Unspoilt landscapes, wildlife, and historic culture abound in this wild, remote part of Africa.
The Kunene River forms a natural boundary at Namibia's northern extremity, and here we find one of the country's most famous adventure centres - Kunene River Lodge.
Situated 50 km west of Ruacana Falls and 100 km east of the spectacular Epupa Falls, Kunene River Lodge nestles beneath a beautiful canopy of indigenous trees stretching down to the river.
The Lodge offers accommodation ranging from spacious deluxe air-conditioned rooms to rustic chalets and attractive campsites, all laid out in the tranquil shade of the Jackalberry and Leadwood trees.
In addition to its idyllic setting, facilities, and in-house activities, the Lodge also serves as an ideal gateway for those setting out to explore the rugged and beautiful Kaokoland region of Namibia to the northwest.
"A Piece of Paradise" has been aptly used to describe Kunene River Lodge.
Accommodation at Kunene River Lodge
We provide the highest possible standard of accommodation and facilities for all our Guests.
The Reception Area, Bar, Restaurant, Lodge Grounds, and Activities are open to all, but to satisfy the diverse needs of travellers in this remote area, we currently provide three distinct levels of overnight accommodation:
- Spacious Air-Conditioned Deluxe Rooms
- A-Frame Rustic Chalets
- Campsites
Deluxe Rooms at Kunene River Lodge
We offer eight delightfully spacious Deluxe Rooms. These Deluxe Rooms allow you to spread out your belongings, relax and sleep in comfort for the duration of your stay at Kunene River Lodge. Each is fully equipped to international standards with:
- Remote Control Air-Conditioning
- En-Suite Shower Room and WC
- Washbasin
- Overhead Cooling Fan
- Fitted Wardrobes and Storage Space
- Verandah with Cane Furniture
- 24-hour Laundry Service available
Five Deluxe Rooms are each furnished with two double beds.
Two Deluxe Family Rooms are furnished with triple single beds, and one Deluxe Family Room has a double bed and two bunk beds.
Note: The generator runs for approximately 3 hours in the morning and 4 hours in the evening. Torches are supplied for Deluxe Rooms.
A-Frame Rustic Chalets at Kunene River Lodge
Four Rustic Chalets, each in its own beautiful plot, reflect hints of the rugged landscape and the more traditional aspects of the country in which Kunene River Lodge is situated.
These Chalets give our Guests a hint of the pioneering style of life in this part of Africa, but in doing so, they sacrifice neither comfort, convenience, nor amenities. Each is equipped with:
- En-Suite Shower Room and WC with Washbasin
- Overhead Cooling Fan
- Wardrobe and Storage Area
- Outside Seating Area
- 24-hour Laundry Service available
Three Rustic Chalets are each furnished with double beds. One Rustic Chalet is furnished with two single beds. We regret we cannot accommodate children in the Rustic Chalets.
Campsites at Kunene River Lodge
We have set twelve Campsites in the Lodge grounds amid the lush undergrowth and under the shade of the wonderful old Leadwood and Jackalberry trees by the Kunene River.
Live close to nature and as rough or as comfortably as you choose, but with all the facilities of Kunene River Lodge nearby. Campsite Facilities include:
- Electricity Power Point - limited availability, see below
- Braai (barbecue) area
- Separate Communal Ablution Blocks for men and women
- Blocks each have 4 WCs, 4 Hot and Cold Showers, Washbasins
General Information for Guests using the Campsites:
- Guests are requested to refrain from making noise after 22:00
- Our Laundry Service is not normally available for Campers
- Restaurant Meals by special request only - subject to availability
Activities at Kunene River Lodge
We want you to enjoy your Holiday of a Lifetime to the maximum.
Whether your ambition is to take part in fun activities, outdoor adventure, to relax and take life easy, or anything in between, we aim to make every moment of your day an unforgettable memory.
You wake to the twittering of the dawn chorus. See how many exotic bird species you can spot as you stroll around the Lodge, or enjoy a fascinating early-morning bird-watching trip on the river.
After a hearty breakfast, choose from our impressive range of adventure activities such as kayaking, raging white-water action, trekking, or hiking.
Or, taking life a little easier, you could try some river fishing, a cultural trip to a local Himba village, or simply lounge around the pool.
At dusk, you freshen up, then relax in good company with a drink in our bar overlooking the river or on a Sundowner Cruise, as you admire the spectacular beauty of the scenery and a breathtaking African sunset.
Round off the day with a meal in our excellent Restaurant followed by a nightcap - and so to bed for a well-earned rest and a good night's sleep.
Where is Kunene River Lodge?
Your Holiday Adventure of a Lifetime starts the moment you step on Namibian soil for the first time.
There are only two ways of reaching us:
By Air and Road Transfer
By far the easiest way is to charter or hire a light aircraft to fly into Ruacana or Swartbooisdrift airstrip.
KRL will then provide a transfer to the Lodge, although flying into Swartbooisdrift requires that you circle the Lodge first to make contact and arrange the transfer.
Flying over large stretches of Namibia is, of course, a perfect way to get a different perspective on the amazing variety of spectacular landscapes.
Independently by Road
Roads throughout most of Namibia are relatively easy to negotiate, but gravel roads far outnumber tarred.
In the rugged northern region of Kaokoland, even untarred roads are rare and the only routes to KRL are via Opuwo, Ruacana or Epupa via Epembe.
4 x 4 vehicles can tackle the riverside road from Epupa only in the dry season. The spectacular scenery makes driving an exciting adventure.
But, your vehicle must be up to the job and you should be equipped to deal with emergencies. Mobile phone coverage now extends to Opuwo and Ruacana.
Getting to Kunene River Lodge by Road
If approaching Kunene River Lodge from the south via Opuwo, there is a good gravel road, passable most of the time.
The journey of 135 km takes approximately 3 hours, leading you through dramatic landscapes between the Ehomba and Zebra Mountains.
East of KRL, the 60 km road from Ruacana is tarred for the first 13 km, then has a good gravel surface which makes for an easy drive.
Although it is fine in the dry season, if the river floods, diversions are in place which demand 4-wheel drive.
Once again, a beautiful drive, this time along the river, is a just reward for your efforts.
Coming from the west, there is a very good gravel road from Epupa Falls to Epembe, then from Epembe to KRL, together totalling 165 km and requiring 3 - 4 hours travelling time.
Both stretches are graded regularly - meaning their surfaces are frequently smoothed and re-contoured, so driving them is straightforward.
The riverside road from Epupa to KRL is approximately 100 km and is definitely for 4 x 4 vehicles only - preferably driven with at least two vehicles. This journey takes 8-10 hours.
