N/a’an ku sê on the Kwando: Growing To Be More Impactful
N/a’an ku sê is proud to announce its takeover of operations at Lianshulu and Susuwe, situated on private concessions within Namibia’s pristine conservation areas in the Zambezi region. Overlooking the majestic Kwando River in the East Caprivi and with Susuwe positioned near Bwabwata National Park, these lodges offer guests an authentic African experience amidst a lush wilderness of riverine forest, marsh, and open woodland.
“N/a’an ku sê’s vision is to be change makers for sustainable good in Africa. We inspire positive transformation and social upliftment. We conserve and protect our environment. Our transparent and inclusive approach ensures that our innovative and responsible commercial activities benefit generations to come.”
Effective 1 March 2025, this initiative reinforces their commitment to preserving Namibia’s fragile ecosystems. By conserving, protecting, and uplifting local communities across thousands of hectares, N/a’an ku sê continues to leave a positive, lasting impact on both people and the environment.
At N/a’an ku sê, they have always done things a little differently. Their roots lie in landscape conservation, the protection of wildlife, and helping improve the lives of people in Namibia. From where their story started at Harnas with the unfortunate death of a San baby to where they are today, they have always upheld the philosophy of making a sustainable, positive impact. Dr. Rudie van Vuuren, N/a’an ku sê Managing Director asked the question – “How can we leave an invisible yet impactful fingerprint on every project we immerse ourselves in?
“Looking back at our history, we have never started a new lodge or taken over a project purely from a commercial tourism point of view. We have always recognised a need, an injustice, or an opportunity to make a meaningful change. Every project in our collection has a unique story - of landscape conservation, wildlife protection, or helping people—all with sustainability as a common denominator. With every project over the past 20 years, we have first fallen in love” – Dr. Rudie van Vuuren, N/a’an ku sê Managing Director shared.
With the takeover of Lianshulu and Susuwe, N/a’an ku sê is set to make significant advances across the northern region of Namibia:
At this point, N/a’an ku sê can hardly hide their excitement anymore; the next love affair has begun. Lianshulu and Susuwe simply took their breath away four years ago when they started talking to Reinhardt Küsters about continuing his family’s legacy on the Kwando River.
Lianshulu, the oldest lodge in the Zambezi Region, is situated in the Mudumu National Park— one of Namibia’s hidden gems. It exudes authenticity, untouched beauty, and exclusive wilderness. It gives new meaning to the word biodiversity. Susuwe overlooks Bwabwata National Park, where Horseshoe Bend has become the Sossusvlei of the northeast. That’s why their new high-end lodge on Susuwe Island will be called Horseshoe Safari Lodge.
Dr. Rudie van Vuuren, N/a’an ku sê Managing Director said – “The more time Marlice and I spent at Lianshulu and Susuwe over the past four years, the more we came to appreciate the incredible wildlife viewing in the two parks. However, we also became increasingly aware of the unmistakable absence of rhinos. We started talking to senior leadership at the community level about this and soon realised that this is where we believe we can make a sustainable conservation difference. This area is historically a range for rhinos”.
N/a’an ku sê has applied to conduct a feasibility study in conjunction with Ministry of Environment and Tourism Namibia (MEFT) on the reintroduction of rhinos to the area. It promises to be an insightful study, and hopefully, N/a’an ku sê can shed light on whether this reintroduction is viable or not. With new technology, AI, and an ever-changing conservation landscape, this might be a landmark study for rhino conservation. At N/a’an ku sê, they have always believed that research and evidence-based conservation are critical to the sustainability of any of their projects.
While significant conservation efforts are already in place, N/a’an ku sê recognises the immense responsibility of protecting the region’s wildlife and wishes to contribute in a supportive role. By assisting local rangers through NAMPOL, N/a’an ku sê aims to complement existing efforts to safeguard national parks and enhance wildlife protection. This collaborative approach reflects a commitment to conservation while reinforcing partnerships that benefit both nature and local communities.
Beyond conservation, the operations at Lianshulu and Susuwe aim to partner with the conservancy to help improve healthcare. N/a’an ku sê plans to replicate the success of its Lifeline Clinic at Pos 3 Epukiro by establishing a similar healthcare initiative in the region. With over 20 years of successful collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Services, this model promises to enhance healthcare access and improve community well-being.
Marlice van Vuuren, Executive Director of N/a’an ku sê Foundation, added: "Lianshulu and Susuwe represents more than just a destination; it’s a beacon of hope for Namibia’s future. By combining conservation efforts with community support, we aim to create a legacy of harmony between people and the environment. Our commitment to the North is not just about preserving its beauty—it’s about ensuring that this incredible wilderness thrives for generations to come."
The long-term vision for Lianshulu and Susuwe is to establish them as premier eco-tourism destinations and hubs for impactful conservation and humanitarian work. As the oldest lodge in the region, Lianshulu has been expertly managed by Reinhardt and Anette Küsters, and N/a’an ku sê is dedicated to building on their legacy. Their son, Rene Küsters, a valued member of the N/a’an ku sê family and former General Manager at TimBila, will take on the role of General Manager for both lodges.
The N/a’an ku sê story—rooted in passion, tenacity, compassion, authenticity, innovation, trust, and excellence—hopes to continue inspiring by integrating Lianshulu and Susuwe into this incredible journey of striving to be change makers for sustainable good in Africa.
For media enquiries or to arrange any interviews, please contact:
Gerhard Fourie
Sales and Marketing Director
N/a’an ku sê Group of Companies
gerhard@naankuse.com
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