Namushasha River Lodge lies on the banks of the Kwando River as it cuts through the lush Caprivi Strip (also known as the Zambezi region) on its way from Namibia to Botswana. Set under giant riverside trees and overlooking a hippo pool, the lodge has 24 thatched, including two family suites where young children are welcome.

It is well-placed as very comfortable accommodation for travellers driving 4x4s between Namibia’s world-famous Etosha National Park and the border town of Kasane, where self-drivers enter en route to Botswana’s Okavango Delta or Zambia’s Victoria Falls.

Namushasha’s prime location also gives you easy access to Bwabwata National Park, which is an important migration zone for the region’s large herds of elephant and buffalo. Successful conservation work has seen the reintroduction of rare species antelope species such as red lechwe and sitatunga. ‘Bwabwata’ means ‘the sound of bubbling water’, a fitting name since the park is supported by the Kwando River. Head to Horseshoe Lake, a permanent oxbow lake that is ringed by white-sand beaches and Zambezi teak woodlands or explore deciduous woodlands comprising wild syringa and copalwood trees that are home to 339 recorded bird species and nearly 40 mammal types.

The lodge’s impressive entrance is dominated by a wooden chandelier and numerous animal carvings. ‘Champagne safaris’ in Bwabwata and cruises on the Kwando River are great ways of exploring the area with the knowledgeable guides. You can also visit the heritage centre, which celebrates the traditions and history of the local Mashi culture.