Namibia - Kambaku Safari Lodge
Kambaku Safari Lodge is in the heart of Namibia, about two hours’ drive south of Etosha National Park.
Set in 8,000 hectares, Kambaku is home to antelope species like impala, kudu, eland, red hartebeest and oryx. There are also giraffe, zebra, warthog, wildebeest, ostrich, porcupine, caracal and aardvark.
Bird-life is varied and you could see secretary birds, martial and tawny eagles. Pale chanting-goshawks and lappet-faced vultures are often sighted.
Leopard, cheetah, hyena and jackal are present, but rarely seen from horseback. The absence of elephant and lion means guests of all levels can ride if they wish.
Kambaku also offers bush walks and game drives, so this is an ideal destination for riders and non-riders alike.
Kambaku permits hunting on the reserve, since their management policy includes responsible culling of selective wildlife. It is possible that hunters will be staying at the reserve while you are there.
Kambaku Lodge is suitable for all levels of rider and the pace is tailored to suit your ability and preferences.
The stables house a herd of 24 well-schooled horses. They are all fit and forward-going.
There are a range of breeds including Warmbloods, Trakehners, Holsteiners and Hanoverians as well as smaller Basotho ponies.
There are spirited horses for those who enjoy a forward-going ride, as well as steadier mounts for those who are less confident.
The riding is English style. The horses go in snaffle bridles and trail saddles. There are a couple of English saddles, but they only fit a few of the horses.
As well as extensive tracks and paths to explore, there is also a riding arena and a lunge pen. Many guests stick to safari rides, but if you wish, you can swap a safari ride for a lesson in the arena.
Children of all ages are very welcome. The minimum age for riding in the arena or out-rides on the lead-rein is four years old. Older children can join safari rides, subject to experience.
Hard hats are mandatory.
With just ten guest rooms, Kambaku has really welcoming feel. Each guest room looks out towards pretty gardens, with the swimming pool beyond. Inside the main lodge is a reception area with curio shop. This leads through to a central lounge, where hunting trophies adorn the walls. Upstairs is a cosy bar and a terrace, where you sit down each evening to dine under the stars.
In between guided activities, you might choose to take a swim, read a book on the terrace or watch wildlife at the waterhole. Alternatively, there is plenty to do if you wish to be more active; archery, mountain biking, volleyball, table tennis and badminton. For younger guests there is a children's play area with swings, jungle gym, and sand pit.
There is a spa on site, offering massages and facials, which are available at additional cost.
Kambaku has five standard rooms, three family rooms and two luxury rooms - all with private bathroom facilities. There are no twin rooms, but the double beds have separate mattresses and so can be made up with two duvets to effectively make a twin.
The family rooms are similar to the standard rooms, except they are a little larger in order to accommodate two extra beds. In the bathrooms, as well as the full height version, there is a sink and shower set at a child's height.
The two luxury rooms have a terrace, fireplace, fruit basket and coffee machine.
Kambaku is open all year. There are no set dates, so you can arrive and depart on any day. We recommend a stay of at least seven nights.
Sample Itinerary for Kambaku Safari Lodge 
Please note that the availability chart below may show availability when there is none. So please always email rides@inthesaddle.com and we will get back to you to confirm availability for your preferred dates.
Select your preferred arrival date:
The prices below are based on a seven night stay with eight riding sessions. The amount of riding is flexible and shorter or longer stays are possible, so please enquire for an amended quote.
| 2024 | Riding Package | Non-Riding Package |
| Adult | £1,881.48 | £1,441.76 |
| Teenager (13-16 years) | £1,285.32 | £980.90 |
| Child (4-12 years) sharing room with parents |
£959.76 | £655.35 |
| 2025 | Riding Package | Non-Riding Package |
| Adult | £2,160.53 | £1,619.34 |
| Teenager (13-16 years) | £1,467.13 | £1,128.89 |
| Child (4-12 years) sharing room with parents |
£1,082.38 | £744.13 |
INCLUDES Accommodation; meals; eight riding sessions (including a bush breakfast) or non-riding activities for non-riders (including a bush breakfast); day trip to Etosha National Park.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT There is no single supplement for individual travellers.
PAYABLE LOCALLY Drinks; additional activities; tips; laundry; child-minding.
NEAREST AIRPORT Windhoek.
TRANSFERS Road transfers are £126.84 each way per adult and £63.42 each way for teenagers 13 - 16 years. Transfers for children aged 12 or under are free of charge.
The nearest international airport is Windhoek.
Road transfers can be arranged from Windhoek airport, or from a hotel in Windhoek. You may wish to hire a car if you intend to explore more of Namibia before or after your stay at Kambaku.
The journey between Windhoek and Kambaku takes around four hours.
There is no riding on your arrival day; this is to allow time to relax and recover from your journey. There is also no riding planned on departure day either. Check-out is usually after breakfast.
Kambaku Safari Lodge is about four hours' drive north of Windhoek.
Spring and Autumn are mild. Mid-summer is hot, around 35 °C or more. Winter will be around the mid-20's °C during the day, but much cooler overnight.
Friendly staff, nice horses, lovely food and in my case a great place to meet my husband to relax a little… as I headed straight here after doing the Namib Desert Ride!
Jacqui ,Surrey
Overall rating: 5/5
