The Swirl
The Swirl is our luxury Tree House. As with all our other Tree Houses, The Swirl fits its tree structure naturally, not harming the tree during or after construction, and also designed to see the sun rise between your toes when lying in bed.
That is how the relationship between man and our trees began. Nature is our host and The Swirl is the facilitator that enable our guests to enjoy all its splendor.
Amenities
Characteristics
- The Swirl has an amazing river view, King Size Bed and a sky-light shower like no other.
- It also has a small kitchenette with basic self-catering equipment.
Architecture
We used local thatch and reeds, but imported all the poles and planking from South Africa, where the timber is commercially grown, thus sparing our indigenous trees. All workers who helped with the building of the tree houses are locals. They excelled at the job and approached the project with as much enthusiasm and love for it as we did.
We used the tin basin and pitcher to represent the older cultures of Africa and the newer faucets and lighting to represent the more modern western world. Their integration with this wonderful unspoiled nature forges the three realities together, to form our life …… symbiotically.
Sustainability
In true symbiotic spirit, all water and waste is re-directed back to the tree in order for it to get the benefit of fertilizer and water. Each person who appreciates the wonder of living here contributes to the aura of peacefulness that surrounds the tree houses. We hope that when they leave, their smiles rub off on the environment elsewhere.
In keeping with our philosophy we use only solar powered electricity to avoid having to import electricity from a coal burning power station. We also use energy from the river itself and pump some of our water needs using a water wheel. Water is solar-heated – backed up by a well-insulated storage facility for cold or cloudy conditions. The solar system is highly visible to promote the benefits of solar energy and encourage the use thereof by guests when they get back to their own homes.
In the Area
The Okavango River around Ngepi, in northeastern Namibia, is one of the country’s most scenic and serene natural landscapes. Flowing year-round, this permanent river creates a lush green corridor of reeds, riverine forest, and palm-lined islands that contrast beautifully with Namibia’s drier regions. The area is rich in wildlife, with frequent sightings of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a remarkable diversity of birdlife, making it ideal for nature lovers and photographers.
Unlike the busy Okavango Delta in Botswana, this stretch of the river remains peaceful and uncrowded. Activities such as kayaking, mokoro excursions, fishing, and sunset cruises allow visitors to experience the river at a slow, immersive pace. Around Ngepi, the Okavango River offers an authentic, tranquil African wilderness experience.
