Nambwa Campsite

Nambwa Tented Lodge, opened in early 2015, is situated deep within Namibia's Bwabwata National Park, on the wooded banks of a tributary of the Kwando River. The lodge provides a high level of accommodation and service, offering a luxurious experience. High walkways connect the chalets, allowing elephants to move freely beneath them through the trees. The main area of the lodge features a large two-level deck. The circular lower deck has seating around a recessed firepit, while the main deck incorporates a tented dining area and bar, and a separate tented lounge. There is also a small pool with umbrellas and sun loungers behind the lodge, shared with Nambwa Lagoon Camp. The lodge is open all year.

Accommodation at Nambwa Tented Lodge consists of ten spacious tented suites, nestled among jackalberry, sausage, and knobthorn trees. Each suite is decorated in soft tones of white and stone, with wooden floors. A large double bed with a mosquito net stands at the centre of the room. Behind a wooden headboard, there is a luggage rack, shelves, hanging space for clothes, and a digital safe. A lounge area within the suite provides a sofa, chairs, and a coffee table with complimentary sherry. The open-plan bathroom features twin basins on a wooden vanity unit, a glass-enclosed shower, and a free-standing bath in front of a gauze window, with complimentary toiletries provided. The toilet is in a separate room. Cream-coloured curtains offer privacy, and the canvas front of the tent can be fully rolled up to open the room to the elements. Each suite includes a private deck with a small table and two chairs, offering views of either the river/floodplain or the lodge's waterhole.

Nambwa Tented Lodge operates on a full board and activities basis. Food is of a high standard. Breakfast is a buffet that includes fresh fruit salad, yoghurt, fruit juice, cereals, fresh bread, and pancakes, with cooked options and various coffees available to order. Lunch is light and fresh, often consisting of a salad and a chilli wrap. Dinner can be served either under cover at a large communal table or under the stars at individual tables. The menu features dishes such as pork fillet with mustard sauce, sweet potato bake, and vegetables. Starters like hot soup and freshly cooked game kebabs are served during sundowners at a makeshift bar. Soft drinks, house wine, and local spirits are included, while fine wines, champagne, and imported spirits and liqueurs are charged as extras. Bottled water is provided as tap water is not suitable for drinking.

Nambwa Tented Lodge is located within the Mayuni Conservancy of the Bwabwata National Park in the Zambezi region of Namibia, a park nearly 300km² in size. It is situated on the wooded banks of a tributary of the Kwando River. The lodge's setting allows for elephant movement through the camp, with elevated walkways providing a unique perspective of wildlife. The area features plentiful birdlife. Game densities in Bwabwata National Park include large numbers of elephants in the dry season (June to October), along with roan and eland. Predators such as lion, leopard, hyena, and wild dog are also present. Sightings include hippo, sitatunga, bushbuck, red lechwe, crocodile, kudu, buffalo, impala, and vervet monkeys. Bird species include broad-billed rollers, African fish eagles, white-fronted bee-eaters, goliath herons, pied kingfishers, giant kingfishers, plovers, and ducks.

Nambwa Tented Lodge suits travellers seeking a luxurious safari experience with a focus on wildlife interaction in Bwabwata National Park. The lodge appeals to those interested in birdwatching and photography, offering unique perspectives of wildlife, particularly elephants, from its elevated structure. Activities include 4WD safaris, birdwatching, boat trips (water levels permitting), cultural excursions to a local village, fishing, guided walking safaris, and private activities. The lodge welcomes children aged six years and over. It is not recommended for children under 12 due to the high wooden walkways and the presence of large game in camp, requiring close supervision. Honeymooners will find the large suites with baths, private lounge areas, and excellent service appealing. The lodge also suits those interested in sustainability and cultural experiences, with opportunities to visit the Sijwa Project, which focuses on recycling, permaculture, and community involvement.