Kayova River Lodge

Kayova River Lodge is situated on a slope overlooking the Okavango River, known locally as the Cubango River. This waterway forms a border between Namibia and Angola and supports a rich ecosystem with various bird species, fish, hippos, and crocodiles. The lodge is known affectionately by locals as “shiwangundu,” meaning "pearl" of the Okavango. Opened in 2012, Kayova River Lodge operates as a community-based establishment, reinvesting its revenue into lodge operations and community support initiatives. The lodge offers a tranquil setting surrounded by nature, positioned to provide a peaceful and relaxing experience.

The property offers a range of facilities for guests, including a bar and a restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating. Complimentary internet access is available, and there is mobile connectivity. Guests can make use of the swimming pool and conference centre. Practical services include laundry, secure parking, and room service. The lodge is children friendly and accepts credit cards, offering card facilities for payments. For convenience, an airport shuttle service is available upon request. The lodge operates with 24-hour security and offers vegetarian meal options and takeaways.

Activities available on site include bird watching, boating, and fishing, specifically catch-and-release. Game viewing can also be enjoyed at the lodge. Off-site activities that can be arranged include animal encounters, boat cruises, cultural tours, game drives, and river cruises. The lodge is perfectly positioned for guests interested in exploring the natural beauty of the Zambezi region.

Accommodation at Kayova River Lodge includes chalets and Meru tents, all designed for comfort and offering a pleasant outlook. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning and mosquito nets. Each accommodation type features an en-suite bathroom, typically with a shower, washbasin, and flush toilet, and includes amenities. For convenience, a coffee and tea station is provided, along with international power sockets.

The chalets feature large glass sliding doors that open onto an outside deck furnished for relaxation, allowing guests to take in the surroundings. Some chalets are available with either king-size beds or twin single beds. One unit is designed to be converted into an inter-leading family room with separate bathrooms, suitable for guests travelling with children. A writing desk is also present in these rooms.

The Meru tents are spacious and airy, with flaps that can be zipped shut for privacy and comfort. They are designed to be mosquito and insect-proof when the gauze net is kept closed. These tents also include a patio with outdoor furniture, where guests can sit and relax and enjoy the view. Some tents feature a double bed. All tents have air conditioning and are fitted with telephones to contact reception for assistance or orders.

Kayova River Lodge features a restaurant and bar located in the main area of the lodge. This area provides seating both indoors and outdoors, offering flexibility for guests to dine in their preferred setting. The restaurant is open throughout the day, providing a menu with a selection of choices. Breakfast and dinner are served at the main area, extending to the patio for an open-air dining experience.

For groups consisting of 15 guests or more, buffet dining arrangements are possible. Room service is also available for guests who prefer to dine in their accommodation, operating from 07:00 to 22:00 daily. The lodge caters to various dietary requirements, with vegetarian options offered on the menu. Takeaway services are also available.

Kayova River Lodge is situated in Kavango East, near Rundu, Namibia. The lodge's specific address is Ndiyona D3411 road, Kayova Village. It is located high on a slope of the Okavango River bank. The Okavango, also known as the Cubango River, is a significant natural feature, serving as the largest waterway and marking the border between Namibia and Angola. This river system creates a strikingly lush and peaceful environment, supporting a diverse ecosystem that includes numerous bird species, various fish, hippos, and large crocodiles.

The lodge is positioned between the towns of Rundu and Divundu, making it a convenient base for guests wishing to explore the natural beauty of the wider Zambezi region. The surrounding area is characterised by nature, providing a tranquil backdrop for the lodge.

Kayova River Lodge suits guests seeking a tranquil and nature-focused retreat in Namibia's Kavango East region. It is ideal for those who appreciate river views and the peace of a natural environment. Individuals interested in bird watching, fishing, and game viewing will find suitable activities both on and off site. The lodge caters to those looking for relaxation, with its setting on the Okavango River and its emphasis on a peaceful atmosphere.

The lodge is children friendly, making it a suitable option for families, particularly with the availability of convertible inter-leading family rooms. Guests interested in community-based tourism may find the lodge appealing, as it is 100% community-owned and reinvests revenue into local support. Those who wish to explore the natural beauty of the Zambezi region will find the lodge’s location between Rundu and Divundu advantageous for excursions. It also accommodates guests who require services such as an airport shuttle, laundry, and room service.