After a hearty breakfast, we load the cars and leave the Namushasha Lodge heading west. First, we buy some Mashi Craft Centre at the junction of the C49 and the B8 we buy some souvenirs from local artisans. Then we pass the police station at the bridge over the Kwando, which will be called Linyanti and finally Chobe, and drive through the Bwabwata National Park towards Divundu.

The route is quite monotonous and apart from an ostrich we don't see any game. The almost constant speed limit of 80 km/h and the dead-straight road do not add to the variety, so we are glad to reach Divundu after about 200 km. Here we leave the main road and turn south towards the Popa rapids. These are called Popa Falls, but the way down is only 3 m, which disqualifies the place as a waterfall.


Popa Falls from Joerg on Video.

This is also where the lodge, run by the state-run Namibia Wildlife Resort (NWR), is located, which was inaugurated in 2013. While the area is very beautiful and idyllic, the use of concrete as a building material remains questionable. As a result, the wonderfully located bungalows do not blend in with nature in any way, but rather spoil the view. The service, e.g. at the bar, is also in line with our experience with the NWR in 2012: subterranean and independent of customer wishes.

Nevertheless, it is worth stopping if you are driving via Divundu. The picnic area is well located and you can take a short walk along the rapids. So the NAD 20 per person for entry is well invested, especially if you want to take a break in the area anyway.

We continue back via Divundu towards Rundu and after 20 km turn right to Mobola LodgeThis lodge offers bungalows right on the banks of the Okavango, a bar on an island in the Okavango and the owner Alex will treat us to a classic local stew, potje, tonight. Normally the bungalows, like the campsites, are designed and equipped for self-catering. There is a fully equipped kitchen, a barbecue area on the raised terrace and a second one in the garden or on the banks of the Okavango below.

Overall, the rooms impress with their excellent workmanship, tasteful interior design and generous space. There is a small bridge to the bar that swings and can only be crossed by one person at a time. A small adventure on the side before you get to the overgrown sand island.

Here, Alex is already cooking the potje in the evening when we arrive for the sundowner. His wife Maja and son Georg are also there, as is Katharina, who is helping out for a few weeks, and the two dogs Helmut (dachshund) and Egon (German shepherd). We enjoy a great meal, the open conversations and the coziness around the campfire. This accommodation is a highlight of our trip and offers an excellent ambience and extremely friendly hosts at a reasonable price.