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Your Royal Gateway to Zambia's Wild West

ROYAL BAROTSE SAFARIS

Begun in 1996, Royal Barotse Safaris has operated and served in Western Zambia for more than three decades. Centered on belief, family and a love for people, RBS strives to better the lives of those around us and to share meaningful and memorable experiences with those who come to visit.

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location

Centered in Africa

Rooted in Barotseland, the Western Province of Zambia, our journey begins 30 years ago on a pioneering adventure to “find a place to build a life in the bush…”

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experiences

Exclusive Fishing & Birding Safaris

Over the past three decades the Johnson family have explored the entire region of Barotseland in search of truly remote and pristine places to share in order to share them with you.

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"What a place. Absolute heaven on earth. Penny and Gavin are the most gracious of hosts, the service from the staff is sublime, the food is delicious and the fishing is mind blowing. I cannot wait to go back."
Adam McDonald
Adam McDonaldMutemwa Lodge
"If you love fishing, birding, peace & quiet, good bush accommodation, good food and wonderful hosts with friendly, professional staff then Mutemwa is for you... every aspect of our stay exceeded our expectations."
Sandy Wilks
Sandy WilksMutemwa Lodge
"Mr and Mrs Gavin Johnson are remarkably gracious and most hospitable hosts. Their physical bush location combined with the couple themselves on the Zambezi River is one place where Heaven meets earth. Should you plan a bush and river excursion this is certainly a noteworthy establishment well equipped with wonderful owners, management, staff and all other elements required for your luxury time in Zambia."
Landon R.
Landon R.Mutemwa Lodge
"The Lodge and grounds are well tended and it is obvious that Gavin and Penny, the owners, really care about the camp and their guests. I have never been as welcomed and made to feel at home as at Mutemwa. I can't say enough about the open-hearted hospitality we enjoyed and hope to return again to enjoy the warmth, peace and beauty of this wonderful place. And of course to catch a monster Tiger Fish!"
Zamtrica
ZamtricaMutemwa Lodge
"We enjoyed morning bird-spotting potters up the Njoko river, a beautiful meandering tributary of the mighty Zambezi, trips upriver to the Ngonye Falls, and even an exhilarating day cross-country bundu bashing to a beautiful corner of the countryside for a delicious braai. Clearly, there is nothing formulaic about Mutemwa. Gavin and Penny will tailor things absolutely to suit their guests..."
Deborah W.
Deborah W.Mutemwa Lodge
"Stunning owners of the camp, really hands on and nothing was too much trouble. The tents were well appointed and the food was absolutely delicious. The setting was outstanding. The fishing was fantastic and the skippers were great. The service was super."
Suekie
SuekieMutemwa Lodge
"Overwhelmed by the awesome hospitality, serene and a real Zambian experience... Gavin and Penny made us feel so relaxed and very welcome. Sun rises and sun sets were breath taking, meals were tantalizing around the boma fire each night and breakfasts on the deck in nature was a great start to each day. First time I ever Tiger fished and a pure adrenaline rush and only stayed for 4 days which was far too short ... Next time we plan to stay much longer."
Leanne D.
Leanne D.Mutemwa Lodge
"Absolutely fantastic Zambezi fishing and wilderness experience. The river delivered in style with everyone catching at least one trophy tiger fish of 12 pounds+ and the cherry on the top was a rare sighting of a Pel's Fishing Owl."
Ian Dümmer
Ian DümmerMutemwa Lodge
"Peace and tranquility, comfort and class, fantastic hosts. Best fishing and birding river lodge ever."
Grant Seeman
Grant SeemanMutemwa Lodge
"What a place. Absolute heaven on earth. Penny and Gavin are the most gracious of hosts, the service from the staff is sublime, the food is delicious and the fishing is mind blowing. I cannot wait to go back."
Adam McDonald
Adam McDonaldMutemwa Lodge
"If you love fishing, birding, peace & quiet, good bush accommodation, good food and wonderful hosts with friendly, professional staff then Mutemwa is for you... every aspect of our stay exceeded our expectations."
Sandy Wilks
Sandy WilksMutemwa Lodge
"Stunning owners of the camp, really hands on and nothing was too much trouble. The tents were well appointed and the food was absolutely delicious. The setting was outstanding. The fishing was fantastic and the skippers were great. The service was super."
Suekie
SuekieMutemwa Lodge
"Absolutely fantastic Zambezi fishing and wilderness experience. The river delivered in style with everyone catching at least one trophy tiger fish of 12 pounds+ and the cherry on the top was a rare sighting of a Pel's Fishing Owl."
Ian Dümmer
Ian DümmerMutemwa Lodge
"Peace and tranquility, comfort and class, fantastic hosts. Best fishing and birding river lodge ever."
Grant Seeman
Grant SeemanMutemwa Lodge
Mutemwa Lode Lounge
Drinks are served at the Mutemwa Bar
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Tiger fish caught with Royal Barotse Safaris
IMG_4813 (3:2)
Morning light on the Mutemwa tents
Ngonye Falls Camping with Royal Barotse Safaris
The Johnson Family

