Three ways we're different from other safaris
You’re looking for an off-the-beaten path adventure. You’ve always dreamed of going on an African safari. You’re seeking a way to combine your love of travel with a greater purpose – a way to give back to our planet in a meaningful way.
You’re speaking our language.
At African Monarch Lodges, we’re so much more than just a set of luxury game lodges.
This is where transformation happens, naturally, and on several different levels.
Here, we give you a little more insight into what sets us apart from the many other African safari experiences on offer.
1. Our unique location in Namibia’s untapped Zambezi Region
With the approval of Chief Mayuni, leader of the local conservancies, we have been blessed with our place on this land, in the heart of Bwabwata National Park. Unlike other parts of Namibia, which are generally associated with desert and sand dunes, we are in a little lush panhandle just above Botswana. This means our environment is far more like what you’d experience if you visited the Okavango Delta: winding rivers, grassy plains, with rich wildlife roaming the entire area. At most times of the year you can even witness hundreds of elephants as they migrate through the area – literally beneath the walkways of Nambwa Tented Lodge.
This also means we’ve managed to retain that special feeling of being undiscovered. You won’t experience large crowds of tourists here. Our luxury tented lodges only have 10 to 13 suites. And we have the added benefit of being the only set of private lodges within the park, which comes with added benefits such as being the only set of lodges permitted to offer guided bush walks and after-hours game drives.
In the words of our owner, Tinolla Rodgers, whose hands-on approach means you’ll very likely meet her in person during your stay: “A few of the things that set this park apart include the fact that you can go on a game drive or a boat cruise and be the sole people in that area. It’s exclusive and secluded, which makes it so special.”
“The way we care for our land and community is a reflection of the way we look after each other, our team and our guests. We are family. We want our guests to feel part of the family too.”
2. Our purpose: everything we do comes from our hearts
African Monarch Lodges isn’t just another safari destination; we’re an exclusive luxury collection deeply rooted in purpose. We’re dedicated to uplifting the communities that have entrusted us with their land.
One of the primary ways we do this is through our innovative Sijwa Project. What started as a dream has grown into an award-winning initiative that’s making a very real difference not only to protecting our environment but in the lives of our community members.
Launched in 2018, The Sijwa Project transforms recyclable waste (including glass, plastic, carton, tin cans) from our lodges into unique, saleable crafts. It also includes organic permaculture greenhouses, sewing centres, a carpentry workshop, a vocational residency training centre, a beehive project to reduce human-elephant conflict, and an indigenous tree nursery.
Through this initiative, we empower the local community with skills, jobs, and environmental preservation.
A visit to the centre leaves guests not only feeling enriched by local culture as they take part in and enjoy the activities, but also with a sense of giving back – 12% of all our earnings goes back to the local communities.
This is travel with purpose.
3. Our experiences and retreats leave you feeling transformed
Whether you’re booking an African safari as a family with kids, group of friends or even solo traveller; or you’re attending one of our Retreats in the Wild, there’s one common thread felt amongst all our guests. It’s a feeling of transformation.
It might be subtle. Perhaps it’s just a sense of rejuvenation from mornings spent out in the wild enjoying our Inspired Experiences, or the awe of watching elephants traipse beneath the walkways at Nambwa Tented Lodge.
Or it might be something deeper. Perhaps discovering an entirely different version of yourself while attending one of our retreats. We offer a variety of themed retreats, including ones focused on mindfulness, detoxing, yoga and writing.
Want to learn more about our facilities? Discover our three different accommodation options here.
“Whatever it is that brings you to African Monarch Lodges, we believe you’ll feel embraced and nurtured from the minute you step into our lodges.”
