Zambezi Mubala Lodge

Zambezi Mubala Lodge is on the Zambezi River about 40 km east of Katima Mulilo, off the D3508 Kalimbeza road, with Zambia on the far bank. Gondwana rebuilt the old Kalizo Lodge here and took its first guests under the new name on 1 November 2017. Mubala means colour in Silozi, which explains the blue and green everywhere. People come for the birds and the fishing.

What to expect

You don’t drive to the door. Cars stay at Zambezi Mubala Camp (once Island View Lodge), and a boat takes you on to the lodge. There are 21 bungalows facing the river: four twins, 13 doubles and four family units with four beds. Each has air-conditioning, an en-suite shower, a small fridge, a safe, mosquito nets and a veranda. There is a restaurant, a bar, a curio shop and a cold-water pool. Wi-Fi works at the main lodge.

Boat cruises go out in the morning and afternoon (about three hours) or before sunset (about an hour and a half). Fishing is guided and strictly catch and release, for species such as tigerfish, nembwe, tilapia and catfish, and the lodge sells licences. In season a guide walks you to a nearby carmine bee-eater colony. That walk takes about three hours, needs at least two people and is booked at the lodge.

Practical details

• Gondwana reservations +264 61 427 200, alternate +264 83 370 7360.
• Check-in from 2pm, check-out by 10am.
• Mpacha Airport at Katima Mulilo is 50 km away and the lodge does transfers.

Good to know

Victoria Falls is a little over 200 km away and day trips can be arranged at reception. The Zambezi Region is a malaria area, so take advice on prophylaxis before you go and sleep under the net.

Last updated 7 October 2026. Sources: Zambezi Mubala Lodge, Gondwana Collection, Zambezi Mubala Campsite, Gondwana Collection, Tourism Update, The Namibian Wetlands Route.