Treat yourself at Divava Lodge & Spa. The ideal holiday destination in Namibia for those who love to be pampered.

Divava Okavango Resort and Spa

Divava Lodge & Spa has 20 luxurious chalets, with a spacious roof terrace offering a magnificent view of the Okavango River. While the bathroom of the chalet itself already feels like a mini-spa – including a bathtub in front of the window, an outdoor shower, and a luxurious walk-in shower – there’s also a larger spa where you can treat yourself. They say sitting is the new smoking, but on safari, you can hardly escape it: in the middle of the wilderness, the environment makes it difficult to take a walk around, and so the recommended daily exercise of 20 minutes is often not achieved. That’s why Divava’s spa is a very welcome change when, after a few days of travelling, I start to feel aches in my back. From manicures to salt baths and from scrub treatments to food massages, the salon offers something for everyone. We book a hot stone massage. The treatment takes place in one of the cottages, perfectly located on the hillside. The spa and steam room overlook the river. Under the expert hands of masseuses Holtesia and Shilongo, I can feel all tension flowing away from my body.

Five-course dinner

Still relaxed from the massage, we settle down in the lovely chairs at the restaurant. The way to one’s heart is through the stomach, and this is also amply and well provided for. A five-course dinner is included in your booking, so from 7:00 p.m., you can feast on the most delicious dishes created by chef Justin. Escargot, broccoli soup, a tuna wrap, beef with gravy, and freshly baked apple pie – anything is available. The spacious arrangement of the tables allows for quiet conversation, but if desired, a white curtain between the tables can also ensure some extra privacy. The garden is attractively lit, a fireplace crackles away in the dining area, and from the terrace, we can hear the murmur of Popa Falls, just a kilometre away. 

Popa Falls

The next morning, it’s time to take a closer look at the falls. We go out with our captain and guide Joseph and moor early. The water is serene and quiet. A hazy vapour gives the Okavango an enigmatic feel. The sun rises slowly, playing with light and shadow. It’s truly a beautiful scene. Popa Falls are rapids of over a kilometre wide. Joseph moors the boat at Divava Island. “The island is named after the lodge”, he says. “That’s because my colleague discovered it.” We enjoy the view on a bench under the Mapoo tree. Once we get back on board, a strong current carries us to the other side. 

We pass hippos. (“If you see a little one, you’ll know that’s a female. The father doesn’t tolerate other males and kills them, no matter what age.”) We spot an African darter, whistling ducks, and several kingfishers. The Zambezi region is rich in over 400 bird species, so birdwatchers are certainly in for a treat. After some time, Joseph moors. “Do you see that rock?”, he asks. “In the old days, before the Bagani Bridge was built, this used to be the crossing point. If you wanted to cross, you’d take the ferry here. The police checked the cargoes and stamped everything with ‘Bagani’. That’s why to this day, there’s an Old Bagani and a New Bagani.”

Review Divava Lodge and Spa

Location: On the banks of the Okavango River, locally known as Kavango River.
Service & facilities: Excellent.
Rooms: The chalets are very luxurious, including a spacious terrace with a rain shower.
Disabled accessibility: No.
Note: During your stay at Divava Lodge and Spa, you’ll be completely pampered. This is an excellent destination for a honeymoon. 

Staying at Divava Lodge & Spa is possible from 253 USD per night, breakfast and dinner included. You can book directly via the website of the accommodation. You can also book the stay as part of your tour through Namibia at About Africa Safaris.