Hakusembe River Campsite

Hakusembe River Campsite offers a welcoming oasis on the banks of the Kavango River, set within well-maintained gardens. This property provides accommodation for those travelling through Namibia’s Caprivi or beyond. The camp is open all year and serves as a base for exploring the Kavango River and its surroundings.

The communal areas are designed for relaxation, featuring a thatched bar and a restaurant. There is also a wooden deck and a swimming pool, offering a place to cool off during warm afternoons. Guests can participate in various river-based activities such as boat cruises and fishing trips, or enjoy birdwatching from the lodge grounds. An evening sunset boat cruise on the river provides an opportunity to observe hippos, water lilies, and local birdlife.

Accommodation at Hakusembe River Campsite is set back from the river, offering eight individual pitches within the larger lodge property. These pitches provide an outdoor, self-catering option. The site is a part of Hakusembe River Lodge, which also offers 20 simple but comfortable chalets and a handful of more spacious family units elsewhere on the property. Guests staying at the campsite have access to the lodge’s communal facilities. During periods of heavy rain, typically between January and March, parts of the lodge can flood, and guests may be transferred by boat.

Hakusembe River Campsite operates on a Half Board basis, with meals served at the lodge's restaurant. The food quality is generally good and hearty, with many vegetables sourced freshly from the lodge's own garden. Vegetarian meals are available upon request.

Breakfast is typically served between 7.30 am and 9.00 am, offering a standard selection of fruit, yoghurt, cold meats, and toast, accompanied by juice, tea, and coffee. A cooked breakfast is also available. Lunch can be ordered on request, usually between midday and 2.00 pm. Dinner is generally served buffet-style between 7.00 pm and 9.00 pm, sometimes on the outdoor deck, weather permitting. Past dinner menus have included dishes like game carpaccio, soup, a selection of salads, mashed potatoes, couscous, steamed vegetables, and a choice of kudu steak or hake fillets, followed by dessert.

Drinks are not included in the rates, with bottled water supplied in the rooms as an exception.

Hakusembe River Campsite is situated on the banks of the Kavango River, approximately 12 kilometres west of Rundu. It lies at the threshold of the Caprivi Strip, which is also known as the Zambezi Region, in Namibia. The camp is set within well-maintained gardens, which feature acacia trees and colourful flowers that extend down to the river. The location provides generous shade and a diverse range of birdlife. The property offers a tranquil riverside setting where guests can observe birds and listen to the sounds of river life. It is accessible by self-drive, serving as a staging post for those travelling through Namibia’s Caprivi Strip. The closest town, Rundu, is 12 kilometres away, where a doctor and hospital are located.

Hakusembe River Campsite suits individuals, couples, or groups who are looking for a base from which to explore the Kavango River area and the Caprivi Strip. It is suitable for travellers who prefer a more relaxed and scenic environment after longer drives. The camp is open all year. It is a suitable staging point for those on safari through Namibia’s Caprivi or travelling beyond. The tranquil riverside setting, with opportunities for birdwatching and boat trips, appeals to nature enthusiasts. Keen anglers may find it a good base for fishing trips on the Kavango River. Families are welcome, and while there are no special activities at the camp itself, children often enjoy the large garden and the swimming pool. However, children require supervision around the river due to the presence of crocodiles and hippos, and the unfenced pool.