Kunene River Lodge

Kunene River Lodge is on the Namibian bank of the Kunene River in the far northwest, just upstream of Swartbooisdrift, with Angola on the other side. The lodge is closed for a refit and says it will welcome guests again in January 2027, so check with the reservations office before you plan around it.

What to expect

Twelve campsites sit under old leadwood and jackalberry trees, most on the river, each with power and a braai, sharing ablution blocks with hot showers. Rooms come in three kinds: air-conditioned self-catering units with a kitchen for two, tented A-frames with en-suite bathrooms, and deluxe rooms with a private terrace. A bar and restaurant deck stands out over the water and there is a pool on the lawn.

Practical details

• Phone: +264 81 162 8810. Email reservations@kuneneriverlodge.com.
• From the east, Ruacana is on tar. About 15 km west of it the road turns to gravel for the last 45 km. River floods can force detours that need a 4x4.
• From Epupa Falls, the 96 km riverside road is a scenic drive. The lodge says 4x4 is not needed when dry but you want high clearance.
• From December to April, ask about road conditions before using the D3700, as river crossings can flow.

Good to know

The bird to look for is the Cinderella waxbill. The lodge credits the find of the first two nests of this elusive species with putting it on the map. The nests are gone but the birds are still seen. The rare grey kestrel is resident nearby. Activities are booked with the lodge: sundowner and birding cruises, canoe hire, fishing, visits to a Himba homestead, and half-day white water rafting in the Ondorusu Gorge. Swartbooisdrift itself is a tiny Himba and Herero settlement with a monument to the Dorsland Trekkers, who crossed the river there in 1881.

Last updated 7 October 2026. Sources: Kunene River Lodge, Kunene River Lodge, accommodation, Kunene River Lodge, activities, Kunene River Lodge, directions, Kunene River Lodge, what to expect, Kunene River Lodge, contact, Wikipedia, Swartbooisdrift.