The Okavango Delta is synonymous with Botswana but savvy safari lovers know that its waters have their origins in the highlands of Angola, wending their way along hundreds of miles and passing through Namibia’s lush and fertile Caprivi Strip. Located within earshot of the meandering Okavango River tumbling over nearby rapids onto their way to the Popa Falls, the Divava Okavango Resort & Spa gives you the opportunity to discover the enchanting Caprivi Strip. Here you find a green and well-watered land in stark contrast to the country’ more famous desert and mountain landscapes like Etosha National Park, Damaraland or Sossussvlei.

The thatched lodge sits above the river and offers 20 air-conditioned suites, each fully en suite, right down to the exhilarating outdoor shower. There is plenty to do and see around the lodge: facilities include a sun-splashed swimming pool and the Mystique Spa, whose rooms open out to the river. There is also a wide range of activities on offer: you can explore the river on sunset cruises and watch crocodiles and hippos go by; be poled along in a traditional mokoro or dugout canoe, perhaps to a deserted island for a picnic; go angling for tiger fish or tilapia; or visit the local Kavango community to learn more about life in this verdant corner of Namibia. The scenic Popa Falls are within walking distance and the air rings with the sound of birds – over 450 species have been recorded in the area. Birders should look out for white-fronted bee-eaters, swamp boubous, red-chested flufftails and bat hawks.

Highly recommended is a visit to nearby Mahango Game Park, a famously bio-diverse reserve. You can drive yourself or book a guided game drive to go in search of the Big 5 (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard). The park is considered a ‘mini Okavango Delta’ where wild dogs thrive and the bird watching is sensational. One of the more memorable sightings will be the presence of Mahango’s baobab trees, known for their colossal size and number.

Divava supports the local pre-primary school as part of their community-outreach initiative.