Divava, a simply sparkling Okavango River destination

Leading Lodges of Africa have developed quite a portfolio of establishments in Namibia over the past few years. Of course, several of their competitors have been pretty busy too. And the tourism industry continues to astound everyone here in the country with its rapid growth. This year, 2008, should see 1 million tourist arrivals for the first time - in a country whose total population is only twice that! And now, we've got something really special - Divava Okavango Lodge & Spa. It's in the Kavango Region, on the banks of the Okavango River and if ever there was a must-visit destination, then surely this is it!The story started many years ago - in the eighties - when, following agreement with the local community and traditional authorities, permission, by way of a leasehold agreement, was granted to open a Lodge, Suclabo, on the very banks of the river. With such a wonderful location, it was no surprise that the lodge operated successfully thereafter. The gardens became established as an awesome feature of the lodge, along with its delightful riverine setting, close proximity to many attractions, quaint accommodation and pleasant laid-back atmosphere. Over the years, it became a great favourite with both travellers and locals alike; certainly a favourite of mine. But the owners, advancing into middle age, realised that a sale was necessary; and when the sale went through a couple of years ago, I must confess to feeling a pang of trepidation that the best laid plans of a major investment by the Leading Lodges of Africa group might find it hard to retain both the atmosphere and more so, all that glorious foliage and riverine outlook. Well, I needn't have worried, because having completely redeveloped the site Leading Lodges have created something even better; Divava Okavango Lodge & Spa is quite possibly the finest lodge currently operating in Namibia, it is sensational!The well oiled operational wheels of the busy and widespread Leading Lodges of Africa establishment setup ensured that from day one Divava offered the benchmark standards of service and lodge life that guests have come to expect from this upmarket group; general manager Detlev Hovelmann, hugely experienced in the hospitality industry, was an inspired choice. He brings a wealth of know-ledge and divers clientele with him, but as a born Namibian, exudes a real passion for this mighty Okavango River and its fascinating surrounds. So you'll expect, and receive, great service from the staff, but what of the rooms? Twenty there are, but you'll hardly notice your neighbour, so carefully does each chalet blend into its riverine background. The rooms are on a split level, making them appear so much more spacious; fixtures and furnishings are all top quality and each is fully air-conditioned; the bathroom et alia contains bath and a choice of inside or outside showers, plus more classy fittings too. Last, but not least, there is a huge and private deck from which you can glory in these untrammelled surroundings. Of course, all the Group's Lodges offer, and indeed pamper, their guests with Mystique Spas and their consummate treatments. Each therapy room here overlooks the River; the Spa at Divava features sauna, steam room, Thalasso bath plus the usual massage and facial facilities. Activities abound too - first, there's a lovely pool in a leafy setting with awesome poolside furniture but then for the more adventurous there are classic trips on the Okavango River, especially to the enchanting rapids at Popa Falls nearby; great game drives too into the Mahango section of the recently proclaimed Bwabwata National Park, where you might be lucky and spot some rare Roan and Sable antelope. You'll surely see Elephant there, and both Hippos and Crocs in the water. And by then you'll have worked up an appetite for one of the Lodge's fabulous five course dinner...so that's Divava, where luxury and nature have surely never sat better together.

E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.leadinglodges.com

Neil Digby-Clarke