Caprivi Houseboat Safari Lodge is situated on the banks of the Zambezi River, a few kilometers from Katima Mulilo in the Caprivi Region of Namibia – a small owner operated establishment offering personalized service.
Accommodation:
- Rustic en-suite chalets over looking the Zambezi River catering for up to 12 guests;
- Fully catered/Self-Catering.
River cruises:
Sunset Cruises – Relax with a refreshing sundowner whilst enjoying a spectacular sunset over the Zambezi River;
Day Cruises – Enjoy a leisurely day on the Zambezi and a picnic lunch along the riverbank;
Overnight Safaris -Two to four nights 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 campfire on a secluded white sandbank before heading to the comfort of your tent, gently rocking to sleep to the sounds of an African Night.
Angling:
With a myriad of fish species abundant in the Zambezi, ample angling opportunities are on offer. Famous for its tiger fish and bream, the river promises to challenge and enthrall both the angling enthusiast and the novice. Test your skills in the art of fly-fishing among the fast flowing rapids or lure in a record fish on your trusted rapala.
Angling boats can be rented on an hourly, half day or full day basis. All boats hired are accompanied by a skipper. Knowledgeable guides for specialized angling/birding safaris can also be arranged to assist in making your stay with us an angler/birders paradise.
Birding:
The Caprivi is home to over 400 wetland and woodland bird species. In close proximity to our lodge you can view, to name just a few, the Schalow’s Turaco, Rock Pratincole and African Finfoot, and maybe catch a glimpse of our resident Pel’s Fishing Owl. Other specials in the area include the Slaty Egret, Coppery-tailed Coucal, Swamp Boubou, Souza’s Shrike, Copper Sunbird and African Skimmer. Carmine Bea-eaters also frequent the area during their breeding season from September to October.
Game-viewing:
The Zambezi River:
The Zambezi River is the fourth largest river system in Africa. Beginning its journey as an insignificant little spring in the northwest 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.
Game-viewing on the Zambezi is limited to mainly hippos and crocodiles. Although, through July to November, when the river levels are at its lowest, several herds of elephant can be seen cooling down in the waters of the Zambezi.
The Chobe River:
Forming the southern border between the Eastern Caprivi and Botswana, the Chobe River meanders eastwards to meet the Zambezi River at Kazangula. Travel from the Zambezi River, through the Casaia channel and into the Chobe River at Impalila Island, making your way into magical waters at the edge of the Chobe National Park.
Here you can enjoy the abundance of wildlife that makes this area famous. Being on the river gives a new dimension to game viewing – the animals showing an almost fearless disdain for a floating object – and allows you to come closer to a large variety of game including elephant, buffalo, giraffe, sable antelope, hippo and crocodile and many more species of buck. Numerous bird species also add to nature’s unending display.
Other attractions:
In close proximity to three other countries, day trips and transfers can be arranged to the Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls, Ngonye Falls and the Bwabwata, Mamili and Madumu National Parks.
Choose your route:
Depending on where you are traveling from, your next destination and what your main interest are (angling, game viewing, birding etc), the possibilities are ample. (i.e. – a two to four night river safari can be incorporated into your existing itinerary, substituting some of the traveling by road with a safari down river).
Catering options:
- Self-catering (lodge and houseboats) – Clients supply their own food and beverages. Client prepares meals;
- Assisted self-catering (houseboats only) – The boat is stocked with the necessary foodstuff, accompanied by a guideline menu. Meals are prepared by the client. The boat can also be stocked with beverages according to your specifications. Beverage costs are excluded and will be charged at cost price + 20%; or
- Fully catered (lodge only) – 2 nights – 6 pax maximum per boat (12 pax max) or 3-4 nights – 4/5 pax maximum per boat ( 8-10 pax max).
The Boats:
Our camping safari boats are 7.5m aluminum Outback Safari Boats (a waterborne 4×4 safari vehicle), powered by 75hp outboard engines. With two roof top tents and a bunk bed on the lower deck each boat accommodates up to six guests. On board is a small kitchenette with a gas stove, basin and fridge, the 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 possible (i.e. setting up camp, making fire etc).
Please note: The Caprivi is a malaria area – find out from your GP/travel clinic on a suitable prophylaxis.
