Chobe Princess

With only a small number of guests per boat staying in one of the three Chobe Princesses is like being on your very own houseboat. The entire boat can also be booked exclusively, giving you your very own private villa on the water. As you drift down the Chobe River and spot incredible wildlife scenes, you'll be able to completely relax in an intimate river safari experience.

Each houseboat has a minimum of three smaller "tender" boats for use on daily excursions that take your fancy: mark off over 450 bird species found in this wetland paradise, try your hand at landing a tiger fish, or capture Africa's unique beauty on a photographic safari. Whatever you choose to do, your day trips will be personal and flexible because you’ll be sharing the tender boats with a small number of guests. Alternatively, simply laze on a deck chair with an ice-cold drink in hand as you soak up the tranquility that surrounds you.

Each cabin on board the Chobe Princesses is tastefully decorated in a contemporary style, and each has its own private view onto the ever-changing landscapes beyond. As you lie on your king-sized bed, spot an elephant grazing on the riverbank nearby, or see a fish eagle diving for its prey. On the upper entertainment deck, a spacious lounge and bar area encourages you to take time out while there’s also a plunge pool that's perfect for a refreshing dip. After a day spent doing as you please, fall asleep with the calls of hyena or even a lion drifting through the open doors of your cabin.

History and Culture of Botswana

The history of Botswana is characterized by migrations of peoples into the country from the north and west and particularly from the east and south, as well as internal movements of groups of people. The group which eventually emerged as most numerous, and dominant, were the Batswana. Their pattern of dividing and migrating saw the formation of numerous Tswana tribes, and they eventually occupied all areas of the country.

First Inhabitants

The earliest modern inhabitants of southern Africa were the Bushman (San) and the Hottentot (Khoe) peoples. They have lived an almost unchanged lifestyle in the country since the Middle Stone Age.

The physical characteristics of the Khoe and the San are similar. Both tend to have light, almost coppery skin color, slanted, almond-shaped eyes, high cheekbones, thin lips and tufted, tightly curled hair. Both speak click languages, though there are major differences between them. Both hunted and collected wild foods and neither grew crops.

Approximately 60,000 years ago, the peoples of sub-Saharan Africa were of one tribe, probably of Khoe/San type. It is believed that the Bantu-speaking people were an offshoot from the Khoe/San tribe. This occurred in the tropical rain forests of equatorial Africa about 10,000 years ago. The Bantu-speaking people gradually developed darker skin pigmentation and different physical attributes because of the different environments they eventually occupied.

The origins of the Tswana tribes

In Botswana, about 1,000 years ago, large chiefdoms began to emerge in the area between Sowa Pan and the Tswapong Hills. Large settlements developed on hilltops. These people are known as the "Toutswe", after the first of their capitals, which was excavated on Toutswemogala Hill. Soon these communities were eclipsed by the Great Zimbabwe Empire, which spread its domain over much of eastern Botswana.

Around 1300 AD, peoples in present-day Transvaal began to coalesce into the linguistic and political groups they form today. This resulted in the emergence of three main groups: the Bakgalagadi, the Batswana and the Basotho, each of which had smaller divisions. Each group lived in small, loosely knit communities, spread widely over large areas of land. They spoke dialects of the same language and shared many cultural affinities.

Two central features of the history of the Batswana are 

fission and fusion. Groups of people broke off from their parent tribe and moved to new land, creating a new tribe and absorbing or subjugating the people they found there. This is how a single group of Batswana living in the Magaliesberg Mountains in northern Transvaal evolved into the numerous Tswana tribes, which exist today.

Caprivi Collection

Lianshulu Lodge

Lianshulu Lodge in the East Caprivi overlooks the Kwando River and is situated on a private concession inside the Mudumu National Park of Namibia.

The area is a lush wilderness of riverine forest, marsh and open woodland, providing a home for an abundance of wildlife. For the prospective guest to Lianshulu Lodge, the attraction will be found in a quintessentially African experience, blending exceptional service with superb scenery and a fascinating array of fauna and flora.

