Serondela Lodge: Our full report
Priding itself on its eco-friendly and low-impact design, Serondela Lodge sits in a remote spot on the northern ...
... banks of the Chobe River, in the Zambezi Region of Namibia's eastern Caprivi. The lodge opened in March 2018, and with Botswana’s Chobe National Park on the other side of the river, is well located for some gentle wildlife viewing, relaxation and water-based activities.Serondela has been built on high ground in the Kabulabula conservancy, and is accessible only by boat from Kasane in Botswana – a journey of around 45 minutes, or up to two hours if combined with a wildlife cruise.
Serondela prides itself on minimising its effect on the local environment. In a shift from the “standard” safari-camp style, it features plenty of curves, and makes use of both local and recycled materials, such as driftwood, cattle yokes, and upcycled PVC; it sounds bizarre, but it fits beautifully into the surrounding landscape.
Eight chalets are spaced out along the riverbank, on ground level decks. Designed to allow maximum game viewing from inside, the chalets are light and airy, each with large windows to the side and sliding glass and gauze doors at the front. Polished concrete floors are scattered with rattan rugs, and large mosquito nets envelop twin or double beds with contemporary fabric headboards. Burnished metal reading lamps hang over carved wooden tables at each side of the bed, and a low cushioned bench provides both seating and luggage storage. One family chalet has two additional day beds for children.
A door at the back of the chalet opens to reveal a spacious en-suite bathroom, simply designed with whitewashed walls, twin basins, glass and wood shelves, large mirrors and a quirky semi-circular shower cubicle. Woven rugs bring splashes of colour, candles in glass bowls give a stylish air, and complimentary toiletries are eco-friendly.
Outside, on a private deck, low, light-coloured concrete walls provide privacy from other chalets and shelter a small patio with chairs and a coffee table.
Just a short walk away, built around a big ana tree, Serondela’s roomy main area sits under three domed tented roofs, sheltering a large bar, dining area and lounge area. Cane furniture with comfortable cream cushions is scattered throughout, with half of the dining tables indoors, the others outside on additional decking.
A small swimming pool with sunloungers sits alongside a sandy area and wooden deck, under stretch shade, with beautiful views across the river. Though the majority of wildlife is found in the national park across the river, animals can often be seen crossing the river, and during our last visit, in May 2018, we watched a large herd of elephants swimming across in front of the lodge..
From the lodge’s location on the banks of the Chobe River, activities naturally revolve around the water, with fishing trips, boat cruises and birdwatching available. While wildlife on the Namibian side of the river is not particularly prolific, a game drive in Chobe National Park is included in a stay at Serondela. This generally takes place on your check-out day to facilitate getting to and from Kasane, in Botswana, and thus reducing travel time through immigration points. Village visits and nature walks are also possible, and at an additional cost, fishing trips, cultural tours and visits to Zimbabwe to see the Victoria Falls can be arranged.
Serondela is a sister lodge to Nkasa Lupala and Jackalberry Tented Camp, both in Namibia’s Nkasa Rupara National Park, so would combine well with either on a self-drive trip through Namibia.
Our view
Serondela occupies prime position on the Namibian side of the Chobe River with spectacular views across the river to Chobe National Park. In the dry season a procession of animals come to the river to drink and you'll hardly need to leave the comfort of the lodge to see them. However, in wet season, when the Chobe's great herds of elephant and buffalo disperse, you may not find the area's wildlife to be quite as prolific. Throughout the year, you will have the opportunity for one game drive within Chobe on your day of departure, but if wildlife viewing in a 4WD is a priority you might consider combining time here with one of the lodges within the National Park. Come here to stay at a lodge with a commendable commitment to minimising its ecological footprint on a peaceful and pretty remote stretch of the Chobe River and to enjoy river focused wildlife viewing, which is great for birdwatching too.
Namibia expert
Geographics
- Location
- Caprivi Strip, Namibia
- Ideal length of stay
- We'd recommend a stay of at least two nights here, to make the most of the activities on offer. Serondela works well as an add-on to a self-drive trip through Namibia.
- Directions
- Serondela is accessed by boat from Kasane in Botswana, which requires you to clear immigration in both Botswana and Namibia before your transfer to the lodge.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- Though we didn’t have time to eat at Serondela Lodge during our last visit in May 2018, we were impressed with the food at its sister camps, so we’d expect a similarly high standard here.
Breakfast is served buffet style, with cooked options to order.
Lunch is flexible, depending on the number of guests and the activities each guest is taking part in.
Dinner is a fixed three-course menu, though sometimes there will be a braai or traditional buffet. The lodge team encourages hosted group meals, but private dining is also available if preferred. - Dining style
- Mixture of group dining and individual tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service is not available at the lodge.
