Also known as "Mr Caprivi", Dusty Rodgers has contributed significantly to the tourist development of the Zambezi region over the past 25 years. As a South African soldier once stationed in the Caprivi, he fell in love with nature and people here, and soon after Namibia's independence, he gained a professional foothold. He learned the safari business from scratch and built up his business in close cooperation with the local authorities for mutual benefit. He is supported by his partner Tinolla Collins, who has not only run her own training company for the hospitality industry but is also the power woman behind the Siwja project and brings many exciting elements to the African Monarch Lodges. 

African Monarch Lodges (AML) with Nambwa Tented Lodge, Nambwa Lagoon Camp and Kazile Island Lodge works closely with the concession-giving communities of the Mayuni and Mafwe. AML creates a variety of jobs, promotes local infrastructure, and safari use of the wilderness has eliminated poaching. Next to the 12 % share of all revenue earned, visiting the Mashi Cultural Traditional Village generates income for the communities, while at the same time fostering the culture and traditions of the local population. 

The Sijwa Project

It’s the re-purposing and re-inventing of all recyclable waste from the African Monarch Lodges; Nambwa Tented Lodge and Kazile Island Lodge, on the Kwando River of the Zambezi Region of Namibia, and from the local community, into exquisite saleable craft and art.

It’s also an organic permaculture nursery to supply food for local people and lodge guests (mitigating the air and road miles lodge food usually travels). The sandy soil is enhanced by composted food-waste and super-strength worm juice, given a boost by an occasional dollop of elephant dung!

It’s also a cultural village, artisanal skills training center, a beehive project, a free-range egg scheme and a junior ranger training venue. Plus, it’s an indigenous tree nursery for visitors to buy and plant a tree to offset the carbon footprint. 

Nambwa Lagoon Camp consists of only 5 comfortable walk-in tents with modern facilities and en-suite bathrooms. Set up on wooden platforms just above the embankment of the Kwando River, the guest has a view of the animals heading for the water from the terrace of his tent. Meals are taken at the neighbouring Nambwa Tented Lodge, whose elegant viewing platform is the finishing touch to the open fire evening. The sound of the wilderness accompanies the deep sleep in the midst of the wilderness. 

At Nambwa you can participate in a number of special interest activities:

- Carnivore ( lion, wild dog and leopard)

- Intercultural activities with the local communities

- Boat safaris

At Nambwa you can do a variety of activities:

- Game drive

- Night drive

- Game Walks

Reservations: reservations@africanmonarchlodges.com

Website: www.africanmonarchlodges.com/portfolio/lagoon-camp/

• Only private lodge operator within Bwabwata National Park
• Situated on the banks of the Kwando river in the centre of the KAZA region
• Diverse landscapes of rivers, forest, savannah and seasonal flood plains, resemble the Okavango Delta
• The only operator in the region with a permit to offer game night drives and guided bush walks
• Nambwa Lagoon Camp – right on the river bank with only 5 cosy Meru tents
• Children of all ages welcome
• Reachable via 4x4 or by plane