There’s a stretch of Namibia where time slows down to the gentle rhythm of river flow, where the land hums with ancient culture and the sunsets seem to melt straight into the water. On the banks of the Kavango River, in the remote northeast, Simanya River Lodge has quietly redefined luxury in one of the country’s least explored regions.

A sister property to the beloved Droombos near Windhoek, Simanya carries the same commitment to excellence – only here, it is deeply rooted in the lush riparian landscapes of Kavango West. Just 13 kilometres from the border town of Nkurenkuru, and an easy six-hour drive from the capital along the scenic B15 “Timber Route,” Simanya is the only upmarket lodge within a 130km radius – making it a hidden treasure in Namibia’s untouched north.

Every suite and villa at Simanya faces the water, offering uninterrupted river views. Mornings unfold with mist rising off the Kavango, while evenings drift into fiery sunsets mirrored in the current. It’s not just picturesque – it’s soul-stilling.

Then there’s The Fancy Fisherman, Simanya’s signature pub. It’s where stories flow as easily as the local craft gin, where fireside meals turn strangers into companions, and where fishermen, travellers, and storytellers come together under a sky stitched with stars.

But Simanya is more than just a place to unwind. It’s an invitation to experience. River cruises glide silently past fishermen casting nets from dugout canoes, while curated dining on board transforms the water into a private venue. Fishing excursions are led by local experts aboard Simanya’s own boat, tailored for keen anglers. On land, guests can meander through nearby villages on guided cultural visits or enjoy picnic setups tucked away in scenic bends along the riverbank. For corporate groups or special events, the lodge offers curated experiences – from riverside banquets to intimate strategy sessions beneath the trees.

Not to be outdone, Simanya Basecamp caters to campers and overlanders looking for a blend of wild and well- equipped. Ten grassed campsites offer private ablutions and braai facilities, with a nearby supply store stocked with essentials – ice, wood, vacuum-sealed meat, and more.

Behind the scenes, Simanya’s logistics are as seamless as its scenery. Flight bookings, car rentals, and even cross- border arrangements for Angolan guests are handled with practised ease. Personalised welcome kits, branded amenities, and hand-selected guest gifts underscore the attention to detail that defines the Droombos ethos.

What Simanya offers is not just a lodge stay – it’s a threshold into a slower, more elemental Namibia. One where the river becomes a guide, the people a story, and the landscape a quiet reminder that some of the best journeys don’t end where the road does, but where the water begins.

In a country known for its deserts, Simanya River Lodge reminds us that sometimes, the richest stories are written where the land meets the flow of life itself. TN