Simanya's deck and umbrellas above the Kavango River

Trade partner resource Everything you need to sell Simanya.

A dedicated resource for tour operators and travel partners: what makes Simanya different, our rooms and activities, photography for your marketing, and how to request our STO rates.

About Simanya

Namibia's river lodge, on tar all the way.

Simanya River Lodge sits on the banks of the Kavango River at Nkurenkuru, the capital of Kavango West, with Angola on the far bank. It is the nearest river lodge to Windhoek on a tarred road, with 20 river-facing rooms, Simanya Basecamp campsites, an infinity pool, a restaurant, the Fancy Fisherman Pub and a modern conference venue.

Your guests come for the river: tiger fishing, sunset and breakfast cruises, makoro rides, birding and genuine cultural encounters with the Kavango community.

Questions about a booking? reservations@simanya.com.na

Simanya's riverside deck and umbrellas above the Kavango River

Why Simanya

One river, every reason to sell it.

Three reasons Simanya gives your travellers more than a place to sleep, and gives you more reasons to recommend it.

Location

Easy to reach, far from the crowds.

Simanya is reached on tarred roads all the way from Windhoek, via the B1 and the scenic B15 timber route. It is a quiet corner of the Kavango, away from the busier lodges further east.

670 kmFrom Windhoek
140 kmWest of Rundu
100%Tarred roads
Tarred B15 road through the timber woodland on the way to Simanya

On the route

The natural stop between Etosha and the Zambezi.

Simanya breaks the long drive between Etosha and the Zambezi Region, Chobe and Victoria Falls. Two nights on the river give self-drive and guided guests a welcome pause, with activities that are completely different from the game drives on either side.

The Kavango River winding through riverine forest near Simanya River Lodge

Rooms with a view

Every room faces the river.

16 Luxury Rooms with private balconies and 4 Family Rooms with interleading doors, all facing the Kavango. For adventurous guests, Simanya Basecamp has 10 grassed campsites, each with its own private ablutions and braai area.

Luxury room at Simanya River Lodge
Simanya restaurant deck overlooking the Kavango River

Dining

River views at every meal.

The restaurant and deck look straight out over the Kavango, and much of what reaches the table is grown in the lodge's own vegetable garden. In the evening, guests gather at the Fancy Fisherman Pub or around the boma fire under the stars.

Open for group bookings

Passing through, not staying the night? Groups travelling between Etosha and the east can stop for a meal on the deck above the river before continuing their journey.

Book a group meal

Corporate

Meet on the river.

Simanya is home to the most modern and professional conference venue in Kavango West, designed for meetings and workshops of up to 60 delegates, with views over the river.

  • Large high-definition screen and modern conferencing technology
  • Reliable connectivity for presentations and video calls
  • Tailored packages, flexible meals and accommodation on site

Nkurenkuru is the regional capital, so Simanya is ideally placed for government, NGO and business events in Kavango West.

Conference venue at Simanya River Lodge, Kavango West
Sunset cruise boat on the Kavango River

Groups & incentives

Made for groups.

With 20 rooms, a campsite, a conference venue and a full programme of river activities on one property, Simanya works beautifully for incentive groups, fishing clubs, special-interest tours and team retreats.

Our team coordinates rooms, meals, activities and conference requirements together, so your group gets one coordinated stay rather than a string of separate bookings.

Deck tables above the river Wine glasses by candlelight Papaya tree in the Simanya River Lodge garden Simanya River Lodge on the riverbank at sunset

Signature experiences

Only on the Kavango.

Two experiences your guests will talk about long after they leave, hosted by our own team straight from the lodge.

Tiger fishing on the Kavango River at sunrise

Tiger fishing

The Kavango's tigerfish is one of Africa's great freshwater game fish. Excursions run from the riverbank or by boat, depending on conditions, and all fishing at Simanya is strictly catch and release.

Boat on the Kavango River at dusk

Sunset & breakfast cruises

Greet the day on a quiet breakfast cruise, or watch the sky turn gold on a sunset cruise, with birds, fishermen in dugout canoes and Angola on the far bank.

