On our route from the Victoria Falls towards Etosha, the Hakusembe River Lodge proved to be a very well-located stopover. The lodge sits directly on the Cubango, known in Namibia as the Kavango/Okavango River, and offers a pleasant combination of tranquillity, relaxation, nature and activities.
Where is the lodge located – and what defines the region?
Hakusembe River Lodge – a 3-star property of the Gondwana Collection – is situated about 20 kilometres west of Rundu. This eastern part of northern Namibia was formerly known as the Caprivi Strip and is officially called the Zambezi Region today. For many travellers, this stretch is an important transition between the four-country area around the Victoria Falls and Etosha National Park. The region is shaped by the border river between Angola and Namibia, which carries different names depending on the section: Cubango, Kavango or Okavango. This waterway has influenced the lives of local communities for centuries – from culture and craftsmanship to trade and mobility.
What makes Hakusembe River Lodge special – and what can you experience here?
The lodge’s direct location on the river is its central highlight. The property features a well-kept garden landscape, lots of greenery, small thatched chalets, a good restaurant with a terrace, and well-organised, friendly service. The areas between the chalets, restaurant and deck are partly connected by wooden walkways, which serve as practical paths and create a pleasant transition through the riverside landscape. A small pool offers an ideal place to relax – especially after longer driving stages. Due to the riverbank location, we initially had slight concerns about mosquitoes. In practice, however, this was unfounded: the rooms are equipped with good mosquito nets over the beds, and spray is also provided.
Activities
Hakusembe River Lodge offers a wide range of activities: boat tours in the morning or at sunset, relaxing by the pool, wildlife and nature observation as well as tigerfish angling. The tigerfish is considered particularly fascinating in the Okavango, as it is one of Africa’s most powerful freshwater predators and offers anglers a truly sporting challenge. The programme is complemented by cultural experiences such as a visit to the nearby Mbunza Living Museum.
Sunset Boat Cruise
The evening boat cruise was an especially impressive experience for us. In calm waters, you travel along the Cubango, which forms the border between Namibia and Angola at this point, while the sun slowly sets. Along the way, you often see dugout canoes used by locals to cross the river. These short crossings – regardless of whether they are officially permitted – are part of everyday life along the border and provide an authentic impression of the region. For nature lovers and photographers, the tour offers excellent opportunities for wildlife observation: we saw bee-eaters, crowned lapwings, various heron species and monitor lizards along the riverbank. The late-afternoon and evening light sets the landscape in a particularly dramatic and atmospheric way. Morning tours are also available, but we were unable to try them due to limited time.
Visit to the Mbunza Living Museum
Located nearby, the Mbunza Living Museum offers insights into the culture, craftsmanship and way of life of the Mbunza people. We were the only visitors at the time and therefore had their full attention. We had also brought used toys from home, which were very well received by the children and brought plenty of smiles. Demonstrations include basket weaving, pottery, traditional music and tools. The visit is informative, well structured and easy to integrate into the day. Purchasing locally made products directly supports the community.
Relaxing & Enjoying the River View
The open terrace overlooking the river was one of our favourite areas of the lodge. In the morning, the day begins with a good breakfast and a peaceful view over the water. In the evening, a generous buffet with regional and international dishes is served. The atmosphere is relaxed, friendly and particularly charming thanks to the views. During the day, the pool is an ideal place to unwind – with good refreshments and an uninterrupted view of the river landscape.
Conclusion
For travellers who – like us – are journeying from the Victoria Falls towards Etosha, Hakusembe River Lodge is an excellent stopover. The combination of a quiet riverside location, well-kept grounds, activities and good accessibility makes the stay pleasant and relaxing. A clear recommendation for anyone looking for a peaceful and practical stop along a longer northern Namibia route.
Author: Stephan Fath, Urlaubsengel
Images: Stephan Fath, Urlaubsengel
Stephan Fath is a German photographer, travel journalist, and founder of the travel agency Urlaubsengel. Together with his wife, he spends several months each year exploring the world, reviewing exceptional hotels and remarkable travel experiences. His work focuses on authentic journeys and meaningful moments far from mass tourism.
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