Planning · Simanya Journal Camping on the Kavango River: A Guide to Simanya Basecamp

Camping on the Kavango River means waking to birdsong over the water, cooking over a fire under huge skies and falling asleep to the sounds of the river. Simanya Basecamp gives you all of that, with your own private bathroom just steps from your tent.

This guide covers what to expect at Basecamp, what to bring, and how to camp safely and comfortably beside an African river.

• Campsites10 shaded, grassed sites
• AblutionsPrivate shower, toilet and basin per site
• CookingBraai area at every site
• SuppliesIce, water, firewood and meat on site

What to expect at Simanya Basecamp

Simanya Basecamp has 10 shaded, grassed campsites. Every site has its own private ablution facility with a shower, toilet and washbasin, so there is no queuing or sharing with strangers, and each site has its own braai area.

A supply store on site sells the essentials: ice, fresh water, firewood and vacuum-sealed meat. That means you can arrive with a lighter load and buy what you need for the braai on the spot.

Activities from Basecamp

Camping does not mean missing out. From Basecamp you are a short walk from the river and the lodge, so you can book the same experiences as lodge guests: tiger fishing, sunset cruises, makoro trips, village tours, birding and guided walks. See all our activities and our guide to things to do in Nkurenkuru.

What to bring

• A good tent or rooftop tent, with mosquito netting that closes properly.
• A warm sleeping bag in winter. Nights from June to August can drop to around 6 °C.
• Insect repellent and long sleeves for the evenings.
• A headlamp or torch, plus spare batteries.
• Cooler box or fridge. Ice is available at the supply store.
• Braai gear: a grid, tongs and fire lighters. Firewood is sold on site.
• Sun protection: a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses, especially from September to November, when temperatures often pass 33 °C.

Camping safely beside the river

The Kavango is a wild river, and a little care keeps everyone safe.

• Do not swim in the river. Crocodiles live throughout the Kavango and Okavango system, which is why swimming is discouraged at places such as Popa Falls downstream.
• Keep away from the water’s edge at night. Hippos leave the river to graze after dark and are dangerous if surprised.
• Watch children closely near the riverbank at all times.
• Prevent mosquito bites. The Kavango is a malaria area. Use repellent, cover up in the evenings, sleep under netting and speak to a doctor about prevention before you travel.
• Keep food packed away. It keeps curious animals out of your campsite.

Being a good camper

Buy firewood rather than collecting it, so the surrounding woodland stays intact. Keep fires in the braai area, put them out completely before bed, and take your rubbish with you or use the bins provided. Keep noise down after dark so everyone can enjoy the sounds of the river.

Getting here

Basecamp is at Simanya River Lodge in Nkurenkuru, about 670 km from Windhoek on tarred roads. A normal vehicle with a trailer or rooftop tent will have no trouble. Our Windhoek to Nkurenkuru road trip guide covers the route, the Red Line checkpoint and the best stops along the way, and our month-by-month guide helps you choose when to come.