Start: Nkwazi Lodge And Camping Site
Destination: Mavunje Campsite
Region: Zambezi
Distance: 400 km
Duration: 4 h 15 min
Road Conditions: Gravel Road
Accommodation: Mavunje Campsite
Our Rating: 9/10
Wildlife: Antelopes, birds, goats, sheep, cattle
Shopping: -
Food: Muesli, bread, peanut butter, banana, snacks, steak with potatoes and vegetables

Route from Nkwanzi Lodge to Mavunje Campsite

The anticipation for today is huge, as we hope to spot hippos or at least hear their distinctive sounds. On our way to Mavunje Camp by the Kwando River, we pass numerous small villages that lie directly along the road. Most of the huts are made of clay with thatched roofs. Along the roadside, there are many stalls selling handicrafts and food. Everywhere, children are playing, people are cooking, dogs lie in the shade, and chickens cluck on the street. Life happens outdoors here, and it's wonderful to take a moment to observe these scenes.

Small farming village in the Caprivi Strip

The road through the Caprivi Strip runs straight from east to west and is paved, making the drive quite comfortable. Along the way, we stop at a small rest area, stretch our legs, and enjoy a quick snack. In Namibia, such rest spots are common and provide travelers with benches, tables, a trash bin, and often a sheltered area for meals. As we pause near a small village, curious children approach us, eager to know where we are from and full of questions. Their curiosity and friendliness bring a warmth to the moment, making it a memorable stop.

The dead straight main road in the Caprivi Strip. The landscape is marked by forest fires.

When we finally arrive at Mavunje Camp, Dan, the owner, is not present. Instead, we find a staff member who shows us to our campsite. The campsite is well-maintained and spacious, with plenty of firewood that is replenished daily. The private shower and toilet facilities are in good condition.

Our pitch offers a view of the greenery towards the Kwando River. As we set up, we can already hear the deep, rumbling grunts of the hippos. Hooray, they are nearby! The campsite is very picturesque and peaceful. Aside from river excursions, there isn't much to do at the campsite, so it's a good idea to book a river trip at the time of reservation. Unfortunately, we missed that opportunity.

Our campsite with a bamboo hut on the Kwando River.

Well-maintained campsite with a toilet cabin, barbecue area, and table.

After setting up, Christian starts a fire with beautiful tropical wood, and I do a workout. During my subsequent shower in the open bamboo hut, I let out a scream. Christian rushes over, and I point to the bats hanging directly above me, taking their afternoon nap. The shock passes, and I continue washing my hair under the peaceful bats. By the campfire, we plan the rest of our journey. There’s no internet or electricity here, but since we’ve saved all the information offline, we can still plan our next days. Just before dark, we walk down to the river with a beer and enjoy our sundowner there.

The sunset is breathtaking, and the sounds of the hippos are so clear as if they’re just a few meters away (which fortunately, they’re not!). We return to our spot, prepare our dinner over the fire (steak, potatoes, and vegetables), listen to the grunts of the animals, and end the day under a clear, sparkling starry sky.