Kunene river lodge

Kunene River Lodge is situated on the northern border of Namibia on the banks of the River Kunene, which forms the boundary with Angola. It is 50kms west of the Ruacana Falls and 100km east of the Epupa Falls in the region known as Kaokoland. The terrain is rugged, but there are tarred roads as far as Ruacana. Local roads are generally good, gravel surfaces, although the riverside road is subject to occasional flooding during the wet season.

Kunene River Lodge nestles beneath a beautiful canopy of indigenous trees stretching down to the river. In addition to its idyllic setting, facilities and in-house activities, the lodge also serves as an ideal gateway for those setting out to explore the rugged and beautiful Kaokoland region of north-west Namibia. It has a restaurant, bar, pool and a shop and a laundry service. A popular gathering point, and focal point of the lodge is the large wooden deck built over the river which serves as the main seating area for the restaurant and bar.

Deluxe Rooms: The 7 spacious, slightly old-fashioned Deluxe Rooms are fully equipped with en-suite shower, WC and washbasin, remote controlled air-conditioning, fitted wardrobes and storage space. Some of the bungalows have double beds, others single beds. Overnight here in the summer, the air-conditioning more than pays for itself on those hot Namibian nights

A-Frame Bungalows: 4 rustic A-frame rooms are set in their own beautiful plot and you can expect a hint of the pioneering style of life. Some of chalets have double beds, others single beds. Every bungalow is equipped with an en-suite shower room, a WC washbasin, overhead cooling fan, wardrobe and storage area. Chill and relax and enjoy the view in the outside seating area.

Campsites: All the campsites are located next to the river and are equipped with an electric socket and a light, as well as the obligatory braai area. Most have a grassed area on which to pitch your tent (a luxury in Namibia).

Kunene River Lodge has offered white water rafting since the beginning of 1996 and has a large in-house rafting operation, equipped exclusively with top quality rafting equipment made by ARK. Large 6-man as well as small 2-man rafts are available. Kunene River Lodge employs SARA trained guides on a permanent basis and can handle large groups with the necessary care and expertise.

The level of the river permitting, river boarding can be done along with rafting. Although rafting operations are concentrated on the Ondoruzu Gorge, Kunene River Lodge can also offer tailor-made rafting trips of up to 5 days. The scenery along the river is stunning, consisting mainly of red boulders and hills which are interspersed with a variety of trees. Unfortunately wildlife in the area is not abundant, mainly due to serious poaching and hunting during the Namibian war of Independence - but much of the area around the lodge is now a conservancy and game is slowly being re-introduced. The fortunate guest may see a crocodile or hippo on the river, but the most common animals here are Nguni cows.

You can enjoy your sundowner overlooking the Kunene Valley with the sun setting over the Zebra Mountains, or you can take part in a sundowner cruise with a difference, quietly floating down the Kunene River, sipping your favourite drink.

Activities include white water rafting, river boarding, bird watching (this is one of the prime places to view the Cindarella Waxbill), sundowner cruises, canoeing, hiking, fishing and mountain biking.

Kunene River Lodge has become our favourite destinations in this part of Namibia and offers the perfect balance of tranquil surroundings (we could easily spend a week just chilling at the lodge - watching the river flow by), excellent service & management and fun activities (the rafting trips are a highlight - and although they are not 'hardcore' offer a perfect balance of time to enjoy the amazing scenery and the occasional adrenaline rush).