Camp Kwando: Our full report

Camp Kwando is a comfortable camp set next to the Kwando River at the Caprivi Strip.

It offers decent base to explore the Mudumu National Park and the Mamili National Park (which is seasonal).

Camp Kwando has 14 fairly simple tents facing the Kavango River. All tents are raised off the ground on a platform and have a thatched roof. Wooden pathways lead between the tents and to the main area. In front of the bungalows, over-looking the river, there is a veranda with deck chairs to relax in and, if you wish, do some fishing. The tents are all furnished with two beds with mosquito nets, a small open-sided wardrobe and a wooden table.

At the back of the tents there is an open-air en-suite bathroom with a flushing toilet, a wash basin and a shower. Complementary shampoo and soap are provided.

Camp Kwando's best rooms are the six luxury chalets, constructed out of wood and canvas and elevated on stilts. The chalets have a thatched roof to keep the rooms cool in summer time and warm in winter. From the outside deck you can enjoy incredible views across the river to Botswana. Inside the chalets there are comfortable double or twin beds equipped with mosquito nets. The large, spacious rooms are tastefully decorated in a modern, African design. The chalets have an en-suite bathroom with a basin, a flushing toilet, a bathtub and a shower.

The camp also offers ten camping pitches on a well-maintained lawn. There are communal bathrooms with basins, toilets and shower facilities, as well as the laundry.

The main area is split into three different thatched areas.
The main reception is central and to one side of this is the bar.
To the other side is the dining area. All three spaces have a semi circular deck overlooking the river and offer plenty of comfortable seating where you can relax and take in the views. The walls in the dining area are adorned with hand-woven baskets along with some other tasteful African artifacts.

There is also a well-stocked curio shop to buy some souvenirs from your trip.

Outside, at the back of the lodge, a small swimming pool is set into the landscaped garden. There is also a shady gazebo with some comfortable deck chairs to relax in when the sun gets too hot.

Several activities are possible at Camp Kwando, for example a boat trip along the Kwando River. A flat bottom aluminum boat, which can take up to 14 people, starts its tours early in the morning and late afternoon. This is a good opportunity to see the plentiful water birds which inhabit this area.

There is also the chance to go on day game drives to the Mudumu National Park. For the adventurous camping trips to the Caprivi Strip or Mamili Game Park can be organised. Please note that Mamili NP is subject to high water levels which can curtail these trips during the rainy season and beyond (November to May).

When open you can also visit the school near by.

Another activity that is possible, on request, is a fishing trip, but this is only available for a party of four people.

A mokoro trip, taking about an hour is also a possibility, subject to availability. On this trip you will be taken along the narrow channels and then return to camp with a guided walk.

Our view

Camp Kwando is a pleasant camp with a good location for access to the Mudumu National Park and the Mamili National Park. Although the management can be a little aloof, the staff and the guides are very amenable, and all in all the camp is a good place to stay in this area.

Amanda Bond

Namibia expert

Geographics

Location: Caprivi Strip, Namibia
Ideal length of stay: Two to three nights
Directions: Camp Kwando is located on the C49 south of Kongola. On our most recent trip in 2013 this road was not in a great condition with many potholes, so extra time and care is needed when driving on it. We hope it will be fully tarred by the end of 2014.
Accessible by: Self-drive

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Bed & Breakfast
Food quality: On our last visit in 2010 we found the food to be very enjoyable.

Breakfast was a full continental buffet along with a la carte menu offering a selection of hot dishes. The evening meal consisted of a three course set menu. Our main course was ‘bobotie’ (a South African dish not too dissimilar to lasagne), saffron rice and pumpkin. The pudding was a scrumptious Malva pudding with custard.
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Drinks included: No drinks are included

Children

Attitude towards children: Children are welcomed at Camp Kwando
Property’s age restrictions: There are no age restrictions here.
Special activities & services: There are no specific activities for children but they will most likely enjoy the pool and fishing opportunities.
Equipment: Extra beds for children can be added to the luxury chalets.
Generally recommended for children: There’s not a huge amount to keep children amused here, but the camp is family friendly. It’s probably more suited to older children.
Notes: Children should be under parental supervision at all times.

Communications

Power supply notes: The power is on from 8am until 12pm and then again 6pm until 10pm.
Communications: There is mobile phone reception and WiFi is available in the main area.
TV & radio: There are no TVs here.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: Clinic in Choi; a nearby village.
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: There are three guards on the property.
Fire safety: Fire extinguisher in each room

Activities

4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Fishing
Fly-camping
Guided walking safari
Mokoro

Extras

Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: Full Laundry Service - extra charge
Money: There is no safe in the rooms or in the tents.
Accepted payment on location: Visa and MasterCard accepted. (No card payment under N$500 accepted). Cash payments can be in US dollars, UK pounds, South African rand, Namibian dollars or Euros.