- Drinks included
- Filtered water is provided in the rooms and at meals, though bottled water is also available. All soft drinks, local wines, beers and spirits are at additional cost.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children of all ages are welcome at Serondela.
- Property’s age restrictions
- None
- Special activities & services
- None provided
- Equipment
- Cots can be provided on request.
- Generally recommended for children
- Though there is no age limit at the lodge, we think Serondela Lodge is better suited to older children, due to its riverside location and the activities included.
- Notes
- Wild animals do enter camp at times, and there are no fences to the pool, or the river, so children should be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Serondela
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Serondela 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.
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Serondela has a back-up generator on site. There are charging points in each chalet as well as in the main area.
- Communications
- 3G WiFi signal is available in the main area. You'll find limited cellphone reception at Serondela.
- TV & radio
- There are no TVs at the lodge.
- Water supply
- Other
- Water supply notes
- Water is pumped from a borehole and is filtered and processed through a reverse osmosis system. The bathrooms are fully plumbed, with flush toilets and hot showers.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- A first-aid trained member of staff is on site at all times. The closest doctor is in Kasane, which requires a 45-minute boat trip then a short drive. In the event of a serious incident, guests would be flown to Windhoek, from Kasane.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- Serondela has both security guards patrolling in the day, and nightwatchmen. You will be escorted to and from your chalet before dawn and after dusk.
- Fire safety
- Fire extinguishers are located in each chalet as well as in the main area. Staff are trained in their use.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- A laundry service is available, at extra cost.
- Money
- There is a safe in each of the chalets for storing valuables. Currency exchange is not available.
- Accepted payment on location
- Payment is accepted by Mastercard and Visa, though the lodge is unable to accept American Express. It's also possible to pay in Botswana pula, Namibian dollars euro, British pounds or US dollars.
Other lodges in Caprivi Strip
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Ndhovu Safari Lodge
Ndhovu is a simple riverside lodge, with tents that are reminiscent of safaris a decade or two ago.
Hakusembe Lodge
Hakusembe River Lodge is a substantial lodge with a superb location on the Kavango River.
Chobe Princesses
The Chobe Princess houseboats offer a memorable way to explore the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers in Namibia's Caprivi. Perfect for a couple or for a group of family or friends.
Lianshulu Lodge
Beside the Kwando River, within Mudumu National Park, Lianshulu is a small safari lodge offering 4WD safaris and river trips – with particularly good birdlife.
Nkasa Lupala
Peaceful Nkasa Lupala is a comfortable lodge in a remote and little-explored area close to Nkasa Rupara National Park.
Nunda River Lodge
NNunda River Lodge overlooks a pretty part of the Kavango River near Popa Falls and the productive Mahango National Park.
Camp Kwando
Near to Mudumu National Park, Camp Kwando is a comfortable and unfussy option with opportunities for game drives, boat safaris and fishing.
Ichingo Chobe Lodge
Safari holiday in Namibia's Caprivi Strip, staying at Ichingo Chobe River Lodge on Impalila Island.
Nambwa Tented Lodge
A beautiful safari lodge In the remote Bwabwata National Park, Nambwa Tented Lodge brings serious comfort to a relaxing safari.
River Dance
Build on stilts on the banks of the Kavango River, River Dance Lodge has great views, a relaxed ambience and excellent birdlife.
Zambezi Queen
The Zambezi Queen offers luxurious two- and three-night cruises along the game-rich Chobe River, including game viewing by small boat and 4WD as well as catch-and-release fishing.
Taranga Lodge
Situated on the banks of the Kavango, Taranga Safari Lodge works as a convenient stopover before going onto explore the Caprivi.
Divava Lodge & Spa
The substantial Divava Okavango Lodge & Spa offers plenty of pampering opportunities in an unspoilt riverside setting
Cascade Island Lodge
Cascade Island Lodge, near Kasane in the Caprivi Strip is a very luxurious, high end option for those seeking peace and privacy on the Zambezi River.
Shametu Lodge
Shametu River Lodge has the best views of the Popa Rapids of any private lodge in the Divundu area.
Jackalberry Camp
Jackalberry Camp is uniquely situated in the Nkasa Rupara National Park affording unrivalled access to this little-visited corner of Namibia.
Namushasha Lodge
One of the larger lodges in the Bwabwata National Park, Namushasha is an economic option with an attractive river-side location.
Kazile Island Lodge
On an island in the Kwando River within Bwabwata National Park, the remote Kazile lsland Lodge offers games drives, bush walks and boat cruises.
Chobe Savanna Lodge
Chobe Savanna Lodge stands opposite Chobe National Park, Botswana. Click here to learn more about the area and your options for a safari there.
Chobe Water Villas
Chobe Water Villas is a beautiful and thoughtfully designed lodge, in a great location on the Namibian banks of the Chobe River.
