Activities
at
Odegaard Lodge
At Odegaard Lodge, experiences are shaped by nature, local life, and the rhythm of the river. Our guests can enjoy peaceful river safaris and sundowners on the riverbank, where the changing colours of the sky reflect on the water. Guided hiking trails up summits with stunning views, offering insight into the area’s flora, fauna, and hidden viewpoints. Cultural connection is an important part of the stay, with guided visits to the local village that provide an authentic glimpse into daily life. For those who enjoy quiet moments on the water, fishing in the river is also available.
We plan to continuously develop and refine our activities to create meaningful and memorable experiences. Upcoming additions include visits to a charming riverside home, excursions to Odegaard Farm, and adventure-filled dirt bicycle rides. Our activity program will evolve as we gain experience, always with a focus on quality, sustainability, and genuine connection to the surroundings.
Game Drive
Explore the heart of the Lower Zambezi, where open plains and riverine forests reveal elephants, big cats, and countless bird species. Every drive offers a new story written by the wild.
River Safari
Glide quietly along the Zambezi as hippos surface, crocodiles bask, and elephants wander down to drink.
Note: river safari inside and outside National Park
Sundowner at the River Bank
Pause at a secluded riverbank for a sundowner with snacks as the sky turns gold and the river reflects the evening light.
Guided Hiking Trails
Walk with an guide through untouched terrain, from gentle nature paths to challenging summit routes. Each trail rewards you with sweeping views over the valley and river.
Visit Local Village
Experience authentic culture and warm hospitality during a guided visit to a nearby village.
Fishing by Boat
From calm waters to thrilling strikes — tiger fishing on the Zambezi offers unforgettable action. Available both inside and outside the National Park.
Visit our Farm
Discover daily life on our riverside farm, where sustainable practices and local traditions come together.
River Safari & Sundowner at the Riverbank
Outside the National Park
Hippos
Massive hippos cruise the Zambezi like lazy submarines right in front of the lodge, basking in the sun all day with only their eyes and nostrils breaking the surface. At night they lumber onto the bank, mowing the grass with thunderous jaws—nature’s own midnight groundskeepers keeping the lodge lawn perfectly trimmed..
Elephants
Majestic elephants glide soundlessly onto the lodge grounds at dusk or dawn, entire herds materializing like shadows—trunks reaching quietly for the trees as if the night itself invited them in. Nearly every evening they wander the premises unannounced, stripping leaves and branches with calm determination—our resident gardeners turning the landscape into their personal buffet under the stars.
Crocodiles
When the Zambezi runs low, several massive Nile crocodiles haul out right in front of the lodge, ancient armored tanks soaking up the morning sun with jaws agape and eyes half-closed. These timeless hunters are a constant, watchful presence along the river—silent sentinels that remind every guest the water's edge belongs to them first.
Lower Zambezi Sunset
As the African sun dips toward the horizon, painting the Zambezi in molten gold and fiery orange, there's nothing quite like settling on the riverbank with a chilled aperitif in hand—perhaps a crisp gin & tonic or a glass of sparkling wine—paired with simple, perfect snacks like African specialities.
The sky ignites in slow-motion magic, the river reflects every shifting hue, distant hippos grunt their evening chorus, and time itself seems to pause... just you, the vast wilderness, and that golden hour glow wrapping the world in pure serenity.
Game Drive & River Safari
Inside the National Park
Lions
Massive hippos cruise the Zambezi like lazy submarines right in front of the lodge, basking in the sun all day with only their eyes and nostrils breaking the surface. At night they lumber onto the bank, mowing the grass with thunderous jaws—nature’s own midnight groundskeepers keeping the lodge lawn perfectly trimmed..
Elephants
Majestic elephants glide soundlessly onto the lodge grounds at dusk or dawn, entire herds materializing like shadows—trunks reaching quietly for the trees as if the night itself invited them in. Nearly every evening they wander the premises unannounced, stripping leaves and branches with calm determination—our resident gardeners turning the landscape into their personal buffet under the stars.
Kudu
When the Zambezi runs low, several massive Nile crocodiles haul out right in front of the lodge, ancient armored tanks soaking up the morning sun with jaws agape and eyes half-closed. These timeless hunters are a constant, watchful presence along the river—silent sentinels that remind every guest the water's edge belongs to them first.
Guided Hiking Trails
Summits
Embark on guided hiking adventures straight from Odegaard Lodge, where expert local guides lead you along scenic trails through the dramatic Lower Zambezi landscape, climbing steadily toward the rugged escarpment for breathtaking panoramic views over the mighty river and vast wilderness below. These invigorating walks take you close to summits and high vantage points, rewarding every step with sweeping vistas of the Zambezi Valley, distant mountains, and the endless African horizon — often accompanied by the thrill of spotting elephants, giraffe, kudu, or even elusive leopards in their natural habitat. With knowledgeable guides sharing insights on the region’s flora, fauna, and bush lore, each hike becomes a safe, immersive journey blending physical challenge, stunning natural beauty, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Visit Local Village
Kavalamanja
ust a short 1 km walk or drive from Odegaard Lodge lies a welcoming local village, where warm smiles and genuine friendliness greet every visitor. Immerse yourself in authentic Zambian village life, witnessing daily rhythms, traditional craftsmanship, and vibrant performances of dance and music that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Goba people. This heartfelt cultural encounter offers a meaningful contrast to the wilderness adventures, creating unforgettable memories of community connection in the heart of the Lower Zambezi.
Fishing
Tigers, Vundu and Breams (a.o.)
Cast your line into the mighty Zambezi River from our boat or also right from the doorstep of Odegaard Lodge, where world-class freshwater angling awaits amid breathtaking wilderness and abundant wildlife. The undisputed star is the ferocious Tigerfish — Africa’s premier game fish, armed with razor-sharp teeth and explosive acrobatic fights that test even the most seasoned anglers, delivering heart-pounding thrills as they leap and charge against the current. Beyond the Tigers, the river teems with exciting species like massive Vundu catfish (some reaching heavyweight proportions), hard-fighting Bream (perfect for both table and sport), and a host of other predators and fighters cruising these nutrient-rich waters — making every outing an unpredictable adventure of big bites and epic battles.