Caprivi Strip
The Caprivi Strip lies to the east of Namibia, and is a narrow ‘finger’ of land between Angola, Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. This area is much more like the stereotypical ‘Westerners’ view of Africa, with circular huts on the sides of the roads, people carrying water on their heads, and animals kept in rough wooden enclosures. This is also similar to Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia, and is much more like these countries than Namibia.
The centre of the Caprivi Region is Katima Mulilo, which is actually closer to Lusaka and Harare than it is to Windhoek. The town is located on the banks of the Zambezi River and is a lively town with a busy market.
The area has two established national parks: Mamili and Mudumu. These are lush reserves on the side of the river with ever increasing numbers of animals.
The ecosystems here are similar to those in the Okavango Delta: there are deep-water channels, which are lined by wide reedbeds and rafts of papyrus. Larger islands in the river have baobab, water fig, umbrella thorn, knobthorn, mopane, pod mahogany, star chestnut and sickle-leafed albizia trees on them. Large mammals are scarce, but elephant and buffalo are known to swim across from Botswana.
The birdlife here is incredible. White-faced ducks congregate on the islands, African skimmers nest on the sandbanks, reed cormorants and darters fish in and perch near the river. There are numerous kingfishers, herons and egrets in the area, but the most unusual bird is the rock pratincole which has a black, white and grey body and sits in rapids eating insects in the spray.
Our favoured spots here are Impalila Island, Ntwala Island and Susuwe Island.
Impalila Island is the largest island of the Caprivi. It was originally a military base, but is now a customs and immigration post with a runway and a secondary school. Situated at the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers, the surrounding waterways, floodplains and bushveld have large number of birds and game living in the vegetation. It is also an excellent area for fishing.
Susuwe is wild and untouched, and lies in the Kwando River. The private setting gives a touch of luxury with some unrivalled game-viewing and birding.
Ntwala Island is again in the confluence of the Zambezi and Chobe Rivers, and is only 80 km upstream of Victoria Falls. The same beauty and wildlife is around here, with the difference being that this island is smaller and more private.
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Our Recommended Tours
Botswana - 8 camps, 1 rate for all, hundreds of possible safari combinations
The Upper Zambezi Basin is a unique and captivating region within Southern Africa and includes South Eastern Angola, North Western Zimbabwe, Western Zambia, Namibia’s Caprivi Strip and Northern Botswana. This special is a unique collection of camps and lodges providing a combination of experiences previously out of reach of most devoted safari enthusiasts.
The 5 Rivers Safari includes the best-known safari areas contained within the Kavango-Upper Zambezi Transfrontier Super-Park and offers unforgettable experiences in the game rich areas existing within this Park.
Windhoek, Grootfontein, Kaudom NP, Caprivi Strip - 11 days/10 nights
Prices depend on the amount of guests on each trip. We also offer private departures at 20% extra cost per person.
Set departures from Windhoek via Okahandja, Otjiwarongo and Otavi to Grootfontein. Travelling further north east to the Kaudom National Park through the heart of Bushmanland. On day 4 head for the Popa Falls and camping on the Okavango River thence into the Mahango National Park. Finally into the Bwabwata National Park and Mudumo National Park and then south back to Windhoek via the Waterberg Plateau.
Botswana, Namibia and Zambia - 16 days/15 nights
Set departure dates during rainy season - November to April
Highlights of this safari include visitng Lake Ngami birding wonderland, panhandle of the Okavango Delta, Caprivi Strip specials, Zambia and the Victoria Falls, the dramatic Chobe National Park, Makgadikgadi Pans, Moremi Game Reserve wildlife and birding on the fringes of the Okavango Delta, scenic flight over the Okavango and boat cruises on the Okavango and Chobe Rivers.
Zambezi river Namibia, Vic Falls and Zambia's lower Zambezi - 9 nights/10 days
Starting and ending in Lusaka or Livingstone Victoria Falls. The accommodation is in comfortable well-appointed lodges and although the emphasis is on fishing, game viewing activities are also included. The price includes all transfers and flights, full board accommodation, park fees.
This 9 night itinerary takes in three areas on the mighty Zambezi River from the Upper Zambezi on the Namibian border to Victoria Falls, finishing on the Lower Zambezi.
On this trip you'll fish for the Tiger fish, Yellow Belly Bream, Three Spot Bream and Kafue Pike on the upper Zambzi and you'll fish for Tiger Fish and the giant Vundu catfish. The Lower Zambezi is also home to Three Spot Bream, Red Breasted Bream, Nile Bream, Chessa, Nkupi, Bottlenose and the Cornish Jack.
Other Options
The Caprivi Strip is so well situated between Angola, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe that the options to combine this area with other destinations are multiple.
Two obvious choices are the Victoria Falls from either the Zimbabwe or the Zambia side. Or travel deeper into Namibia and visit Kaokoland, the Skeleton Coast and Etosha Pan.
Namibia Safari Spots
Etosha | Walvis Bay | Windhoek | Sesriem | Namib-Naukluft | Fish River Canyon | Sossusvlei | Damaraland | Swakopmund | Windhoek | Okonjima | Skeleton Coast | Waterberg Plateau | Kaokoland
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