Situated at the tip of Namibia's Caprivi Strip, some 40 miles upstream from Victoria Falls, Cascade Island Lodge (formerly Ntwala Island Lodge) is a highly exclusive island retreat which accommodates just eight guests in its four luxury suites.
Cascade boasts a marvellous location, its four suites built upon a collection of tiny islands within the Mambova rapids, the exact spot where the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers converge. In an impressive feat of design, the islands have been connected together by floating walkways, around which flow powerful waterways, giving Cascade a wonderfully wild and remote feel, even amid the luxury on offer. The river bank offers beautiful beaches, making Cascade feel as much a romantic getaway as a remote safari camp. Not without reason is it popular with honeymooners.
Cascade is the sister camp to nearby Kaza Island Lodge, and is by some margin the most luxurious of the two. Like Kaza, the lodge offers a personalised, dedicated service—on arrival you will be allocated your own personal guide for the duration of your stay, who will explore with you the surrounding wilderness on private game-viewing tours. Though the camp is located in Namibia, it is very close to Botswana's Chobe National Park, and so game activities tend to focus on the Chobe River.
Accommodation
The suites at Cascade Island Lodge are large and exceptionally luxurious, calling to mind a top-end beach resort, rather than a typical safari lodge. They have all been individually designed and furnished, though they enjoy much the same amenities, each boasting a large bedroom with king-size bed, private deck with plunge pool, a sala that extends over the water, and full en-suite facilities including natural stone bathtub and indoor and outdoor showers.
Dining
Meals at Cascade Island Lodge are served al fresco on the private deck of your room overlooking the waterways or at individual tables in the dining area. The menus are fixed, but the chefs are generally happy to cater to special requests. There's a walk-in wine cellar stocked with imported wines. The bar is stocked with beers and spirits.
Facilities
Viewing deck
Swimming pool
Bar and lounge
Activities
Cruises on the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers
Mokoro safaris
Fly fishing
Guided walks
Excellent birding in this region
Child Policy
Cascade Island Lodge does not accommodate children under 12 years except by special arrangement. The remote location of the camp, combined with the quiet atmosphere, makes it hard to recommend Cascade to families with young children. Nearby Kaza Island Lodge is more suitable.
