Zambezi Region and Caprivi Strip: Complete Guide for 2025

Are you having trouble finding information about the Zambezi Region and Caprivi Strip?

Then I’m glad you’re here! I’ve thoroughly documented my trip through the Namibia panhandle. Everything you need to know is right here.

If you’ve seen any of Namibia, you may think you know what to expect. But it’s all new in the Caprivi Strip, and this travel guide has all the details.

This part of Namibia is a bucket-list destination as one of the last true wilderness areas left for us to explore.

You should also be aware that accommodation can be a bit pricey in the Caprivi, and the infrastructure isn’t as reliable as it is in the rest of Namibia. But that really is a part of the adventure.

There are some very basic camp options if you have a 4×4 and everything you need to be self-sufficient. And if you don’t mind sharing the camp with the local wildlife.

Look around though, because the options in some parks are pricier than in others.

If your curiosity is piqued, read on.

Zambezi Region and Caprivi Strip

The Caprivi Strip is a jigsaw puzzle made up of woodlands, islands, valleys and flood plains.

It’s also home to 5 perennial rivers. As well as drawing wildlife to the area, these rivers provide us with the opportunity for water safaris and other aquatic activities.

But watch out for the hippos and crocodiles! These are 2 favourite animals that a lot of Namibia is just too dry for. The Caprivi is perfect for them.

Visitors can also see all but one of the Big 5. Unfortunately, rhinos are not among the cast of characters here in the Zambezi/ Caprivi.

However, those who are among the cast include lions, leopards, African wild dogs, and zebras. Also giraffes, wildebeest, large herds of elephants, and a host of antelope.

If you’re lucky, you might even see roan, sable, or the rare, semi-aquatic sitatunga.

In fact, the Caprivi Strip is home to over 450 species of wildlife. It’s also a prime birding area, with a full 70% of Namibia’s birds having been spotted here.

In total, 600 different species of birds have been recorded in the Caprivi Strip. Don’t forget to pack your binoculars.

Why the Caprivi Strip is a Part of Namibia

Caprivi was named after a German Chancellor, Leo von Caprivi. This came about during the years that what we call Namibia was under German rule.

The poor guy thought that obtaining this ribbon of land from the UK would connect Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with what, in 1890, was German Southwest Africa.

Dar es Salaam at the time was the centre of German East Africa.

Leo’s theory was that, by travelling east along the Zambezi River from Caprivi, they would have access to the Indian Ocean, and thereby to German East Africa.

Unfortunately, Leo did not have Google Maps at that time. Apparently, he also didn’t have anyone with a boat who could test his theory.

Because what he didn’t realize was that Victoria Falls, all 1750 metres of it, was right in the way.

But the deal didn’t work out well for Germany in 1890. Instead of ending up a trade route, Caprivi is now home to an amazing array of wildlife.

There is pristine wilderness in the national parks, and enough accommodation to let us all enjoy the animals to our hearts’ content.

So far, the Caprivi Strip is a mecca for independent travellers, as few tour companies include it in their itineraries.

Once you arrive, though, there are many options for guided safari drives, river safaris, and other activities if that’s what you like.

Best Time to Visit the Zambezi/ Caprivi

When you’re deciding when you want to take a trip to the Caprivi Strip, there are a few things to consider:

• Winter (June – August): this is a cooler time of year, with less rain.
• July – November: high season. Generally more expensive.
• Driest (September – October): the time of best game viewing. Animals have fewer water sources, making them easier to spot.
• Summer (November – January): rainy, but the birding is best now!
• December – June: low season. Accommodations may be less expensive, but it’s very hot, and wildlife can be hard to spot.
• September – November: the hottest time of year.

Find more details on the best times to visit Namibia in the Namibia travel planner.

What to See and Do in Caprivi

Unlike the rest of Namibia, the Caprivi Strip has all the water it needs. More during the rainy season.

The 5 rivers running through the area are the Linyati, the Chobe, the Okavango, the Kwando, and the Zambezi.

There are also several national parks, game parks, and conservancies.

As well, the Caprivi Strip is very close to major attractions like the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park in Botswana.

Plus, Victoria Falls is just an hour’s drive east of the Kazungula Border crossing.

As you can imagine, there’s an abundance of sights and activities that you won’t want to miss out on.

Keep in mind that there are parts of Caprivi that can be hard to reach. And there are others that are so dense with foliage that wildlife spotting can be difficult.

There are also spots where the sand is too deep for a 2WD to manage. Again, unless you plan to stick to the B8 or C48, you shouldn’t plan a trip to Caprivi unless you’re driving a 4×4.

