In 2014, the Caprivi Strip was renamed the Zambezi Region, swapping the name of a German governor for that of one southern Africa's great Rivers. There are 13 regions in Namibia, but of these only the Zambezi boasts 6 ethnic tribes – Subia, Yeyi, Mafwe, San, Tortela and Mbukushu. Amazingly, they have adapted a Zambian language – Lozi – as a common medium of communication. The Zambezi Region is also the only region that shares its borders with 4 other countries – Angola, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe, all members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The regional capital is the town of Katima Mulilo, which is located on the Zambezi River. There are no other major towns in the area, although it is fairly densely populated and travellers will encounter numerous villages.
Another huge draw-card is that the Caprivi is surrounded by 4 perennial rivers – Chobe, Kwando, Linyanti and the mighty Zambezi. For years, this area was the domain of the South African Army – wildlife suffered as a result- but with soldiers long gone, wildlife populations have recovered. These waterfront areas combine riverine forests with vast wetlands, attracting over 600 species of bird, 4 of the big 5 (less rhino) as well as boasting 4 National Parks – Bwabwata, Nkasa Rupara, Mudumu and Mahango. Nearly 200 kinds of flora, shrubs, trees and fruits, complement the wildlife and amazing geography.
So it shouldn't come as a surprise looking at a map, to learn that the Zambezi Region has a unique history. Until the end of the 19th Century it was known as Itenge and was under the rule of the Lozi Kings. In the late 1800's the strip of land was administered as part of the British protectorate of Bechuanaland (Botswana) until 1890 when Germany laid claim to the British administered island of Zanzibar, to which Britain objected. The dispute was settled by the Berlin Conference in 1890, when Queen Victoria acquired Zanzibar, and Germany settled for the territory which became known as the Caprivi Strip; named after German Chancellor, General Count Georg Leo von Caprivi di Caprara di Montecuccoli.
The German motivation behind the swap was to acquire a strip of land linking German South-West Africa with the Zambezi River, thus providing easy access to Tanganyika (Tanzania) and ultimately the Indian Ocean. Unfortunately for the Germans, the British colonization of Rhodesia (Zimbabwe and Zambia) stopped them well upstream of Victoria Falls, which proved a considerable barrier to navigation on the Zambezi. (Not the old British colonial treaty chestnut again!) During WWI the Caprivi Strip again came under British rule and was governed as part of Bechuanaland, but it received little attention and became known as a lawless frontier. (Reputations can be hard to shake off!) Nowadays most people who live in the Zambezi Region, survive as subsistence farmers, who make their living on the banks of the Zambezi, Kwando, Linyati and Chobe Rivers.
In terms of visiting this beautiful region, the dusty dry desert climate gives way to wetter, greener tropical conditions. Many of the lodges, hotels & accommodation establishments found in these areas are situated on the banks of one of the region's main rivers (the Kwando, Kavango & Zambezi) or one of their tributaries.
Activities from these establishments are often water based, with game viewing by boat and river cruises at sunset being particularly popular at most lodges. The wildlife found in the area is also strikingly different to that which one would expect to find in the rest of Namibia - Here hippos and waterbuck are likely to roam past your lodge room, while crocodiles rest on sandbanks along the rivers
Settled along the banks of the Kwando River, each tented unit can sleep four people in comfortable beds. With en suite bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen, this is an iconic way to experience the Zambezi Region. Elephants, hippos and a myriad of bird species will keep you company amongst waterlilies and the African bush. Spend your evenings around a campfire with the sounds of the Kwando to keep you company. Or visit the lodge a short walk away to enjoy a dining experience of plunge in the pool. In addition, game drives and boat cruises are also available to guests – unless they wish to experience the mighty Bwabwata as a self-drive experience.
Just outside the town of Katima Mulilo lies this small river front lodge. The accommodation is rustic with open fronted bungalows overlooking the river.
A blissfully rugged escape, this is the place for adventure on the Zambezi River. Whether guests are in search of the bright Carmine Bee Eaters, the ultimate Tiger fish catch-and-release, or a relaxing outdoor moment – Zambezi Mubala Camp is the place to be. Offering full lodge facilities, as well as self-catering options, this property truly tickles every kind of fancy. Each tented chalet has a fully equipped kitchen, private braai-facility and can sleep four people. Spend your evening at the lodge bar with a cold G&T and watch the sun set the Zambezi alight.
In the far eastern Caprivi this lodge offers lots of water based activities on both the Chobe & Zambezi Rivers.
On the Kwando River, perfectly situated to visit the Nkasa Rupara (Mamili) & Mudumu Reserves.
This unique tented camp offers the experience of a lifetime. Each chalet is built on elevated stilts to accommodate the seasonal flooding of the great Chobe River, the natural border between the Camp and the Chobe National Park in Botswana. Home to a seasonal large animal migration, this is the wildlife enthusiast’s dream. Take a boating opportunity to glide through the waters, entering the wonderland that is the Zambezi. Guests have the opportunity to float along the river on a boat cruise and see the wildlife in the Chobe National Park. And evenings are spent in laughter and good spirits around a warm boma fire.
A four room private camp set inside the Nkasa Rupara National Park. A remote and private location in Namibia's least visited hidden gems of a game park makes this a must visit lodge. The lodge can also be booked for exclusive use on a self catering basis.
