and move on.

I love our room! Like much of the rest of Nambwa Tented Lodge, it’s a raised structure on a level with the tops of the surrounding trees. I realise that this not only gives us even better views but preserves ancient rights of way. Stepping out onto our private verandah, I see my first elephant – directly beneath me! This is definitely a new angle from which to see one; although it seems that it’s only a novel experience for me, as he’s relaxed enough to continue feeding. I step back into our room: the simple lines and relatively muted palette of the furniture have clearly been chosen so as not to distract from the surrounding wilderness. That’s not to say that our comfort has been in any way compromised – far from it! Kicking off my safari boots, I choose my side of the king-sized bed, then stroll barefoot across the smooth, warm wooden floor to our en-suite bathroom. With the panels of our tent zipped and rolled out of the way to maximise our views, I catch myself paused mid step, with one foot raised like another relaxed elephant, so absorbed am I in the landscape.  

Although it’s not our first luxury Namibia safari lodge, there’s something quite different about Nambwa Tented Lodge. It’s neither dwarfed by its surroundings, but nor does it intrude. Indeed, its siting and design is an implicit recognition of how important this area is to wildlife. The small display of military relics in the library is a reminder of the history of this area, but the overwhelming sensation is one of peace and belonging. We’re made to feel even more welcome the next time we meet the chef: after a starlit dinner on the stunning viewing deck, he brings us homemade cookies with our coffee early the next morning.

• Ten treehouse-style rooms built high enough off the ground to let elephant pass by, with far-reaching views out over the seemingly endless Caprivi floodplains and the Kwando River. Key features include the viewing deck and elevated fire pit.
• The only luxury lodge in Bwabwata National Park, private activities available (additional cost) and private dining available.
• Game drives, walking safaris, Kwando River boat cruises, cultural visits and craft market.
• Children of all ages are welcome, with those under six staying for free. Families travelling with children aged 12 or younger must book private activities (additional cost). No childminding available. Parents are advised that this is a malarial area.

• Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
• It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
• Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you.  Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
• However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.