Before you set out for the day, try to get the lay of the land that you intend to drive on.

Let’s start on the west end of the Caprivi Strip.

1. Bwabwata National Park

Bwabwata Park Entrance Fee: N$150 per person for 24 hours, including conservation fee, plus N$50 per vehicle.

Bwabwata was created in 2007. At that time Caprivi Game Park, Mahango Game Reserve, and other small areas were combined to form the 6274 km² national park.

However, these areas do still tend to be referred to by their own names.

The park was established as a protective area to rehabilitate the local populations of wildlife.

However, one unusual aspect for a national park is that Bwabwata has around 5,500 people living in tiny villages within the park.

It has actually come to be known as the People’s Park.

Humans and animals living in close proximity like this has long been a source of conflict in the Caprivi Strip area.

Wildlife numbers had been decimated prior to the creation of the park due in large part to this conflict, as well as trophy hunting and poachers.

Park residents now take part in planning and managing the park, making it a community project. This gives everyone a stake in the success of the venture.

Bwabwata lies along the Kwando River to the east and the Okavango River to the west. Angola and Botswana are their north and south borders.

It’s unfenced except for the Botswana border to the south.

The park is on an important historic elephant migratory route. The route sees the annual movement of hundreds of the celebrated Chobe elephants.

Each year they follow ancient elephant corridors between Southern Angola and Zambia to Chobe National Park in Botswana.

Along with the main Trans-Caprivi Highway that runs east-west, here there is the C48, too. It’s a good road that runs north-south through Mahango from Botswana.

If you travel straight through on one of these main roads, you don’t have to pay the park entrance fee.

It’s only when you turn off onto the side roads to meander through the different parks and reserves that the fee is required.

As you explore the park, you’ll come across any number of community-run lodges and campsites. Bush walks, game drives, boat safaris and other activities can be arranged through them.

The accommodation in this part of Bwabwata can be pretty basic, though. If you’re looking for something a little more glam, you’ll need to go outside the park.

Note that there are no accommodations inside Mahango Park, though there are a few nearby.

• Mahango Game Park

Mahango Game Park, in eastern Bwabwata, is likely the most visited part of this area.

It has the papyrus-lined Okavango River, low flood plains, and majestic old baobabs. It also has the most wildlife in Bwabwata.

Here you’ll find antelope such as red lechwe, sable, and sitatunga (though these are rare), as well as buffalo, hippos, warthogs and crocodiles.

In addition, Mahango has been designated an Important Bird Area, owing to its population of rare wetland birds.

Some of these birds include the Pel’s Fishing Owl, the Wattled Crane, the Black-winged Pratincole, and the slaty egret.

Because of its myriad wildlife, Mahango is used by nearby lodges for bush walks and game drives. There are 2 loops to take through the park – one along the Kavango River, the other through the small dunes.

However, during the rainy season the flood plain, which includes much of Mahango, is underwater. This is usually around May and June.

• Buffalo Core Area

The Buffalo Core Area is about 7 km north of Mahango. And as do many places in Namibia, it goes by a few names.

You might also see Buffalo Core Area on maps as Buffalo Game Reserve, or Buffalo Park.

Whatever you refer to it as you can have some spectacular wildlife sightings here. Large herds of sable and roan graze around Buffalo Park, with lechwe and kudu.

Other antelope are also common, as well as hippos and crocodiles. You might also get a glimpse of one of the park’s predators, lions and leopards.

The grazers and browsers, especially the large mammals, are seen in the greatest numbers in the dry season. They’ll move inland during the rains.

After this move happens, predators can be seen more often by the river.

If you’d like to check out the view across the river, it’s permitted to leave your vehicle and climb up on the giant termite mounds. Take your camera – from the top, you can see Mahanga across the river.

Of course, whatever you do, leave the area as you found it, and keep an eye out for anything that might want to eat you.

• Popa Falls

Popa Falls is just 15 km northwest of Mahango. It’s a beautiful spot, with hippos, and crocodiles, and sometimes cape clawless otters on the banks.

While Popa Falls are more very large rapids than they are falls, the area is a great one for hikes, and even riverboat cruises.

There are a few lodges and camp options nearby. The Popa Falls Resort is even within walking distance of the falls. More on accommodations coming up.

Exclusive-Africa can help you organize any number of activities here, as can the nearby lodges and camps.

Accommodation: This is by no means an exhaustive list of places to stay, but it will give you an idea of what’s available. Search the accommodation map at the bottom of this page for more options.

