Namibian hospitality company O&L Leisure has now opened Chobe Water Villas, a luxurious riverside retreat in the Caprivi Strip on Namibia’s Northern boundary, only a few kilometres from the unique place where four countries meet: Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia.
A breath-taking destination for wildlife photographers and safari lovers, Chobe Water Villas are situated on the northern bank of the mighty Chobe River, which forms the border between Namibia and the Chobe National Park in Botswana, an area with one of the highest concentration of game in all of Africa.
Sixteen stylish stilted suites line a broad, glittering stretch of the Chobe River, with views over Kasikili Island and the Chobe National Park beyond. There is an abundance of vegetation which supports a dense population of elephants, lion, buffalo, giraffe and various antelopes, making this a unique corner of Namibia which, in many ways, feels as much a part of wildlife-rich Botswana or Zambia.
Accommodation
Accessible only by boat, the gorgeous thatched water villas are shaded by acacia trees and seduce with beautiful design. Interiors by South African firm Design Union feature sustainable, contemporary lines and incorporate custom-made furniture, indigenous textiles, cloud-soft linens and an Afro-chic collection of lighting fixtures and artworks. Floor to ceiling glass doors in each suite fold open and lead out to a large front terrace with uninterrupted 180 degree river views. The river below is teeming with life and guests can watch out for a rich selection of bird life as well as water-loving species such as hippo, crocodile, sable, waterbuck, reedbuck and buffalo – which are largely absent from the rest of Namibia. A rear terrace looks out towards the natural bush and spectacular sunsets.
Public Areas
Facilities at the main lodge include an elegant restaurant and bar and a library lounge – all leading out onto a centered garden area with luxurious infinity pool and magnificent views of the Chobe River. Interiors take cues from Namibia’s exceptionally beautiful landscapes, rich biodiversity, diverse cultures, and subtle touches throughout the property which nod towards Namibian’s unique cultural symbolism. A giant mobile in the restaurant made of hundreds of strands of small Maranti timber discs, for example, represent an African Rain Storm, while a ceiling-hung skeletal structure refers to Namibia’s Skeleton Coast. A light installation of a giant weaver bird’s nest can be seen above the bar counter.
Activities
Because of its elevated location, wildlife viewing can be enjoyed straight from the villas and lodge looking down onto the river. Daily safari activities include morning game drives in the Chobe National Park, cruises on the Chobe River along the banks of the National Park and Cultural & Sunset cruises on both the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers. The lodge is also only 70km by road from one of the great wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls, and day excursions by road or air can be arranged.
Transport
Chobe Water Villas are conveniently located only three kilometres from Kasane International Airport (Botswana) and from there it is a short transfer by boat. Furthermore, domestic connections from Windhoek are offered to Katima Mulilo in Namibia from where transfers can be arranged. The international airports of Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and Livingstone (Zambia) are also only 80km away, both of which operate regular scheduled flights to Johannesburg and connect to flights from cities across the world.
For more information visit: chobewatervillas.com
