Divava Okavango Resort & Spa

Definitely the highlight of our two weeks in the Caprivi strip. The complex with 20 chalets overlooking the Okavango river offers mesmerising views. We stayed three nights to allow the opportunity of using all the facilities, tours, and boat trips. The dining area on an open deck allowed stunning sunsets and the sounds of the river and bush. The quality of food was the very best anywhere in Namibia - three excellent chefs produced top class fare - amazing given the remote location and access to supplies. There were a few minor niggles but overall the management and staff were friendly and accommodating.

I am writing this mail because upon arrival on the 4th of November 2024, after 7 hours drive, from the splendid Kifaru lodge, at the Divava lodge in Divundu/Caprivi we where really sadly disappointed in the state and appearance of the complex as well as the behaviour of the “so called assistant” front office manager – who also cleans up tables or bakes an omelet (rude, unpolite and arrogant) by lack of a front office manager on duty – from which I even up till now have not even heard a reaction! How extreme unpolite and arrogant! First of all you make me pay a 21666 NAB $ in advance and than you can not deliver the to be expected high quality and standard of a lodge/hotel in this price category. On top of all this there is no last minute alternative in Divundu and you have the incredible arrogance to not reimburse me on this matter where the pictures speak for them selves. As shown on the pictures the place is worn out, dirty, filthy, broken. So just to mention some: whether it’s the rugs, the chairs, the discoulered bed pillows, the entrance of the room, the terras, the more than dirty pillows on the terrace, windows, the broken lightning, door handles, table cloth, torn shutters etc. etc. On top of that there is no WiFi in the rooms and around the main building internet is extremely slow!!!!, the fridge does not refrigerate (only aftere more than 30 hours), the airco hardly brings down the room temperature, the bar, the discusting/dirty reception area (which they had cleaned a little bit at once the day after) & the seats (which do not have a comfortable sit – mentioned by other guests too) are sticky and dirty, the water of the outside shower does not run off so you stand in an endless pool of dirty water, etc etc. To much to mention. A great disappointment!!!! A national/African SHAME!!!! So my advice would be shut the place down, do a complete renovation. This place is a shame for Namibian Tourism and does not at all full fill the standards of a 5 Star luxury Resort. In our opinion it was the worst place after almost 3 week of travel and stays the most beautiful lodges and surroundings of the country of Namibia. This is a ripp-off: I pay more than a 1000 EURO in advance, Divava cannot deliver and if I want to cancel/or not check-in because of the poor condition the lodge is in, you tell me it is short-notice cancellation policy? As you can see I filed the complaint to the national Board of Namibian Tourist Information and the Ministery of Tourism o

This place was amazing, the rooms were huge, and had views over the river. We actually saw hippos from the dining room. All the meals were excellent, the staff were attentive and friendly. Would certainly stay here again. What more can I say.

The lodge is in a beautiful setting with stunning comfortable spacious rooms. The bath overlooking the river was really special and we enjoyed the outdoor shower. They did not cater very well for vegetarians/pescatarians even though knew in advance our dietary requirements. It meant we had very similar main meals each night. The staff were very friendly but were not really available when we needed them eg on arrival or sometimes at the bar. We did have a charming friendly waiter Patrick who was excellent. The game drives were variable guide wise and we particularly liked Mathews. Also the boat ride was lovely including sundowners at Poppa Falls. A lovely place to stay on the Kavango river

While many Namibian lodges are, well, rustic, Divava provides elegance in the bush, both in the rooms and in the dining room. With lovely Okavango views everywhere. While meals were of good quality, service left to be desired. Dinner starts at seven and we were seated at that time as were several other guests. Drink orders were taken and delivered promptly. And the food? At 7:25, the waiter asked us if we were ready for the amuse bouches. Ehm, yes! After our guide had a word with the chef, the rest of the dinner was served without further delays. The nearby Mahango NP is a good place for excursions, there is plenty of animal action on the riverfront before sunset. The unofficial path right at the riverfront requires a 4x4, if you don’t have one, Divava offers game drives. Another recommended spot in the area is Mashi Crafts in Kongola. The huge store mainly sells basketry. I‘ve not seen a better choice and quality elsewhere in Namibia - and prices are very reasonable.

My family and I stayed here 2 nights, and the rooms were spacious and were set up to get the best views of the river and abundant natural light. The outside shower was delightful and the clawfoot tub luxurious. I wish we had had time to take advantage of the spa, it would be the perfect place to enjoy a self-care day. We took advantage of a sunset boat cruise to Popa Falls and highly recommend it. They provided wine and snacks on a small island we were able to walk around directly in the falls. The falls are more of rapids than a true waterfall, but still beautiful! Nature all around, and really good food. The staff were attentive and kind. Each evening ended in a spectacular sunset over the Kavango River -- you even eat on the patio overlooking the river.