Bring your birding group to the Zambezi. Almost 500 species await.
Start with the early-bird cruise, spend midday on your deck and finish on the sunset boat. We’ll handle the fire, the food and the fresh linen, so your group can focus on the birds.
- Early-bird and sunset boat cruises on the Zambezi
- Cottages with large private decks over the river and floodplain
- Self-catering or full board, so the group sets its own pace
Plan your birding trip
Tell us about your group and dates. We’ll reply within one working day with cottages, cruise times and a clear quote.
A birder's river, right on your doorstep.
Unique wetlands and floodplains, so you’re spoilt for birdlife.
What you'll see
A few of the locals.
Not all of them have feathers.
Sound familiar?
You plan the trip. The group expects the birds.
Organising a birding trip means early starts, long lists and a group with different energy levels. If this sounds like you, you’re in the right place.
Same old sites
Your group has birded the usual spots and wants something new.
Getting on the water
The best river birding is from a boat, and you need one at first light.
Early starts
You want to be on the water at sunrise, not waiting for a lift.
Mixed group
Some want a full list. Some want a slow morning on the deck.
Comfort matters
After a long day, the group needs a good bed, a hot shower and a proper meal.
Value for money
You need a price the whole club can agree on.
You don’t need to piece it together yourself. Tell us about your group, and we’ll plan the cruises and cottages around the birds.
Your base on the river
You bring the binoculars. We'll get you onto the water.
Kubu & Kwena sits on the Zambezi in the Sikunga Conservancy, where floodplain, river channels and sandbanks meet. Almost 500 bird species are found in this region, and the birding starts on your own deck.
Our boats run an early-bird cruise from 07:00 and a sunset cruise from 16:30. In between, rest, braai at your cottage or let the restaurant feed the group.
Your 3-step plan
Planning your birding trip takes three steps.
Tell us about your group
How many, when, and what you’re hoping to see.
Get your plan and quote
Cottages and cruise times, with what’s included spelled out.
Bird the Zambezi
Out at sunrise, back for breakfast, out again at sunset.
Your call
Another outing, or the trip your club talks about for years?
The usual trip
- The same sites and the same list
- Long drives to reach the water
- Rushed mornings and missed light
- Tired birders and cold dinners
The Kubu & Kwena trip
- New river habitat to explore
- The water right at your door
- Sunrise on the boat, sunset on the river
- A comfortable bed and a meal at the fire
In their words
What guests say about the birds.
“The bird life is amazing and the sunset cruise on the Zambezi memorable! A must do.”
“Kubu & Kwena is a true African paradise. The setting is peaceful and serene, with breathtaking views and incredible birdlife all around.”
“Loved the fact that everything done was focused on being mindful to nature and pro conservation. Cannot wait to go back.”
Experience nature at its best! A real bucket list experience!
L. Brandt
What's waiting for you
A day built around the birds.
From first light to last light, here’s how your group can spend the day.
Early-bird cruise
07:00 to 09:00 on the Zambezi, in the soft morning light.
Sunset cruise
16:30 to 18:30, as the river turns gold.
Sandbank trip
Explore an open sandbank in the river, 11:00 to 15:00.
Village visit
See Zambezi rural life up close in Kalimbeza Village.
Questions birders ask
Everything your group will ask you.
Still unsure? Call us on +264 81 404 5899 or WhatsApp us. A friendly person will answer.
We’re on the Zambezi River in the Sikunga Conservancy, about 30 km from Katima Mulilo in Namibia’s Zambezi Region. The last stretch is a short gravel road, and we’ll send you step-by-step directions when you book. The nearest airports are Katima Mulilo, about 30 minutes away, and Kasane in Botswana, about 2 hours away. Airport transfers are available.
Yes. The region is home to almost 500 bird species, and you can download our bird list here [ADD: link to the bird list].
Your choice. Every cottage has a kitchen and its own braai, so you can cook for yourselves. Or let our restaurant and bar, KUCA & KUNWA, do the cooking with a full-board package. The full-board fishing package includes 4 nights’ accommodation, all meals, 3.5 days of guided fishing (25 L of fuel a day), airport transfers from Kasane, Livingstone or Katima Mulilo, and all the ice you’ll need. It excludes flights or travel to and from the lodge, drinks, and fishing tackle, gear and bait.
Cruises are priced per person, with a lower rate from 3 people. Birders usually share a cruise with other guests, but ask us about a private boat for your group.
Cottages are priced per cottage per night, with a 2-night minimum. A guided fishing boat with fuel and gear is [N$1 465] per person for a half day. The Namibian dollar is 1:1 with the rand. Tell us your group and dates, and we’ll send a clear quote that shows exactly what’s included and what isn’t.
Yes. They can swim in the caged river pool, fish, ride a fatbike or simply relax on the deck.
Pack the binoculars. We'll show you the river.
Bring your people. We’ll handle the fire, the food and the fresh linen, so the sightings are all yours.
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