250925006485 - Camp Kwando operating 3 star tourism establishment along the Kwando River

Management wish to comply as per EMP Management Act of 2007, Regulation No. 29 of 2012, Management is aware that they had neglected, i.e. after COVID 19, to request for renewal of their ECC of 2017 and to update their EMP. Dr E Klingelhoeffer was appointed as the EAP by Losange Lodges to assist in renewal of the ECC and to compile a new EMP on current observations made for Camp Kwando. SUMMARY OVERVIEW OF CAMP KWANDO Losange Lodges t/a Camp Kwando, which is situated on the eastern banks of the Kwando River wetland ecosystem, has secured a renewed 25 year “right of lease hold” in 2023 from the Mashi Conservancy. Furthermore, Losange Lodges and the Mashi Conservancy have entered a Joint Venture Agreement. Camp Kwando was one of the first lodges in the Zambezi Region to open its doors to tourists in 1993. They are paying a yearly fee to the Traditional Authorities. Camp Kwando is a privately owned lodge with the shareholders being mainly Swiss investors from Switzerland, that strive to do their best to help and contribute to a sustainable development of the region. The Proponent operates and provides a rustic hospitality destination to predominantly the European tourist market which provides a unique experience to the visitor in an eco-friendly environment. Camp Kwando is located on the C49, ca. 25km, south of Kongola. The carbon footprint of Camp Kwando is 12.5h. Coordinates for Camp Kwando (reception) are as follows: • 18.04337 Latitude South and 23.32101 Longitude East During the visit by the EAP to Camp Kwando in August and September 2025, it became apparent that the lodge offers genuine hospitality in a relaxed and informal atmosphere where the tourist is well received and is being provided with professional hospitality. Current reviews on the webpage rate Camp Kwando as the top destination for the region with scores ranging between 9-10. Furthermore, there are protocols in place for both the Solid Waste Management and Grey/Black Water disposal. It is to be noted that 100% of all solid and liquid waste generated at Camp Kwando is taken out and partly recycled and disposed of elsewhere. More details in the updated EMP. Dr Ekkehard Klingelhoeffer was appointed on 4 August 2025 by Mrs. Anke and Mr. Michiel Levin as the EAP to update the current EMP of Camp Kwando and to request the EC office of MET for renewal of the elapsed ECC. Copy of the appointment letter of the EAP Dr E Klingelhoeffer is included in the BID. Camp Kwando is situated on the main channel of the Kwando River as it meanders to the Linyanti River. The lodge lies on an elevated vegetated land (ca 900m above sea-level) populated with knob-thorn, jackal-berry, mangosteen, combretum, terminalia and sausage trees, and surrounded by sedges and reeds along the river banks. Camp Kwando can be reached by vehicle on the C49 south from Kongola and it is well signed to guide guests to their destination. Camp Kwando opened its doors for business as early as 1993, offering mainly campsites and a few raised chalets on stilts. However, during the past decade all campsites have been phased out and replaced with tree houses and en-suite chalets which makes this lodge a valued destination. Activities: numerous activities are being offered at Camp Kwando which include: 4WD Safaris into Mudumu and Nkasa Rupara National Parks, birdwatching, boat trips on the meandering Kwando River, cultural excursions to the Kwando Village and fishing (catch and release). A highlight includes a mokoro trip along the narrow channels and then return to camp with a guided walk through the veld (bird watching). Accommodation: two types of accommodation are being offered: • Riverbank tented en-suite chalets • Tree houses (on stilts amongst the trees) • Camp sites are no longer provided since 2022 Camp Kwando has 14 en-suite thatched roof chalets of which 10 face the Kavango River. All tents are raised off the ground on a platform and have a thatched roof. Wooden pathways lead between the chalets and the main area. In front of the chalets, over-looking the river, there is a veranda with deck chairs to relax in and do some fishing if desired. At the back of each chalet there is an en-suite bathroom with a flushing toilet, wash basin and a shower. Camp Kwando also offers a small swimming pool which is set into the landscaped garden, with a shady gazebo with comfortable deck chairs to relax in. Staff: Camp Kwando employs staff from adjacent villages east of the Kwando River of the Mashi Conservancy, which includes the following departments/positions:  Management  Kitchen, housekeeping and laundry  Food & beverage: waitrons  Maintenance, guides and security Camp Kwando employs 32 staff (15 female & 17 male) of which 29 are recruited from the Mashi Conservancy. Vision of Camp Kwando: • to develop unique tourist activities such as wildlife photography, sundowner river cruises and game drives • to ensure that every guest receives a wildlife experience in an environment that is being managed and operated on eco-friendly principles • the establishment is committed to comply and adhere to all the Policies, Acts and Regulations that govern lodge operations in sensitive environments, through the implementation of “best practices management” • to retain the respect and trust of the adjacent communities • to strive to reduce and to minimize the carbon footprint where and whenever possible Infrastructure at Camp Kwando includes:  14 rustic en-suite chalets on stilts with an open front facing the Kwando River. Each chalet is linked to a 2000 liter septic tank which are emptied regularly and discarded in a pit ca 0.5 km from Camp Kwando  3 tree houses, raised on stilts overlooking the Kwando River and 1 manager house  Restaurant, deck, reception, admin office and WIFI access. This area is linked to a 4000 liter septic tank  Kitchen linked to the restaurant  Large storage facilities and workshop  Solar power units and back up engine and a borehole in place Management: Current Managing Directors are Mrs. Anke Schwalbenbach-Levin (as of 2017) and Mr. Michiel Levin (as of 2014). The Proponent is hereby applying for the “renewal” of the expired Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) for Camp Kwando in the Mashi Conservancy.

Commenting of the public on this project will expire at 12h00 on the 2025-11-25

Projects Documents

• EMP
• Confirmation of screening notice received (through email) in terms of assessment procedures (Section 35 (1)(a)(b) of the Environmental Management Act, No 7 of 2007)
• Preliminary Site Map (Project boundaries) with coordinates (decimal degrees) and a Legend
• CV of Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP)
• Declaration for the Submission of Assessment Reports and other Support Documents (upload Declaration Form from www.eia.meft.gov.na (downloads)

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