Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge

The welcome here was genuinely warm, and the meals were good. It’s a little more basic than some of the other luxury lodges, but that also means you feel closer to nature. The location is fantastic, with a busy waterhole and plenty of chances to spot wildlife. We saw elephants, a leopard, and several other animals.

We visited in the dry season, so the drive in was fine. Getting here during the rains could be a challenge. The tents are compact and really nice, and the shared area has been renovated recently. It felt comfortable and welcoming, with lovely views, so the older reviews don’t reflect how it is now. We enjoyed the food, and the guides on our night drive were fantastic.

The walking tours stood out most for us. We did the walk twice with Stefan, who knew a lot and was enthusiastic about answering our curious questions. The staff were attentive and clearly working hard to make the lodge succeed. The lodge is just outside the national park, so drives have to go in, and we saw fewer animals than at some places we’ve visited. We did spot elephants and a shy lioness. The tents were simple, clean, and comfortable, with decent beds. Meals were disappointing for us. One evening the main was roast pork with gravy and mashed potatoes, with no vegetables. Other dishes were a little strange and watery, as the ingredients all come from the freezer. On the brighter side, the toasted sandwiches at lunch and the breakfast omelettes were good.

Nkasa Lupala has the tented safari feeling of the early African explorers, while still offering the comforts and standards of a luxurious modern place. The staff were friendly and the service was great. We had a great safari drive and spotted a leopard and hyenas. During our stay, a group of elephants was living around the lodge too. I’d definitely recommend it if you’re traveling to northern Namibia.