NAMIBIA - Lianshulu Lodge, Caprivi – Mudumu National Park

Caprivi Strip

The Caprivi Strip is a narrow sliver of land, approximately 280 miles long, which forms a strategic corridor that links Namibia with Botswana, Angola and Zambia. It is steeped in history and its Kalahari sands and tropical waterways are home to an interesting variety of wildlife that differs hugely from the rest of Namibia.

Mudumu National Park

Mudumu National Park covers over 620 square miles and is located on the eastern side of the Caprivi Strip to the north of the Linyanti Swamp ecosystem. The park's lifeline is the Kwando River which flows along its western border. Along the river there are extensive floodplains, floating papyrus swamps and lush riverine forest. Away from the river there are mixed mopane and teak woodlands, open grasslands and typical African savannah.

Mudumu National Park is known for its buffalo population, roan and sable antelope, red lechwe and the water loving sitatunga. Large elephant herds have been seen moving through the region. Lion, hippo, impala, Burchell's zebra, greater kudu and common waterbuck are also found here and the waterways attract spotted-necked otter, legendary tigerfish, and large Nile crocodiles.

There is over 400 species of birds in this area, including Coucal, Slaty Egret, Greater Swamp Warbler, Swamp Boubou and Brown Firefinch. In summer numbers increase with the tremendous amount of migratory birds such as the spectacular Southern Carmine Bee-eaters, Copper Sunbirds and Broad-tailed Paradise-Whydah.

ACCOMMODATION:

Lianshulu Lodge is one of the first private lodges to be built inside a Namibian National Park. The lodge is built on the banks of the Kwando River, one of the four mighty rivers feeding the Linyanti Swamps. This region is regarded as Namibia's own slice of the Okavango Delta. Here, in the heart of the Mudumu National Park, dry mixed woodlands stand in complete contrast to the beautiful Kwando wetland ecosystem.

A fringe of dense forest shades Lianshulu Lodge which comprises 9 twin-bedded rooms and 1 family room, each individually styled and furnished, with en-suite bathrooms and secluded verandas. The airy thatched dining, lounge and bar areas open onto spacious, split-level wooden decks which have sweeping views over the Lianshulu Lagoon. Two fireplaces, scenic outlooks and a secluded swimming pool offer great places to relax and take in the peace and tranquillity of Lianshulu's lovely surroundings.

ACTIVITIES AND WILDLIFE:

Activities at Lianshulu Lodge include morning and sunset boat cruises and nature drives in the Mudumu National Park. A visit to the Lizauli Traditional Village is a highlight here. This is a community tourism initiative that has recreated all the unique traditions and culture of the Namibian village. Visitors can learn to stamp a millet, discover ancient grain storage methods and transportation, see how blacksmiths hand-forge metal tools and knives, interact with the village traditional healer and experience traditional dancing.

Mudumu National Park and Lianshulu provide opportunities to see herds of buffalo, zebra, wildebeest and waterbuck with abundant elephant herds and hippo pods. Predators are sometimes encountered and crocodiles and fish (bream, tigerfish and catfish) can be seen from the Lianshulu Lodge deck.