Lodge Summary
- Remote lodge in a pristine and untouched wilderness destination
- Lodge comprises only six luxurious suites overlooking the Kwando river
- Located in the Bwabwata National Park in northeastern Namibia, on the Kwando River. Numerous elephants as well as buffalo, hippos, many antelope species, hyenas, lions and leopards inhabit this area.
- Horseshoe Bend is a unique attraction - an oxbow lake that has formed on the Kwando river.
- Main activities - game viewing, boat cruises, guided walks, fishing
- Magnificent bird watching with many rare and endemic bird species in the area
- Susuwe Island Lodge is surrounded by riverine forest, as well as savannahs, wetlands and Kalahari woodlands
Advisory
- Children 12 years and older welcome
- Susuwe Island Lodge is not equipped for wheelchairs
Accommodation
6 luxurious double or twin suites - each with:
- A lounge
- Private plunge pool
- Wooden deck facing the river
- En-suite bathroom with a bay-window bath and shower
- Ceiling fans, gauze screen doors and mosquito netting
- Small safe
- 220 volt AC electricity is supplied by generator, with standard South African three-point plugs in each chalet
- Daily laundry service is complimentary
- 2 guide rooms (not the same standard as a guest unit)
Facilities
- Main complex with a lounge and bar
- Dining area with individual tables
- Small reference library
- Curio shop
- Elevated river facing viewing deck
- Double level viewing deck built into the forest canopy
- Firepit
Activities and vehicles
- Game drives in the Bwabwata National Park.
- Boat trips - such as cruises on the Kwando River and backwaters - are preferable at sunset or sunrise to view game, birdwatch, fish, or just purely to relax
- Birders can attempt spot the unusual resident and migrant birds that live in this area such as Wattled crane, Racquet tailed rollers, Wood owls and African crakes
- A visit to Horseshoe Bend where in the afternoon guests can witness vast numbers of elephant drinking here simultaneously (in dry months in excess of 800)
- Fishing for the varied fish species in the Kwando river including Tigerfish, nembwe, tilapia, and catfish
Community Development Fund
- A voluntary ZAR 40.00 donation is requested from each guest on departure from the Lodges for the Community Development Fund
- This is placed in a community development fund, which is utilized for local community upliftment projects over and above what the lodge contributes
- Islands in Africa, in conjunction with the tribal authorities, determines the priority of the projects which need funding
Conservation and community initiatives
Susuwe Island Lodge has been developed as a joint venture partnership with the Mayuni Conservancy.
The Kwando River is a permanent water source that nourishes delicate ecosystems. In order for the balance to be maintained, protection is required from the indiscriminate utilization of the natural resource base. In keeping with this, conservation projects such as the development of an anti poaching unit have already been initiated.
A long-term programme is also under way in the area, the primary objective of which is the involvement of local communities in conservation initiatives. Employment of local people provides skills and education which assists in this initiative.
The Mayuni Conservancy has been cited as one of the pilot conservancy projects, (one of the more successful examples of future based community / conservation / tourism projects).
More than two years ago, in negotiation with Chief Mayuni, IIA agreed to build a conservancy campsite (called Kubunyana), which we funded and from which the local community manages and earns revenue. This provided jobs and an income for the community prior to and during the building stages of Susuwe Island Lodge. It continues to run as a beautiful campsite, completely managed by the local community. The community also owns and operates a campsite within the Bwabwata National Park named Nambwa. Bookings can be done through our reservations office.
Malaria
- Anti-malaria tablets are advisable all year round. We recommend you check with your physician for prophylaxis advice. Mosquito repellent sprays are provided, and we recommend that long sleeves and pants be worn in the evenings and early mornings.
Languages spoken at Impalila
Further reading
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