Every once in a while you can hear the shrill cry of the African Fish Eagle resound over the floodplains and you realise the magnificence of the Caprivi Strip all over again. Located in the northeast of Namibia to the east of the Owambo Kingdoms, this little region of Namibia abounds with vegetation, wildlife and birds like no other. The Caprivi, unlike much of Namibia, is a lot more like what Westerners' imagine Africa to be like, with circular huts, fenced-in kraals, roadside stalls, an abundance of animals and locals carrying water on their heads. There are a number of safari lodges and
to stay in and activities include hiking, watching game and canoeing in the traditional mokoros.
The Caprivi Strip is 450 kilometres long and 100 kilometres wide, and as seen on our Caprivi Strip map it almost looks like a limb protruding from Namibia. You can also use this map of the Caprivi Strip to choose your hotel or lodge in the Caprivi Strip based on its location. The region was born out of a political compromise between Imperial Germany and Great Britain. The former acquired the area in present day Namibia with access to the Zambezi River in 1890, and named it after their Chancellor, Count Leo Von Caprivi.
While exploring the Caprivi Strip you will come across many small villages and experience their cultures. The largest town in the region is Katima Mulilo in the east. Located on the banks of the Zambezi, this town is a perfect stopover to explore the rest of the Caprivi, and an ideal place to begin a tour in the Caprivi Strip. One can find accommodation here at the well appointed Caprivi Strip hotels and lodges. There are also a couple of petrol pumps, grocery stores, an airport and a hospital in Katima Mulilo. The street market sells knick-knacks like grass baskets, woodcarvings, jewellery, art and crafts and clothes.
There is a lot to see and do in the Caprivi Strip, and as the parks are without borders and fences, the animals roam freely from one park or country to another. Some of the protected areas that are great for exploring on a Caprivi Strip tour are the Mahango, Mudumu, Mamili, and Bwabwata National Parks. Common sightings include elephants, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles and an abundance of birds, but every once in a while you may come across a lion or the sitatunga.
Another popular tourist attraction in the western part of the Caprivi, in a region known as Kavango, is Popa Falls. Located about 200 kilometres east of the main town in Kavango, Rundu, this scenic destination also has one of the best campsites in northern Namibia. Just downstream from Popa on the border with Botswana is Mahango National Park, which boasts Namibia's highest count of bird species, and an abundance of big game.
The strip is characterised by a number of large rivers including the Okavango, Kwando and Zambezi, and smaller ones like the Linyanti and the Chobe, which originate in Angola but prove to be a lifeline for wildlife here. These waterways and floodplains also make much of the area inaccessible, which helps maintain its beauty. In fact, being the wettest part of Namibia, there is no lack of water in the Caprivi Strip.
The Caprivi Strips' tropical climate means monsoonal rain lashes the Caprivi between December and March. This makes the region warm and humid, but the abundance of water is a boon for the flora and fauna. However, the humidity and rain make this a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and visitors are strongly advised to take precautions and dress appropriately in light, full sleeved clothing.
Even in the dry season, the vegetation in the Caprivi Strip is in stark contrast to the rest of Namibia. The floodplains dry up to reveal fertile, arable land and vast pastures, while the vegetation on the river banks is permanently subtropical. The scene is often a riot of colours, with green and yellow leaves and flowers dotting the landscape, the serene waterways reflecting the sky and the varied fauna moving through the jungle. Keep your eyes open for the colourful Bee-Eater, the rare Angolan Swallow and the African Fish Eagle.
Being local means we are perfectly placed to help you plan your holiday in the Caprivi Strip. From finding the perfect Caprivi Strip lodge to choosing the right Caprivi Strip tour for your taste and budget, we are here to help you make the most of your Caprivi Strip adventure.
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