Kaisosi River Lodge – An elegant African oasis

by Andreas Vogt

Travellers passing through the extreme north east of Namibia can look forward to an exquisite lodge with luxurious accommodation and a camping site near Rundu some 700 kilometres from Windhoek – at Kaisosi river lodge.

Kaisosi River Lodge is situated seven kilometres east of Rundu on the banks of the perennial Okavango River where it crosses into neighbouring Botswana near Bagani to feed the incredible Okavango Delta.

Sundowner cruise

Lying outside the hustle and bustle of Rundu, capital of the Kavango Region, it is a safe and peaceful oasis in the true sense.

It can be reached in a normal sedan vehicle and is the only river lodge along the Okavango River that is always accessible, even when the river is in flood.

This truly serene place offers complete relaxation and a true African experience.

Situated amongst lush riverine vegetation, it is an ideal place for nature lovers, bird watchers and anyone simply wishing to enjoy a few relaxing and fulfilling days.

Lodge guests taking a leisurely sundowner cruise downstream will see African cattle grazing in thigh-high grass in the lush vegetation along the riverbanks, and the occasional villager waving to them from the Angolan side.

With an aquaculture enterprise and an irrigation-cum-dairy project at Vungu-Vungu close by, Kaisosi finds itself in the hub of a large centre of entrepreneurial economic activity. This fertile part of the Kavango Region with its vast resources of fresh water has the potential to become a veritable Namibian food basket.

Kaisosi deck Photo: http://www.kaisosiriverlodge.com

Kaisosi’s luxury swimming pool with its crystal-clear water is a refreshing feature during the hot summer months. A river-side deck and inside bar area encourage leisurely sundowners and intermingling with other guests of the lodge. Delectable meals are served in a breathtakingly constructed thatched restaurant. Kaisosi also caters for special events such as weddings, birthday celebrations, conferences, year-end functions and banquets.

Lots to see and do

Accommodation at Kaisosi is in luxury thatched chalets available as single, double and family units, all with bathrooms en suite. Mosquito nets are provided. The camping site with communal ablution facilities caters for groups of campers and caravan owners, as well as for individuals who prefer to have their own ablution facilities.

Outdoor activities include boat trips, fishing trips and champagne breakfast and sunset cruises, during which a variety of water birds such as Reed Cormorants and Woodland Kingfisher are easily spotted. Crocodiles and hippos are sometimes seen, but you need to keep a safe distance away, of course!

Sundowner. Photo: www.kaisosiriverlodge.com

On specially organised bird-watching trips, the focus is on spotting species such as the Cattle Egret, Yellow-billed Kite, Blacksmith Plover, Red-faced Mousebird, Golden-tailed Woodpecker, Paradise Woodpecker, Fork-tailed Drongo, White-crested Helmet-Shrike, Scarlet-chested Sunbird and Blue Waxbill at or near the lodge.

Enjoying breakfast while floating down the river on a boat can be arranged on request.

This article appeared in the May/June ‘06 edition of Travel News Namibia.