The Zambezi Region – Namibia’s Best Kept Secret Along the banks of the majestic Kwando River lies a thatched kingdom. Views stretch across the marshlands of the Bwabwata National Park, as a xylophone of sounds lead the sun to the western horizon and dancing hippos welcome it at dawn. Namushasha River Lodge is home to abundance. The thatch-roofed chalets peak out from between the thick trees, with the slow flow of the Kwando below. Game drives in the Bwabwata National Park where elephant, hippo, and buffalo reside. Or view the wild wonders from the river with a scenic cruise. Discover the wealth the river holds.
Explore the Chobe & Zambezi Rivers on an adventurous houseboat holiday. Certainly one of the most enjoyable and relaxing ways of exploring the waterways of this area.
Part of the Zambezi Queen collection these three smaller houseboats operate on the Chobe River.
Overlooking the Chobe River and Botswana's Chobe National Park, this boutique hotel offers an excellent opportunity to experience all the wildlife and activities the Chobe Region has to offer.
Within the Chobe National Park lies the fascinating game rich Savuti area. Ghoha Hills Savuti Lodge is ideally positioned on the edges of the Ghoha Hills overlooking the Savuti Plains.
One of the best lodges in this area has accommodation in both traditional land based units as well as on two houseboats.
Jackalberry Camp is situated in an exclusive concession inside the Nkasa Rupara NP (Mamili) situated 150km west of Katima Mulilo in the Zambezi Region (Caprivi) of Northen Namibia.
This lodge is located at the only place in the world where four countries meet. It is a wonderful Chobe destination with eight luxury chalets.
Situated in the Mudumu National Park this is one of the east Zambezi Region's most popular lodges.
Nambwa Tented Lodge is within the heart of KAZA and the only lodge uniquely situated inside the Bwabwata National Park
Nogatsaa Pans Chobe Lodge is in the heart of Chobe National Park with some of the best game viewing right on the doorstep.
A small luxurious houseboat, offers awesome game viewing, bird watching & fishing experiences on the Chobe & Zambezi Rivers.
Sharwimbo River Camp is elevated high on the banks of the Kwando river
Explorers Village offers the modern pioneer a perfect haven from which to investigate Victoria Falls
In the Bwabwata National Park this is a perfect land and water camp with six luxury suites, each with private plunge pool.
Criss-crossed with riverine lifelines, the expansive Zambezi grasslands and floodplains are as unexpected as they are bountiful. This is a place of natural splendour. Home to one of the largest colonies of Carmine Bee Eaters, there is no shortage of colour here. The lodge can only be reached by boat, via the Zambezi Mubala Camp, and offers pristine views of the Zambezi River and Zambia beyond. Guests can enjoy sitting by the poolside or joining a sunset boat cruise to end the day in style. Between August and March each year the bee-eaters arrive in full flourish. This is the ideal location for a peaceful zen-breakaway
A luxurious house boat on the Chobe River which offers 2 or 3 night cruises on the Chobe River. An excellent way to celebrate a special occasion or just to relax in these splendid surroundings.
Nambwa Lagoon Camp is situated on the lagoon side of Nambwa Island, within the heart of KAZA.
The abundance of the Kwando River flows into this intimate setting. Anchored in its own channel along the river, this floating Villa offers an escape like no other. Guests are ferried to the location from Namushasha River Lodge, via a private game drive through the Bwabwata National Park. The entire Villa is equipped to cater to every need. With a selection of snacks, pastries, condiments and more, as well as a wide range of wine, whiskeys and gins – guests will have everything they need. As the sun sets, a crackling fire dances in the fire pit on the terrace. Every evening is spent in blissful peace as your only company is the abundant wildlife moving along the banks of the river.
Jackalberry Camp is situated in an exclusive concession inside the Nkasa Rupara NP (Mamili) situated 150km west of Katima Mulilo in the Zambezi Region (Caprivi) of Northen Namibia.
An upmarket lodge and spa on the banks of the Kavango River. The only traditional luxury lodge on this stretch of river.
At Hakusembe River Lodge, visitors are introduced to the fascinating Kavango culture. This self-reliant community has turned their intimate connection to the land and river into remarkable displays of craftsmanship. With lush river-side gardens, and a beautifully translucent pool, guests can spend afternoons lounging and listening to the passing river. By late afternoon, they hop onboard a boat for a sunset cruise along the Okavango River with sparkling wine and the sound of the river way of life to guide them along the banks. This is the ideal location for a halfway stop between central Namibia and the farther Zambezi Region.
A few kilometers east of Rundu a nice functional lodge that more than adequately serves as an overnight stop while travelling through the Kavango and Zambezi region. The rooms, bar and restaurant area offer lovely views of the Kavango River.
Situated close to the Mahangu Park in west Caprivi - this is an excellent stop-over between Namibia, Maun (in Botswana) and the Victoria Falls.
Nambwa Lagoon Camp is situated on the lagoon side of Nambwa Island, within the heart of KAZA.
A rustic river side campsite and lodge offering excellent value for money. A lively bar and restaurant ensures this appeals to the younger or more socially inclined traveller.
Close to the Popa Falls (a series of rapids on the Kavango River), this rest camp was renovated in 2013
Near the village of Divundu, this small but wonderfully managed lodge is a perennial favourite of ours. Lovely wooden chalets, with large decks overlook the river. Those wanting to experience the river can choose from fishing and sunset river cruises.
On a beautiful plot of indigenous plants and trees overlooking the river.
Up-market luxury safari camp in a spectacuar setting overlooking the Kunene River. A range of activities are included and a highlight is a visit to the local Himba community.
One of the best lodges for birders visiting Namibia - but also great for fishing, chilling or generally becoming part of the family (the family consists of a host of creatures including goats, otters and guinefowls all lovingly adopted by the owners).
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