Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Aside from the 'falls', there are good opportunities here for hiking and birdwatching,
though swimming is definitely not safe as there are hungry crocs about.
BORDER CROSSING: MAHANGO-MOHEMBO
About 12km before the
Mahango-Mohembo
border (open 6am to 6pm) with Botswana is the entry point to the
Mahango Game Reserve. If you're transiting to the border there is no fee payable - just fill out the register at the
entrance gate, indicating that you have entered the area. At the border, formalities are straightforward - on the
Namibian side, just fill in a departure card and get your passport stamped at the Immigration desk. On your way to
the Botswana side, you need to stop at the exit gate, enter a small office and fill out the registration book (you'll
need your licence and vehicle details).
On the Botswana side, fill in the registration book for your vehicle, the entry card and get your passport
stamped. Pay P110 (or N$160) for a road permit and insurance (payment accepted in either currency). Exit into
Botswana.
Sleeping
While private concessions here handle their own bookings, the campsite at Popa Falls is
run by NWR and must be prebooked through its main office in Windhoek.
WESTERN SECTION
Ngepi Camp $
( 259903;
www.ngepicamp.com
;
campsite per person N$100, bush/tree huts per per-
son N$350/500)
One of Namibia's top backpacker lodges that appeals beyond the budget
market, Ngepi makes a great base for the area. Laze about in lovely green, shady common
areas during the day and find a chat partner at the happening bar in the evening. Crash for
the night in a bush hut or tree hut, or pitch a tent on grass right by the river's edge and let
the sounds of hippos splashing about ease you into a restful sleep. There's also a wide
range of inexpensive excursions, including Mahango wildlife drives (N$420, three hours),
canoe trips, booze cruises (N$190, 1½ hours) and
mokoro
(traditional dugout canoe) trips
(N$190, 2½ hours) in the Okavango Panhandle. Or try a local village walk for N$100.
The camp is located 4km off the main road, though the sandy access can prove difficult
without a high-clearance vehicle. Phone the lodge if you need a lift from Divundu.
LODGE
LODGE
Nunda Lodge $$$
