Rainbow River Lodge – Okavango River

Long holidays with many rendezvous, campsites, and parks will eventually fill my mental melting pot with a single, rich soup of sights, sounds, and smells. My photographs awaken my memory as I click through my albums, distinguishing one campsite, experience, or adventure from another. Spicing the cauldron would be the misadventures and faux pas.

The very first photograph reminded me of our snake encounters. A Rinkals in the bar catapulted my tired legs into action as I leaped onto the picnic table and jigged about, unlike any exotic dancer. Guests were in a tizz; drinks went flying while the poor Rinkals tried to slither beneath the Coke fridge. Cleaners, gardeners, and the barman all grabbed various tools in an attempt to corner the snake. Eventually, they safely disposed of the snake. I quake at the sight or thought of the snakes.

Another vivid memory of our stay at the Rainbow River Lodge was the kindness and hospitality shown to us by strangers. They welcomed us and invited us to join in all activities, including braais, sunset cruises, and sundowners on the deck. Nothing happened without our awareness or inclusion. That’s very rare.

Butch, my precious, stepped out of the Badger on the wrong foot by making a boo-boo when he voiced his thoughts aloud while a guest and frequent visitor walked her Yorkie, which decided to squat on our patch of lawn. Not realising the pooch’s “Mummy” was within earshot, he wondered whether the evidence would be scooped up, bagged and disposed of.

Fortunately, we’re all very civilised. With ice cubes tinkling and a pink sun setting, we were introduced as we sipped Tanqueray from frosted glasses. Butch found the courage to apologise for his slip of the tongue and make amends. A very snooty Pooch glared at him, safely tucked away in a pink Gucci sling bag.

Rainbow River Lodge, on Namibia's Kavango River, is a lush, subtropical paradise that offers awe-inspiring views and a true Garden of Eden experience.

That’s why I should’ve foreseen the possibility of close encounters with snakes. The next morning, as I watched a lazy mokoro glide downstream and sipped my steaming coffee, I noticed a slight movement in a nearby bush-an unexpected, thrilling reminder of the wild’s surprises.

My voice went up an octave as I cried out, but Butch came crashing through the shrubbery to rescue me. 'There are no green mambas in Namibia!' he assured me, helping me feel more secure in the wild's surprises.

We were flummoxed by the green snake’s identity, realising it was likely an Angolan Green Snake, an uncommon sight that deepened the sense of discovery and awe in our wildlife encounters.

The lodge offers guests comfortable accommodation at affordable rates. Guests can camp on the embankment or stay in one of 22 en-suite chalets. All chalets are equipped with mosquito nets and fans. Seven Superior chalets overlook the Kavango River.

Each of the 11 riverside campsites sits on green lawns, nestled among huge, shady trees. Each campsite has a braai area with electrical outlets. There are 4 ablution blocks with hot water and electricity. A word of caution: do not be alarmed by the ginormous crocodile lying in wait in the ladies’ ablutions. Although very lifelike, it’s a fake! I confess I almost leaped over the creature’s head when I first spotted it.

The restaurant and bar offer free Wi-Fi, and we enjoyed a few bites while watching dramatic sunsets. During the day, Butch and I wallowed in the pool or read and napped lazily in a deck chair.

Butch and I declined an invitation to visit the Mahango or Buffalo Park, opting for solo birdwatching. Our tick list grew steadily, and we were eager to record some of the area's 339 species. At night, we'd listen to the hippos belching and calling from upstream. They certainly are fascinating animals.

Rainbow River Lodge is very close to Popa Falls and offers excellent cycling routes. We enjoyed our morning rides and looked forward to exploring the surrounding area, visiting local villages, shebeens, and lodges along the way. The Lodge is a popular venue for Tiger fishing. Guests can charter boats with guides who'll take them to the best spots. Everyone, young and old, male or female, with a competitive spirit, drops a line into the water, hoping to catch the biggest Tiger fish. 

We spent three pleasant nights at Rainbow River Lodge, where warm, friendly, genuine Namibian hospitality made us feel truly welcome and at home.

Contact:

Caprivi-East,
GPS Coordinates: 18.1114° S, 21.5914° E 

Angolan Green Snake (courtesy of www.africansnakebiteinstitute.com )

"A bright emerald-green snake that often has dark markings and light speckling between the scales. It is a stocky snake that averages 1m in length but may exceed 1.2 m. Like other green snakes, it is active during the day, a skilful climber, and is often associated with reed beds and vegetation along rivers and vleis. It swims well and feeds on frogs, nestling birds and lizards, especially chameleons. It likes to bask and, if disturbed, will inflate its neck, exposing the black markings between the scales."

Often confused with a Green Mamba, but the Angola Green Snake is harmless.