African Monarch Lodges originated from one man's passionate dream, resulting in a joint venture lodge collection founded on Conservation, Community, and Conservancy principles. Set within Bwabwata National Park in the Zambezi Region (Caprivi Strip) in the heart of KAZA, the world's largest wildlife conservation area, Nambwa Tented Lodge and Kazile Island Lodge are the sole camps within the park.
Nambwa Tented Lodge rests on an ancient elephant migratory route, elevated among majestic Jackalberry, Sausage and Knobthorn trees. A timber walkway connects ten spacious tented suites, designed in soothing natural tones, while offering panoramic views.
Kazile Island Lodge, accessible only by boat, is a special paradise with thirteen elevated Meru tents within a Mangosteen forest. The tents overlook the Kwando River and expansive floodplains. Here, herds of buffalo and elephant traverse the wet Zambezi landscape.
Nambwa Campsite offers 4 exclusive sites nestled under either a majestic Jackleberry, Strangler Fig, Leadwood or Knobthorn tree right behind the Kwando Rivers‘ Long Lagoon. The campsites boast tasteful art mosaic pieces and chandeliers which have been skillfully crafted by the team at The Sijwa Project. The structures have been built or enhanced using accents of recycled materials paying tribute to all that African Monarch Lodges inspires through its Sijwa Project.
More akin to an Okavango Delta experience, our unquenchable desire to create the most authentic African experience takes you drifting down the unspoilt Kwando River. Sitatunga, an elusive aquatic antelope, are often spotted along the floodplains and marshes. Explore the fauna and flora up on foot with a bush walk or enjoy a game drive with our experienced guides. The famous Horseshoe Lagoon is the ideal spot for a sundowner after a riveting game drive. Soak up the breathtaking sunsets together with hippos and large herds of elephants silhouetted in purple hues over the water, before a short night drive to view the nocturnal wildlife takes you back home.
Fall in love with this enigmatic corner of Namibia as the sun rises over the tree canopies.
"This vision is bigger than us – we occupy a tiny space on this planet – but we know the Sijwa Project will make a real difference and demonstrate how people and wildlife can live together sustainably.”
Dusty and Tinolla Rodgers,owners of African Monarch Lodges
The Sijwa Project creatively transforms recyclable waste from African Monarch Lodges (Nambwa Tented Lodge and Kazile Island Lodge) and the local community into exquisite crafts and art. It also operates as an organic permaculture nursery, supplying local food and reducing food transportation miles. This endeavor involves composting food waste, utilizing worm juice, and even benefiting from elephant dung.
Moreover, The Sijwa Project serves as a cultural village, an artisan skills training center, and a free-range egg initiative. It doubles as an indigenous tree nursery, enabling guests to purchase and plant trees to offset their carbon footprint, with a "tree guardian" to enhance survival chances. This initiative embodies a holistic approach merging conservation, community, culture, and commerce.
Launched in November 2018 by African Monarch Lodges, The Sijwa Project offers guests an immersive experience enriched with local culture and artisan interactions. It includes recycling workshops and showcases how waste materials are transformed into beautiful artifacts for sale. Designed to empower the local community and preserve traditions, this self-sustaining project aims to tackle unemployment and education challenges.
The ambitious Sijwa Project aspires to employ over 60 community members (supporting up to 12 others each) and educate approximately 182 local students annually through its Junior Ranger and Junior Sewing Schools. A portion of the project's monthly revenue will contribute to the Mayuni Conservancy, addressing regional challenges while fostering conservation, education, and sustainable livelihoods.