From Us To You

Created as a way to make a life in the bush, Royal Barotse Safaris was birthed out of a love for nature, adventure and family. 

We are so excited to welcome you to one of our safaris or lodges in the near future 

 

Kind regards, 

Gavin & Penny Johnson

Founders & Owners of Royal Barotse Safaris

The Johnson Family

From Us To You

When we first discovered Mutemwa in 1995, Penny and I knew this was our chance to build a way of life in the bush. What came after was Royal Barotse Safaris, birthed out of a love for nature, adventure and family.

We look forward to welcoming you soon.

Kind regards 

Gavin and Penny Johnson

Founders & Owners of Royal Barotse Safaris 

THE ROYAL BAROTSE SAFARIS

Foundation

The newly established RBS foundation is changing lives and uplifting communities in Western Zambia and beyond. Explore the different projects you can support to see our vision for our region and people come to pass.

Make A Difference

Why Royal Barotse Safaris?

Exclusive Adventures

For over 30 years, Royal Barotse Safaris has guided fishing and birding safaris across the rivers and wild places of Barotseland — from the Upper Zambezi to the Kwando River and beyond.

Personally Hosted

Every Royal Barotse lodge and safari has been carefully curated and developed by our owners and founders Gavin and Penny Johnson who continue to personally host every one of guests.

Tailored to You

Every journey is thoughtfully adapted to match your interests, pace, and sense of adventure. There is nothing to small or too big to make your safari experience everything you’ve dreamed of.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time of year to visit Mutemwa depends on what you want to do:

Traditionally July to December have always been the best months for fishing. The river has dropped, water cleared up and temperatures begin to rise – making for ideal tiger conditions! 

For those less enthusiastic fishermen who enjoy birding, photography, or simply soaking in the beauty of the Zambezi, March and April are amongst some of the most stunning months to visit Mutemwa. With the rainy season having just ended the river is full and flowing, the bush is lush and green, and the birdlife is at its peak — making for truly breathtaking surroundings.

Royal Barotse Safaris has been based in the Western province of Zambia, or more commonly known as Barotseland, for over 30 years. Home to the Lozi people, RBS has become an integral part of the land and community over the years. Situated in the center of the Kavango-Zambezi TFCA our location is perfectly suited to our expanding tourism operation and we are so excited for what is still to come. 

There are three main ways to reach Mutemwa Lodge:

  1. Private charter flight – fly from Livingstone International Airport directly into our private airstrip – the most comfortable and seamless option.
  2. Kasane – Rd Transfer – Fly into Kasane Airport (Botswana) and take a road transfer to the lodge.
  3. Self-drive – possible without a 4×4, though border crossings can present some challenges.

For ease, Mutemwa can arrange both private charter flights and road transfers. Please contact us for more details and assistance with planning your journey.

Yes. Guests are encouraged to bring their own gear and tackle but each of our four boats are fully equipped with both trolling and spinning setups for those wanting to travel light.

Please note that any lost or broken lures or gear will be charged to the guests account. A selection of Rapalas and Afrijigs are available for purchase at Mutemwa Lodge.

No. Fishing licenses are not required in this stretch of the Zambezi River.

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Fishing Safaris

Explore our exclusive fishing itineraries, designed to meet every anglers desires.

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Lodges

Discover the lodge that started it all – Mutemwa.

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Blog

We keep it fresh and exciting with the latest Zambezi news. Check out our latest blog posts for an inside scoop.

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Fishing Safaris

Explore our exclusive fishing safaris, designed to meet every anglers freshwater dreams.

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Lodges

Discover our range of intimate safari lodges that already are and also the ones to come.

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Blog

We keep it fresh and exciting with the latest Zambezi news. Check out our latest blog posts for an inside scoop.  

Explore
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