Let's help you plan

Joanna - Travel Consultant
Johnny - Travel Consultant
Eve - Travel Consultant
HeartHeartHeartHeartHeart
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars on Feefo

4.9/5 (948 reviews)

Kunene River Lodge, Kaokoland | Timbuktu Travel
Kaokoland

Kunene River Lodge

Travel and Leisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025
We're one of the World's Best Tour Operators!
Named three years running in Travel+Leisure World's Best, including No.1 in 2024

About Kunene River Lodge

Laid-back comfort (and birds galore) on the tree-lined banks of the Kunene.
Kunene River Lodge is a fairly basic but very comfortable establishment on the banks of the Kunene River, the waterway that separates Namibia from its northern neighbour, Angola. This family-owned lodge started out as a private weekend retreat, and is now one of the most popular spots in this remote and hard-to-reach part of the country. The location is shady and quiet, accommodation ranges from well-equipped comfortable bungalows and rustic A-frame chalets to tree-sheltered camp sites. The river provides plenty of fun activities, from leisurely boat cruises and birdwatching trips to adrenalin-stimulating white-water rafting.
From $170 per person/per night
Safari
24 Rooms
Open Map
Static map

Property details

The property

The lodge is spread along the banks of the river under a canopy of indigenous trees, with a lovely swimming pool surrounded by lush lawns. The heart of the lodge is the huge timber deck suspended over the water, which serves as the restaurant and bar, with a sheltered dining lapa in case of occasional rain. Guests can use the communal charging facilities for electronic devices, and wi-fi is available for those who need to keep in touch.

The rooms

Seven comfortable and spacious air-conditioned double or twin rooms each have an en-suite shower and bathroom, cheery decor and plenty of storage space. Four rustic A-frame bungalows offer a more basic but comfortable level of accommodation, with en-suite bathrooms, ceiling fans, an outdoor seating area and small private garden. For those who truly wish to get back to nature, there are a number of grassy campsites beneath the trees, with power points and a barbecue area.

Activities

The main activities take place on the Kunene River, and include white-water rafting with experienced guides, river boarding if water levels permit, birdwatching trips and sundowner cruises. Canoes are available if you wish to explore under your own steam, and catch-and-release fishing is also offered. Away from the water, there is good hiking and mountain biking across challenging terrain. Arrange a visit to the local Himba settlements – they appreciate travellers wishing to learn about their traditional way of life.

Plan your stay

How to book Kunene Lodge

How do I book Kunene Lodge?

Kunene Lodge can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Namibia trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Namibia trips featuring Kunene Lodge or get advice and suggestions from one of our Namibia specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.

How much does it cost to stay at Kunene Lodge?

Stays at Kunene Lodge start from around $170 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

Namibia

Kaokoland

A dusty land dotted with lush green oases, desert-adapted elephant and wandering Himba communities.