Kaisosi River Lodge

The place you don’t want to leave

by Marita van Rooyen

Kaisosi is called the place you don’t want to leave with good reason. Sounds of frogs, peacocks and other exotic birds accompany you wherever you walk, the echoes of nature being the only noise pollution you can expect here.

The lodge is situated directly on the banks of the Okavango River, about seven kilometres east of Rundu. Birds and frogs are but a few of the abundant species you will find here. In the surrounding area alone, there are about 40 different species of dragonfly, and Kaisosi is the perfect setting for catching tiger fish, tilapia and catfish, and watching crocodiles and hippos. Fishing equipment can be hired from the lodge.

Activities offered at Kaisosi include champagne breakfast, morning, sunset, birding and fishing cruises, all ideal for exploring and appreciating the natural environment, and trips to a traditional Kavango village and school, the local market in Rundu and airport transfers. Visiting the cultural group, Mwengele, is another special activity that gives visitors a glimpse into the life and traditions of the local people. These activities should be booked at least a week in advance. For fun seekers, Hogo Campsite and Bush Bar are just two kilometres upstream. Alternatively, Rundu is the perfect town for shebeen hopping. Places like ‘The dog is hot’ and ‘Put more fire’ will keep you entertained for hours on end.

Relax and indulge

With an à-la-carte menu and large, individually prepared portions, it shows that chef Kapalwa (Matchstick) Shangula is ‘passionate about food’. And don’t worry, one of the managers, Moses Mwangelwa, will happily lend you his bicycle to cycle off last night’s portion, so there’s no excuse for not indulging. The lodge also caters for special events, such as weddings, birthday parties and small conferences. This year Kaisosi is even hosting a fishing competition, with about 400 guests expected to attend.

The lodge consists of a restaurant, lounge area with television and bar, a large wooden deck that looks out onto the river, and a small gift shop. There are 16 bungalows, eight with a bathtub, and eight with a shower. Four of the bungalows are suitable for families, and there are an additional two rooms for guides. The campsites are perfect for smaller groups. Each site, accessed through rows of red hibiscus flowers, has its own bathroom, braai and cement table and chairs.

It is important to check on the flood situation during the rainy season, as roads may be impassable by smaller sedan vehicles. 

This article appeared in the April/May ‘10 edition of Travel News Namibia.