Mazambala Island Lodge is situated on an island in the flood plain of the Kwando River, only 4kms south of the Trans Caprivi Highway. The word 'Mazambala' is known amongst local tribes as an 'Island of Abundance,' as it's an area brimming with outstanding wildlife. The lodge is privately owned and operated.

The communal area consists of a thatched lounge, bar and restaurant, set amongst palms and towering 'sausage trees,' built on 2.5m high stilts that overlook the vast flood plains. The views are stunning and the photographic opportunities many. Guests can wine and dine here, whilst watching many species of antelope come to drink and graze.

A 12 meter high tower with two viewing platforms, offers sweeping views of the papyrus and reed lined river. This is the perfect spot to enjoy a majestic African sunset, and a refreshing sundowner, whilst wondering at the wide variety of animals coming to the river to drink. There is also a 15m long swimming pool, for guests to take a dip in, after a hard days game drive or boat cruise.

Accommodation in Mazambala is in either 14 double bungalows, (some can accommodate three people) or 1 family bungalow, (that can sleep 4). All of the bungalows have private bathrooms with hot and cold running water, and have been built in the traditional fashion, with bricks, reeds and thatched roofs. Each unit is equipped with mosquito nets and ceiling fans, and are regularly sprayed with an odourless insecticide, that acts as a deterrent against mosquitoes.

Game drives are a popular activity here. The Bwabwata National Park is noted for its huge herds of elephants, in fact the park has a great variety of animals, including 4 of the 'Big Five'. The drive begins with a short cruise down the river, before transferring to a 4x4 vehicle. The trip lasts for about 4 hours, and as elephants often block the road, it can take longer.

Many of their guests enjoy a 2hr leisurely float down the crystal clear waters of the Kwando River, with its labyrinth of papyrus and reed-lined channels. Almost guaranteed are sightings of hippos, lechwes, crocodiles, elephants, and if lady luck is on their side, the rare swamp antelope, Sitatunga.

A 1-2hr ramble through the bush with one of the lodge's expert guides, is also a great favourite. Not only will they explain and inform of the traditional medicinal uses of the various trees and plants, but will also keep a look-out for the wide variety of birds and wildlife to be found on the way.

The bird-watching tours on the Mazambala and the Kwando flood plain are a real paradise for twitchers and birders alike. Even in the garden of Mazambala Island Lodge, more than 30 different species are regularly observed, and during a recent day trip, 91 various species were seen. These tours are tailor made to the wishes of the participants.

There will be many occasions and opportunities on the Kwando River to catch Tiger Fish, bream, nembwe, squeaker and barbel, to name but a few. Boat hire is available at the lodge, as well as fishing gear and fishing licenses.

And if that isn't enough, guests can relax and unwind around a blazing fire, whilst listening to the beat of distant drums, grunting hippos and a chorus of bell frogs!

The lodge generates its own 24hr, 220v electricity.

English, German, French and Afrikaans/Dutch are spoken at the lodge.

Accommodation in Namibia

Game Drives

in the Bwabwata National Park which is noted for its huge herds of elephants - herds of several hundred elephants are not uncommon. The park has a great variety of animals including 4 of the "Big Five". Game drives start with a 10 - 15 minute cruise by boat down the river and then a transfer to a game drive vehicle for a game drive on land in the park. The game drive typically lasts about 4 hours although elephants frequently block the road which results in interesting delays

Boat Cruises

two hours along the clear water of the Kwando River and its labyrinth of papyrus and reed lined channels. There are frequent sightings of hippos and lechwes, and of course lots of other game including crocodiles, elephants, etc. In addition the rare swamp antelope, Sitatunga, is often seen. And, of course, many beautiful birds

Guided Nature Walks

A guide accompanies people for 1 - 2 hours on a walk through the bush explaining the traditional medicinal uses of the various, trees, plants as well as look for birds, antelopes, etc.

Bird Watching Tours

Mazambala and the Kwando flood plain are a real paradise for bird lovers. In the garden of Mazambala more than 30 different species are regularly observed. And, during a recent day trip 91 various species were seen. Bird watching tours are tailor made to the wishes of the participants.

Fishing

The Kwando offers excellent opportunities for catching the desirable Tiger game fish and other species such as Bream, Nembwe, Squeaker, Barbel, etc. Boat hire is available at the lodge as well as fishing gear and fishing licenses.

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