Lianshulu Lodge - Caprivi Strip Namibia
Set on the banks of the Kwando River in Mudumu National Park, Lianshulu has earned the reputation as the finest lodge in the eastern Caprivi. The Caprivi is a narrow strip of Namibian land running between Botswana to the south and Angola and Zambia to the north. A network of rivers and a fairly high summer rainfall have created a lush wilderness of riverine forest, marshes and open woodland in stark contrast to the rest of arid Namibia. Mudumu and the nearby Mamile National Park lie to the north of the Linyanti region of Botswana's Chobe National Park, and boast good numbers of hippo, elephant, red lechwe and other wildlife.
The Lianshulu Experience
Time at Lianshulu is divided between nature drives in open vehicles, boating, drifting down the Kwando River on a double-decker pontoon, and nature walks. Fishing in the Kwando is good, with tiger fish and bream being available.
Accommodation
There are twelve brick-and-thatch chalets, each with en-suite bathroom facilities. The main lodge building comprises an expansive lounge and dining area, curio shop and bar under thatch. There is also a comprehensive wildlife reference library and a swimming pool.
Wildlife
Since the proclamation of the Mudumu National Park wildlife numbers have increased, and most typical savanna and woodland species occur in the area. Hippos and crocodiles are especially common and the rare sitatunga may be encountered in papyrus thickets. Birding is good with woodland and water fowl present at all times. Rufous-bellied heron, pygmy goose, western banded snake eagle, African golden oriole and brown firefinch are among the bird "specials" for the area.
Conservation efforts
Lianshulu Lodge, in conjunction with Garth Owen-Smith and Margaret Jacobsohn of the Endangered Wildlife Trust and authors of the book "Himba", have established a Community Development Fund to assist with the education and upliftment of tribal people living outside of the parks. Lodge managers Grant Burton and Marie Holstenson have also initiated the building of the Lizauli traditional village outside Mudumu, which allows visitors an insight into local culture and traditions. This village has been built by, and is managed by, the people themselves with monetary benefits going directly to the community.
Lianshulu at a glance
Situated in Namibia's Caprivi Strip, along the banks of the Kwando River.
Ten comfortable A-frame chalets with en-suite facilities and two thatched bungalows.
Dining room, lounge and pub under thatch.
Pool.
Activities in open 4x4 vehicles by day and night, walks and boating.
About 1 km of good gravel airfield, five minutes from the lodge.
Access either by road, by charter or via Katima Mulilo with Air Namibia from Windhoek, Etosha or Victoria Falls.
