Welcome to Simanya River Lodge Your getaway for Fishing Birding Culture

Where Nature Meets Quiet Luxury

Simanya River Lodge is a riverborn, fish-led, earth-rooted river lodge in Kavango West, offering a primal, soul-travel escape where land meets river. The nearest river lodge to Windhoek via the scenic B15 Timber Route, Simanya features 20 spacious river-facing rooms with uninterrupted water views. Guests unwind beside the infinity pool, watch the Kavango River drift past from the restaurant or Fisherman’s Pub, and gather on the deck and boma under open skies. For adventurers, Basecamp offers 10 private grassed campsites with individual ablution and braai areas. Simanya also hosts conferences, for up to 120 guests, combining authentic African river experiences, tiger fishing, cultural encounters, and nature-led luxury where river days slow down, sunsets linger longer, and nature sets the rhythm.

About the lodge
Panoramic Riverfront Rooms Infinity Pool Restaurant Pub Activities
Simanya's riverside deck and umbrellas above the Kavango River Read our reviews on● Tripadvisor

Inland - to - river journey through Namibia

The Two Routes to Simanya

The nearest river lodge to Windhoek, on tar all the way. Follow the drive north, from open savanna through the timber belt to the banks of the Kavango.

Distance
670 km
Drive time
6–7 hrs
Road
Tarred all the way
Route
B1 · B15 · B10
Illustrative map of the drive from Windhoek to Simanya River Lodge ANGOLA NAMIBIA Etosha Pan Kavango River Timber belt B1 B15 B10 RunduNkurenkuru WindhoekOtjiwarongoOtaviTsumebTsintsabisMpungu Simanya River Lodge N Illustrative map, not to scale
Tarred B15 road through the timber woodland on the way to Simanya

B15 · Tsumeb to Mpungu · about 195 km

The Timber Route

A Journey Through Living Landscapes

From open savanna to deep timber woodland, the Timber Route invites you on a journey of gradual transformation. Beginning in the wide, sunlit plains of Otavi and Tsumeb, the road guides you through Namibia’s most continuous inland timber belt, where majestic manketti trees and long-standing local traditions shape the character of the land. As you travel northward, the scenery becomes richer and more layered — a natural transition that sets the tone for your arrival at Simanya, where woodland meets water.

Turn-by-turn directions

Accommodation

Our range of accommodation options includes spacious Luxury Rooms, all facing the Kavango River and featuring private balconies with unobstructed river views, comfortable Family Rooms designed for shared moments, and our well-equipped Basecamp for guests who prefer a more adventurous stay — all immersed in the breathtaking beauty of the Okavango landscape.

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Family room at Simanya River Lodge with a view of the Kavango River

Family Rooms

Our Family Rooms feature interleading doors, extra space, and large windows with panoramic river views. They offer the same amenities as our Luxury Rooms.

Luxury room at Simanya River Lodge

Luxury Rooms

Our 16 spacious Luxury Rooms offer all amenities expected by the discerning traveller, each with a private balcony and stunning views of the Kavango River and Angola.

Grassed campsite with braai area at Simanya Basecamp

Basecamp

Simanya Basecamp offers 10 grassed campsites, each with private ablution and braai facilities, plus a supply store with ice, fresh water, meat, firewood, and essentials.

Aerial view of Simanya River Lodge above the Kavango River

What our guests say

★★★★★
Stayed for a weekend at Simanya, wish it was for a week. The staff were very friendly and made you feel like family. Beautiful views of the Kuvango River where ever you stand. The rooms are very luxurious compared to what we have seen. The food at the restaurant was incredibly delicious. The boat ride was especially beautiful at sunset.
Zander Nortje
Zander NortjeGuest
★★★★★
Simanya River Lodge is an incredible place with breathtaking river views, spotless rooms, and a beautifully clean lodge throughout. The service is amazing, and the staff are always friendly and welcoming. What truly makes the experience unforgettable are Ruan and Gerhard—they are outstanding hosts and absolute professionals when it comes to tiger fishing. Their knowledge, passion, and hospitality make you feel right at home. Highly recommended! Would definitely be back!
Joshua Amos
Joshua AmosGuest
★★★★★
Great gem to relax. Beautiful luxurious rooms, great food, fun activities and best of all tar road all the way from Windhoek. Campsites are large with private ablutions and scullery. The staff is very friendly, and go out of their way to let you feel at home. Will go back any time.
Guest YN
YNGuest

Dining Experience

Dining at Simanya River Lodge is a journey in itself. Our riverside restaurant offers thoughtfully prepared dishes using fresh, locally inspired ingredients, served in a relaxed yet refined setting overlooking the Kavango River. For a more laid-back atmosphere, the Fancy Fisherman Pub is the perfect place to unwind — enjoy hearty favourites, cold drinks, and easy conversation as the day fades into evening. Whether you’re settling in for a leisurely dinner or sharing stories over a drink, every meal at Simanya is designed to be savoured.

Simanya restaurant deck overlooking the Kavango River
Deck tables above the river Inside the restaurant at Simanya River Lodge Wine glasses by candlelight

Activities

Discover the Okavango River through sunset boat cruises, tiger fishing excursions, and guided cultural visits in the Nkurenkuru area.

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Conference venue at Simanya River Lodge, Kavango West

Conferencing

Simanya River Lodge is home to the most modern and professional conference venue in Kavango West, offering a stylish, well-equipped space with breathtaking views of the Kavango River. Designed for focused meetings and impactful gatherings of up to 60 delegates, the venue features the latest conferencing technology, a large high-definition screen TV, and reliable connectivity to ensure smooth presentations and seamless collaboration.

Our conference space combines functionality with an inspiring natural setting. We offer tailored conferencing packages, flexible meal options, and seamless conference-stay arrangements — making Simanya the ideal destination for productive multi-day events in a calm, distraction-free environment.

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Frequently asked Questions

Have questions about your stay at Simanya River Lodge? Our FAQ section covers everything you need to know to plan a comfortable and unforgettable experience along the Okavango River.

What types of accommodation do you offer?
Simanya River Lodge offers 16 Luxury Rooms with private balconies and panoramic views of the Kavango River, as well as 4 Family Rooms with interleading doors and extra space.
What facilities are available at Simanya Basecamp?
Simanya Basecamp has 10 shaded and grassed campsites, each with private ablution facilities (shower, toilet, washbasin) and a braai area. There’s also a supply store offering essentials like ice, fresh water, firewood, and vacuum-sealed meat.
Is there dining available on site?
Yes — guests can enjoy meals at the lodge restaurant overlooking the river, plus drinks and snacks at the Fancy Fisherman Pub with scenic views.
What activities can guests enjoy during their stay?
Simanya River Lodge offers a range of activities, including sunset boat rides, tiger fishing excursions, and guided cultural visits to nearby communities.
How do I get to Simanya River Lodge?
The lodge is about 670 km from Windhoek via the tarred B15 and B10 roads. Clear signage guides visitors from the main route to the lodge.
Golden evening light over the reeds of the Kavango River

Your river escape starts here

Make your escape to Simanya River Lodge and enjoy the comfort of riverside living in the heart of nature. With limited availability, this is the ideal moment to plan a relaxing getaway, romantic retreat, or memorable family stay along the Okavango River.

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