From the early morning coffee, to the moment when Caprivi drums beckon to a romantic evening, the dedicated staff will provide a high standard of personal, yet unobtrusive attention. Always, the spectacle of an enchanting Africa will keep the visitor to Lianshulu Lodge enthralled.

Susuwe Island Lodge

Susuwe Island Lodge offers guests the opportunity to closely experience a wild and untouched island of Africa. Situated in north-eastern Namibia, our island is on the remote Kwando River - a permanent water source which nourishes delicate ecosystems and sustains varied game and birdlife.

An African river, a spectacular canopy of indigenous trees and vistas of the Kalahari grasslands in the Bwabwata National Park are the inheritance of the animals that roam here.

Lofty canopy viewing decks set amongst tall riverine trees overlook endless savannahs and glistening lily-studded wetlands. A firepit is embraced by a spacious lounge area and eclectic African art. Relaxation, privacy and comfort are paramount at Susuwe. A mouth-watering aroma, the clink of silver against china, a wine glass filled - these are the joys of African alfresco dining. Fresh air sharpens whetted appetites and a picnic laid out amidst tall whispering grasses in unchartered territory illuminates the experience.

Lianshulu Lodge open again

Lianshulu Lodge under new Ownership

Lianshulu Lodge is open again under new ownership and management.

The ownership consists of Dutch nationals Alexander Van Heeren and Peter Van Langeveldt as well as Dusty Rodgers who is well known in the Namibian Tourism & Hospitality Industry and Reinhardt Küsters, a local shipping entrepreneur.
Lianshulu Lodges which includes Lianshulu Main Lodge and Lianshulu Bush Lodge on an 800 ha private concession in the Mudumu National Park along the Kwando River as well as Matota Island Lodge, situated on the Mudumu National Park cut line inside the Bayelerwa Conservancy in the Eastern Caprivi Strip of Namibia, will be incorporated into a fully fledged marketing & management company known as The Caprivi Collection with central reservations and marketing based in Swakopmund under the management of Anette Küsters who too is no stranger to the travel and airline industry in Namibia.

The company has already embarked on extensive renovations and refurbishments of the properties and Lianshulu Main Lodge is now open for bookings with the remaining two properties opening on a gradual phase-in as business demands this.

This development will see the company having traversing rights through over 300 000ha, equal to the size of Belgium, of one of the most pristine and unspoiled natural wildlife areas which now form part of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) spanning Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Angola.

Further to local activities, the company will soon offer access to safari circuits in Botswana via its own border post at Lianshulu Lodge.

A range of exclusive activities which includes river trips, transfers, bush picnics and overnight fly camps will be on offer with our affiliated properties within the area.

2 New products offered by Southern Africa Travel

Thrifty Car Rental:

When you are looking for the right vehicle to suit your travel needs book a Thrifty vehciel with Namibia Reservations. Thrifty offers various vehicles for every occasion.

Caprivi Houseboat Safari Lodge:

Caprivi Houseboat Safaris is an exclusive lodge nestled amid a lush green garden on the banks of the Zambezi River, a few kilometers east of Katima Mulilo in the Caprivi Region of Namibia, offering genuine hospitality in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. The lodge offers five rustic en suite chalets on the waters edge, a rose wood deck with lounge bar and swimming pool to relax in.

For more details or to make a booking email us at info@southern-africa-travel.com or visit our website for more establishments http://www.southern-africa-travel.com/

New on Southern Africa Travel website

Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge
Nkasa Lupala tented lodge is situated in the Wuparo community conservancy 130km west of Katima Mulilo in the Caprivi Region of northen Namibia. The distance from Kongola is 75km on good gravel road.
The Lodge consist of a network of Teak platforms with 10 luxury Tents constructed out of steel, canvas and wood with proper doors and windows and en-suite bathroom facilities. For the 10 rooms there is a central dining room, lounge facility with kitchen, storage, office and bar linked to the rooms through a network of pathways. The lodge is totally energy self-sufficient for electricity and water heating by using solar panels and will serve as an example of sustainable construction and planning not only in the region but in Namibia as a whole.

To make a booking email us at info@southern-africa-travel.com or visit our website for more accommodation www.southern-africa-travel.com