Popa Falls Lodge - Bwabwata National Park

Part of the Gondwana Collection, this lodge is located right at the scenic Popa Falls on the Okavango River, very close to the Mahango Core Area. It offers comfortable accommodation with views of the rapids, providing a great base for exploring Mahango and the surrounding Kavango region.

Location
Bwabwata National Park, Zambezi & Kavango East, Namibia, Southern Africa
Type
safari_lodge
Coordinates
-18.120000, 21.590000
Price range
mid-range
Website
https://store.gondwana-collection.com/lodges/popa-falls-lodge
Capacity
34 guests
Rooms
17
Dietary options
Vegetarian, vegan available upon request
Night drives
Available
Child-friendly
Yes
Pool/Spa
Available

PlnrScore: 57/100

Wildlife Near This Lodge

889 species observed within 20 km, 39 mammals, 305 birds.

  • Common Hippopotamus (Mammalia, 159 observations)
  • Impala (Mammalia, 125 observations)
  • Common Warthog (Mammalia, 121 observations)
  • Nile Crocodile (Reptilia, 119 observations)
  • African Fish-Eagle (Aves, 108 observations)
  • African Buffalo (Mammalia, 105 observations)
  • Spur-winged Goose (Aves, 104 observations)
  • Greater Kudu (Mammalia, 103 observations)
  • African Savanna Elephant (Mammalia, 95 observations)
  • Lechwe (Mammalia, 91 observations)

Best Time to Visit Popa Falls Lodge

The best months to visit Popa Falls Lodge are April, May, June, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 23.58°C, rainfall 184.8mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 74.4%
  • February: Great, temperature 24.62°C, rainfall 108.5mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 67.2%
  • March: Great, temperature 24.29°C, rainfall 79.6mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 65.3%
  • April: Great, temperature 23.2°C, rainfall 10.9mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 53.6%
  • May: Great, temperature 21.07°C, rainfall 0.1mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 35.6%
  • June: Great, temperature 18.44°C, rainfall 0.2mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 34.4%
  • July: Great, temperature 18.25°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 29.7%
  • August: Great, temperature 21.96°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 23.7%
  • September: Great, temperature 26.3°C, rainfall 0.3mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 21.1%
  • October: Great, temperature 28.89°C, rainfall 1.6mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 24.8%
  • November: Great, temperature 27.58°C, rainfall 34.6mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 46.1%
  • December: Great, temperature 26.09°C, rainfall 100.8mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 59.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the absolute best time of year to visit Popa Falls Lodge for wildlife viewing in Mahango?

We love visiting Popa Falls Lodge during the dry season, from June to October. This is when the wildlife congregates around the shrinking water sources in Mahango, making sightings incredibly reliable. You'll be practically tripping over elephants and seeing plenty of antelope.

Beyond the falls themselves, what are the must-do activities when staying at Popa Falls Lodge?

While the thunderous roar of the falls is captivating, we highly recommend a guided game drive into the Mahango Core Area. It's a compact but incredibly rewarding park, teeming with elephants, buffalo, and a fantastic array of birdlife. A boat trip on the Okavango River is also a must for a different perspective and excellent hippo and crocodile spotting.

We're traveling with young children. How child-friendly is Popa Falls Lodge, and what should we expect?

Popa Falls Lodge is wonderfully child-friendly. The lodge itself is safe, and the staff are excellent with kids. While the falls are powerful, they are safely fenced off. We found the relaxed atmosphere perfect for families, allowing everyone to enjoy the magic of the river and wildlife without stress.

What's the general vibe and accommodation like at Popa Falls Lodge? Is it rustic or more upscale?

We find Popa Falls Lodge strikes a perfect balance. It's comfortable and well-appointed, offering a touch of luxury without feeling stuffy. The chalets are spacious, many with balconies overlooking the rapids, and the main lodge area is a welcoming spot to unwind after a day of exploring. It feels like a well-loved home on the river.

Are there any specific safety considerations we should be aware of at Popa Falls Lodge, especially regarding the river?

The main safety consideration is respecting the power of the Okavango River and the falls. The lodge has clear signage and safe viewing platforms, which we always stick to. While wildlife is abundant, always follow your guide's instructions during game drives and walks. We've never felt unsafe, but common sense and respecting nature are key.

Other Safari Lodges in Bwabwata National Park

Parks in Zambezi & Kavango East

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Namibia

Travel advisory for Namibia