A family holiday on the Kavango River swaps screens for sandbanks, fish and fireflies. Children can ride a donkey cart, cast their first fishing line and watch hippos from a boat, while parents unwind by the pool with the river drifting past.
Here is how to plan a family stay at Simanya River Lodge: where to sleep, what to do with children of different ages, and how to keep everyone safe and comfortable.
- Family rooms4, with interleading doors
- PoolInfinity pool overlooking the river
- CampingBasecamp sites with private ablutions
- Getting hereTarred roads all the way
Where to stay
Simanya has 4 Family Rooms with interleading doors and extra space, so parents and children can have their own rooms while staying close together. Like all of the lodge’s rooms, they face the Kavango River.
Families who love the outdoors can stay at Simanya Basecamp instead. Each of the 10 grassed campsites has its own private shower, toilet and basin, which makes camping with children far easier, and there is a braai area at every site.
Things to do with children
Donkey cart rides
Donkey carts are still everyday transport in rural Kavango, and a gentle ride along sandy village tracks is often a highlight for younger children.
A first fishing trip
The Kavango is a wonderful place for a child to catch a first fish. Bait fishing for bream and other smaller species is simple and rewarding, and older children may be ready to try for a tigerfish with a guide. Our guides to tiger fishing and fishing beyond tigerfish explain what lives in the river.
Photo to add: a child holding a fish on the boat, with a guide (landscape). Make sure you have the parents’ permission.
Sunset cruises
A boat trip in the late afternoon is relaxed, short and full of things to spot: birds, fishermen in dugout canoes, perhaps hippos or crocodiles at a safe distance. Bring binoculars for the children and challenge them to find a kingfisher.
The lodge garden
Simanya grows its own vegetables and herbs. Children who are curious about where food comes from can see what is growing and what might end up on the dinner table.
Village visits and culture
A guided village tour or a traditional dance performance shows children how families along the river live, cook and play. Our guide to Kavango culture has tips on visiting respectfully.
Birding and nature spotting
Give each child a simple checklist of birds and animals to tick off during the stay. The river is full of colourful, easy-to-spot birds. Read more in our birding guide.
Pool time
On hot afternoons, the infinity pool overlooking the river is the place to be, with the restaurant deck close by for cold drinks and snacks.
Photo to add: the infinity pool with a river view, ideally with a family enjoying it (landscape).
Keeping children safe
- Supervise children at the pool at all times.
- Stay away from the river’s edge. Crocodiles and hippos live in the Kavango. Children should never paddle or swim in the river, and should only go near the water with an adult or a guide.
- Wear life jackets on the boat, and ask the guide to check that they fit properly.
- Prevent mosquito bites. The Kavango is a malaria area. Use repellent suitable for children, dress them in long sleeves in the evening, use mosquito nets, and speak to your doctor about prevention well before you travel.
- Protect against the sun. Hats, sunscreen and plenty of water are essential, especially from September to November.
- Plan the drive around daylight. Break the journey with stops so no one arrives exhausted. Our road trip guide suggests good places to stop.
When to come
The Namibian winter school holidays from June to August bring sunny days and cool evenings, which suit families well, but pack warm clothes because nights can drop to around 6 °C. December is warm and green, with the pool at its best. See our month-by-month guide for more detail.
Plan your family stay
Family Rooms are limited and popular during school holidays, so book early. Browse our activities, read about our rooms, or contact us to plan a family holiday on the river.
Frequently asked questions
Is Simanya River Lodge suitable for families?
Yes. Simanya has 4 Family Rooms with interleading doors, an infinity pool, family-friendly activities such as donkey cart rides, sunset cruises and fishing, and Basecamp campsites with private ablutions.
What can children do on the Kavango River?
Children can ride a donkey cart, try fishing with a guide, spot birds and wildlife on a sunset cruise, visit the lodge garden and join a village tour.
Is the Kavango River safe for children?
The lodge is safe with sensible precautions. Children must never swim or paddle in the river because of crocodiles and hippos, should wear life jackets on boats and must be supervised at the pool.
Is there malaria at the Kavango River?
Yes, the Kavango is a malaria area. Use child-safe repellent, long sleeves in the evening and mosquito nets, and speak to a doctor about prevention before travelling.
Sources
- Rundu: climate data, Wikipedia.