Family friendly

Room for the whole family.

Four Family Rooms with interleading doors give parents and children their own space while staying close together. Donkey cart rides, makoro trips, cruises and a first fishing lesson keep younger guests busy, and the infinity pool is the place to be on hot afternoons.

Family room at Simanya River Lodge with a view of the Kavango River
Grassed campsite with braai area at Simanya Basecamp

Self-drive & camping

Simanya Basecamp.

Ten shaded, grassed campsites, each with a private shower, toilet and basin and its own braai area. The supply store sells ice, fresh water, firewood and vacuum-sealed meat, so self-drive guests can travel light.

Partner tools

Live availability

Check real-time availability for rooms on our online booking engine before you quote, then contact our reservations team to confirm your booking.

Check availability
Aerial view of Simanya River Lodge and its pool

Trade resource

High-resolution photography.

Full-resolution images of the lodge for your marketing and client presentations: the river, rooms, Basecamp, dining, the conference venue and activities.

Request the photo pack

Rates and activities

STO rates and activities.

Everything you need to quote a Simanya stay: how to get our Special Tour Operator rates, and the activities your guests can book. Activity availability depends on the river and is confirmed at the time of booking.

Accommodation rates

Special Tour Operator (STO) rates

Our current nightly STO rates for tour operators and travel partners are available from our reservations team.

Request STO rates

Note: river activities are seasonal. In the dry season (around September to December) water levels can drop too low for boats, so boat-based activities are confirmed closer to the time. Rates for activities are available on request.

Tiger fish being released

Activity

Fishing (catch and release)

Tiger fishing and angling for other Kavango species, from the riverbank or by boat depending on conditions. Seasonal and dependent on water levels. All fishing is strictly catch and release.

Rates on request.

Sunset cruise on the Kavango

Activity

Sunset & Breakfast Cruise

A peaceful cruise on the river in the calm morning light or the golden evening, ideal for birding, photography and simply enjoying the river.

Rates on request.

Kingfisher close-up

Activity

Birding

Hundreds of species occur around Simanya, including birds shared with Angola that are seldom seen further south. Excursions on foot, by boat or off-road.

Rates on request.

Guide poling a makoro canoe on the Kavango River

Activity

Makoro Ride

Glide along the riverbanks in a traditional handcrafted dugout canoe, steered by a local guide. Quiet, immersive and suitable for guests of all ages.

Rates on request.

Guests on a donkey cart ride at Simanya

Activity

Donkey Cart Ride

A gentle ride along village paths in a traditional donkey cart, taking in the Kavango landscape and the slow rhythm of village life. Perfect for families.

Rates on request.

Tondoro Mission Station cathedral

Culture & history

Village Tours & Historical Sites

Guided visits to local villages for an insight into daily life in the Kavango, and to historical sites including Tondoro Mission Station, known as the Cathedral of the Kavango Region, and a graveyard of German soldiers and farmers dating back to 1910.

Rates on request.

Cattle grazing on the Kavango floodplain on a guided hike

Activity

Guided Hiking

Walks along the riverbanks, open plains and shaded paths with a guide, learning about local plants, wildlife tracks and life along the river.

Rates on request.

Good to know

Extras

Tell us what your guests are dreaming of and we will help shape their stay, subject to availability.

Basecamp supply store

  • Ice and fresh water
  • Firewood
  • Vacuum-sealed meat

On request

  • Conference packages
  • Group meals for passing tours
  • Celebrations and special occasions

Good to know

  • All rooms face the Kavango River
  • Tarred road access from Windhoek
  • Malaria area: advise guests to consult a travel clinic

Booking terms

Reservations, payments and cancellations

To be supplied by Simanya: reservation procedure, provisional booking hold period, payment terms (deposit and balance due dates), cancellation fees and no-show policy.

Banking details to be supplied by Simanya: bank, account name, account number, branch code and SWIFT code.

Ready to plan your guests' itinerary?

Request the imagery you need and our current STO rates before you send your quote.