Situated in the heart of the Caprivi Strip, and set in Namibia's Mudumu National Park, is Susuwe Island Lodge, embedded in a lush, riverine forest, on an island, in the Kwando River.

The lodge has been constructed to harmonize with the immediate environment, a fine example being the viewing decks, built in the canopy above. Here, guests can overlook the magnificent savannah's, ancient Kalahari woodlands and sparkling wetlands, cradled in the arms of a huge African tree. Privacy, comfort and relaxation, are of paramount importance here.

The main complex has been assembled as a series of multi-level decks, in the confines of shady Leadwood and Mangosteen trees. There is a central fire pit, (giving guests ample opportunity to swap travel and bush stories with fellow explorers and trailblazers,) a spacious lounge and dining areas, a curio shop and a small reference library, with books about the region and it's inhabitants. Power to the lodge is supplied by a generator.

Susuwe Island Lodge's chefs treat it's guests to fine dining, with a variety of freshly prepared meals. Their excellent cuisine is served al-fresco style, in a number of intimate and interesting settings, such as under a baobab tree, or even a picnic, on a secluded and private spot, somewhere on the island. Special dietary requirements can be catered for with prior arrangement.

The bar staff have a fully-stocked, comprehensive range of South African wines and spirits awaiting their customers, an impressive feat for such a remote destination! Lunch time tipples, sundowners and night caps cannot be ignored for long!

The thatched roofs help keep the interior of the rooms lovely and cool. There are only 6 personally attended suites, all overlooking the Kwando River. The spacious (brick and thatch) suites, are each equipped with a lounge, double bathroom, (with a window-height tub) and a bedroom, with mosquito net, overhead fan and hairdryer. A shady corner on the wooden viewing deck, is an ideal position for a quiet read or siesta. Guests can also cool off from the hot afternoon sun, in their very own private plunge pool.

The Susuwe concession, and the adjacent Kwando area, is one of the largest unfenced wilderness areas in Southern Africa. Game drives are in open 4x4 vehicles in the Bwabwata National Park. Sightings can include vast herds of roaming elephant and buffalo, lion, leopard, hippo, lechwe, puke, sable and roan.

Casually drifting pontoons are steered up and down the river for birdwatching and sunset cruises and night drives and guided walks can also be organized.

Susuwe Island Lodge can organize specialized occasions, such as honeymoons, anniversaries and birthdays. Candlelit moonlight dinners on a river sandbank, or private deck or a champagne brunch at the historical baobab, can also be arranged.

Game Viewing

Regional tourism is dependant on the diversity and abundance of game and the area within the Cradle has much to offer. Susuwe Island lodge, surrounded by the sinuous Kwando, offers intense game viewing within the Bwabwata National Park for large migrant herds of elephant and buffalo, leopard, sable and roan antelope, tsessebe, lechwe, lion, hyena, wild dog and much more. Indeed, the volume of elephants to be seen on the Linyanti River at the southern point of the Mudumu National Park rivals that of Chobe and lion, buffalo and hippo often spotted, while in the more swampy areas, there is always a chance of the rare sitatunga. The fauna and flora of the area is protected in three distinct national parks within the region - the Bwabwata, Mudumu and Mamili National Parks

Guided walks

offer a closer insight into the ecological marvels of this Cradle of Rivers. At Susuwe, guests can closely experience Africa and the intrigue of the bush with a qualified and experienced guide. Afro-Botanical walks offer insight into the traditional medicinal uses of plants and trees

Fishing

Some Kwando river species include Tiger fish, African pike, Threespot tilapia, Redbreast tilapia, Pink happie, Humpback largemouth, Thinface largemouth, Nembwe, Brownspot largemouth, Sharptooth catfish, Blunttooth catfish and Silver barbel.

Birding

Around Susuwe Island Lodge excellent birding exists for the Narina Trogon and the rare Racket-tailed Roller, which can be searched for amongst the tall teak woodlands. The Coppery Sunbird is another summer visitor to the area and is often spied feeding on the large purple flowers of the teak trees of the dunes. Retz's red-billed helmet shrike, Emerald cuckoo, Bradfields hornbill, Crested barbet, Black-headed orioles and several species of woodpecker (particularly Bearded), should be seen in these woodlands.

River Cruises

Susuwe Island Lodge offers sedate cruises in the slow, meandering Kwando river - game viewing and bird watching within the Bwabwata National Park. Time spent with us will leave you with a wonderful insight into the unchartered cradle of rivers which we are privileged to be part of. Mokoro activities are not offered at Susuwe Island Lodge.

Directions:

Travel west along the main road between Katima Mulilo and Rundu for 115km's. Turn south at Kongola Filling Station for 6 km's sand take the Kubunyana camp turnoff (right). Travel 4 km's (sandy road) and leave the vehicle at Kubunyana from where guests will be transferred by boat to Susuwe Island Lodge

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