Shakawe River Lodge

Shakawe River Lodge sits in the Okavango Panhandle 10km south of Shakawe town, overlooking the Okavango River, with the emphasis firmly on fishing and birding rather than game drives. It functions as both a destination in its own right and a practical gateway stopover for travellers on the road between northern Botswana and Namibia, being accessible from both north and south; Shakawe airstrip is just 10km away, with transport to/from it arranged by the lodge. The property is part of Southern Cross Adventure Lodges, a small group spanning Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

Accommodation spans four tiers to suit a wide range of budgets: 10 luxury thatched en-suite chalets set under tree canopy, 10 Standard Safari en-suite rooms, 6 en-suite Fishing Cabins geared toward anglers, and a large, shaded campsite with 10 individual pitches. Each campsite has its own river view, is portioned off from its neighbours, and comes with a private braai/fireplace, a cold-water wash basin, lighting and a power point; campers share a large ablution block.

The lodge runs its own river-based activities: birding, fishing, mokoro rides with a poler, and boat hire for fishing, plus day visits to the Tsodilo Hills (a UNESCO World Heritage rock-art site). Facilities split across two areas of the property: an à la carte restaurant at the main lodge, and a smaller restaurant/bar at the campsite, plus a pool and sundeck.

Rooms: 10 luxury thatched en-suite chalets + 10 Standard Safari en-suite rooms + 6 en-suite Fishing Cabins + 10 individual campsites (shared ablution block). Facilities: à la carte restaurant at the main lodge; smaller restaurant and bar at the campsite; pool; sundeck.