Lianshulu Lodge

91% (60 reviews)

Full review Our view Geographics Food & drink Children Wildlife sightings Communications Health & safety Activities Extras

Lianshulu Lodge: Our full report

Lianshulu Lodge is an old favourite that we first visited in 1992.

It stands within the riverine forest of Mudumu National Park, beside the Kwando River in Namibia's Zambezi Region – still widely known as the Caprivi Strip. The lodge was built before the park was proclaimed, which explains its fantastic location.

There are 11 bungalows at Lianshulu Lodge each with tiled floors, high thatched roofs and afforded shade by the surrounding trees. In each of these, the bedrooms are equipped with mosquito nets, insect repellent (essential during the summer months) and an adjacent en-suite shower room. Three of the bungalows (sometimes referred to as ‘suites’) are slightly bigger and come with baths as well as an outdoor shower.

The interior décor is based on light neutral colours, wood and other natural materials. Large sliding glass doors open onto a small private seating area on the veranda, complete with wooden table and chairs. From the veranda you have pretty views of the Kwando River and a glimpse of neighbouring Botswana. There are no charging facilities in the bungalows, but there is a central charging area near to the main lodge which you can use if necessary.

We have been impressed on our previous visits to Lianshulu Lodge, most recently in July 2017. The main area is spacious and works as a great place to socialise with other travellers and swap tales of African adventures or find a more secluded spot to yourself. The open-plan communal area dominates this space and is an open-sided structure beneath a high thatched canopy. Within this there is a small curio shop and smart bench-style sofas clustered around coffee tables, locally made furniture and individual dining tables. At around three in the afternoon, tea, coffee and delicious homemade cakes are served here.

Stepping outside onto the veranda, you’ll find deck chairs on a riverside deck, where dinner is sometimes served al fresco. There is also a cosy nook beside a wood-burning stove, with cushions on a stone bench: a popular spot for pre-dinner drinks. Stairs from the deck lead to the first of two raised viewing platforms, with more seating and a wider view of the landscape. There is also a swimming pool set back behind the bungalows complete with loungers and umbrellas.

We have found the staff at Lianshulu to be helpful and attentive, and have felt warmly welcomed upon arrival. The lodge is no longer fenced or gated therefore sometimes wildlife does wander through camp therefore, you will be escorted after dark to and from your bungalow.

Activities at Lianshulu Lodge focus largely on the Kwando River and the surrounding Mudumu National Park. There are guided walks and nature drives in the park, in an open 4WD vehicle, and a range of boat safaris.

From our experience, game viewing in Mudumu National Park is best between July and October. Easy access to water in the Kwando River – and perhaps the proximity to Botswana's big-game areas – has encouraged big game into the park, including some large herds of buffalo and elephant. Having said that, do not come here expecting the concentration or variety of big game that you'd find in Etosha. Although we did not stay on our most recent visit on a previous stay we were lucky enough to see a herd of elephant with some fairly young ones in tow.

Mudumu's birdlife is rich, with colonies of carmine bee-eaters (best between September and May), hadeda ibis, darters and hornbills, while along the river you may also spot a variety of kingfishers, herons and a good range of migrant birds.

Water levels permitting, we recommend taking a boat cruise during your stay as a peaceful alternative to the typical 4WD safari experience. The pontoon-style boats have a raised deck and chairs, from which there's often a great view. On a typical 'sundowner' cruise you might expect to see elephants in and out of the water, as we did on a previous trip, as well as plenty of crocodiles and hippos and plenty of water birds. During our last stay in December 2016 the river was too low for any boating activities, but returning in July 2017 the river was at a level to allow this.

It is also possible to arrange a guided trip to Lizauli Traditional Village, where traditional arts and crafts are practised. This was established in the early 1990s, with the aim of giving local communities a direct share in the revenue which flowed from tourism to the area. These days you will find an iron forge, grain store, and various carvers and basket weavers here. Wandering around Lizauli also offers a good opportunity to talk to local people about their way of life.

Our view

What stands out to us about Lianshulu Lodge are the pretty views of the river and the relaxed, peaceful atmosphere. Don't come here for just the big game – although you will usually see some; do visit for colourful sunsets, great river trips and a variety of water birds that aren't common in most other parts of Namibia.

Tracy Lederer

Namibia expert

Geographics

Location: Caprivi Strip, Namibia
Ideal length of stay: Two nights here to enjoy the river and the park is ideal.
Directions: Lianshulu is approximately 42km south of Kongola in Mudumu National Park.
Accessible by: Self-drive

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board & Activities
Food quality: We did not get the chance to eat here on our last visit, but on a previous trip in December 2016 we found the food at Lianshulu was a well presented with a touch of imagination; dishes are tasty with a variety of flavours.

Breakfast consists of a selection of fruit, bread and jam, with eggs, bacon, sausage etc cooked to order.

A light two-course lunch typically consists of meat with a salad, a pasta salad or sandwiches, with a light dessert.

Dinner is served from a set menu with a few choices of main course. Following a starter of smoked salmon with corn fritter, we tucked into stuffed chicken with potatoes and carrots, and a strawberry mousse in a brandysnap basket for dessert – all of which were delicious. Our meal was accompanied by a good South African wine.
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service: Room service is not available
Drinks included: House wines, beers and soft drinks are included but premium branded and imported drinks are charged at an extra cost. Bottled water is provided in the bungalows.

Children

Attitude towards children: Lianshulu welcomes children, with no age restrictions.
Property’s age restrictions: No children under the age of 12 are allowed on activities.
Special activities & services: None
Equipment: None
Generally recommended for children: Although the lodge welcomes children there is little in the way of facilities and entertainment for them, and they cannot take part in activities, so we would not recommend it for children under the age of 12.
Notes: The lodge is not fenced and it has been know for game, including hippo and elephant to wander about the lodge grounds, so children should be supervised at all times.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Lianshulu Lodge

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Lianshulu Lodge have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

Elephant

100% success

Giraffe

100% success

Hippo

100% success

Roan antelope

75% success

Zebra

60% success

Buffalo

50% success

Sitatunga

50% success

Wildebeest

50% success

Lion

40% success

Cheetah

25% success

Sable antelope

25% success

Aardvark

0% success

Eland

0% success

Leopard

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

Spotted Hyena

0% success

Wild dog

0% success

Communications

Power supply notes: The generator is used at certain times during the day, with battery inverter power in between; this gives the lodge some form of electricity 24 hours a day.
Communications: There’s a cellphone signal and WiFi in main area, although the WiFi comes at an additional charge of N$200 (£12.50) per 24 hours (correct July 2017).
TV & radio: None
Water supply: Other
Water supply notes: All bungalows have flushing toilets and plumbed in hot and cold water. The water here is pumped from the river and filtered. While this is safe for washing, it isn’t fit for human consumption and it may retain a slightly muddy colour.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: The lodge has a first-aid kit. The nearest doctor is in Kongola, and the nearest hospital in Katima Mulilo (150km away).
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: All guests moving around the camp at night are escorted, as although the property is fenced, wild animals are very likely to be roaming around the grounds.
Fire safety: All bungalows and the main areas are fitted with fire extinguishers.

Activities

4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Fishing

Extras

Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: Yes, laundry is included.
Money: There are electronic safes in the rooms.
Accepted payment on location: Lianshulu accepts South African rand and Namibian dollars, as well as Visa, Mastercard and American Express cards.