These all offer a variety of activities in the area. The activities aren’t included in the cost of your room. However, meals and drinks often are included.

• Divava Okavango Resort and Spa is a popular choice along the Okavango River. A more high-end spot, accommodations include luxury chalets with private decks.

You can treat yourself to its full-service spa facilities, and will also find a restaurant, bar, pool and laundry. Check availability and read the reviews.

• Shametu River Lodge has chalets, luxury tents, and standard twin rooms, plus amenities like laundry, a pool, and a restaurant/bar. Check availability and read the reviews.

• Ndhovu Safari Lodge is an affordable option. They have safari tents, chalets, and campsites with all the conveniences. There are also a restaurant, bar, and pool on the premises. Check availability and read the reviews.

• Divundu Guest House is a great budget option on the river. Accommodations include single, double, and queen rooms, some with river views.

Enjoy braai (bbq) facilities, laundry, packed lunches, and an ATM onsite. Check availability and read the reviews.

• Kwando Core Area

Further east, about 248 km on the Trans-Caprivi, is the Kwando Core Area (Kwando Game Park) of Bwabwata.

This is one of the best places in Namibia to see African wild dogs. They live throughout the park, but your chances of catching a glimpse are a little better here.

And again, you’ll find lechwe, roan, giraffes, and wildebeest, among many other herbivores.

The area around the Kwando River can be sandy and difficult to drive on. Don’t try it unless you’re in a 4WD.

One thing that the Kwando area has that the eastern Caprivi doesn’t, is a gorgeous view of the wetland areas. If you venture up on the hills by the Old Fort Doppies, you’ll be treated to the breathtaking spectacle of the floodplain.

Lechwe, roan, sable, giraffes, and many other grazers frequent this area. And chances are, you’ll have the view all to yourself.

The Mafwe People

While you’re in this area, I recommend that you take the time to visit the Living Museum of the Mafwe people.

It can be found by taking the B8 to the village of Kogola and turning north on D3502.

This is an open-air museum where you can learn about the fascinating culture and traditions of these ancient people.

There’s also a craft shop and campsite on the property. Try to plan at least a couple of hours here.

If you drive south from the Trans-Caprivi Highway about 15 km along the Kwando River, you’ll come to a horseshoe-shaped lagoon.

This is a beautiful spot to rest, have a snack, and watch the animals come down to the water to drink.

The park is also home to predators such as leopards, lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.

If the elephants have descended on the lagoon for a drink and a bath, they may be on the road causing delays. Leave a little extra time for this.

Accommodation: Again, all these options offer a variety of activities.

• Camp Kwando has private chalets, a pool, outdoor seating areas and laundry facilities. You can also get a packed lunch to take with you on your outings. Read the reviews here.

• The Nambwa Tented Lodge is unique because of its treetop walkways. You can have a bird’s eye view of the elephants below as they feed on the leaves.

As you can imagine, this also takes birding to another level.

All of this with luxurious tented accommodations, and a price to match. All meals and drinks are included. Wifi is available in the main area.

• The Nambwa Campsite is on the river and has communal showers and toilets. The camp is run by the local communities in the park. It’s rustic, with no electricity, activities or drinking water. There is a kitchen and braai.

Animals often wander through the camp – if your 4×4 has a rooftop tent, that would be a good option here.

• Kazondwe Camp and Lodge has tents and studios. There’s a bar, pool, and optional breakfast and dinner. Game drives are an option.

2. Mudumu National Park

Mudumu Park Entrance Fee: N$150 per person for 24 hours, including conservation fee, plus N$50 per vehicle.

On the other side of the Kwando River from Bwabwata is Mudumu. There are some similar riverine woodlands here, with jackal berry trees and Mopanes.

The roads in this park are sand, so a 4×4 is a must. The C49 is the main road here. It’s a good, packed dirt road, and the terrain is flat.

To the west of the C49 is the river, and to the east are woodlands. There can be wildlife on the road often, so drive slowly and keep your eyes peeled.

Like Bwabwata, Mudumu also sits on an important wildlife migration corridor. There’s no fencing and no formal gate to the park.

No entry fee is required on the main road C49. Only when you turn onto side roads and tracks is a permit required.

The park office is at Nakatwa, 42 km from Kongola. Watch for the sign.

The variety of wildlife is similar to Bwabwata, and plentiful, especially the elephants. If you happen to be driving after dark, watch for them on the road. They’re incredibly hard to see at night.

The Mudumu Mulapo is a seasonal, fossilized river that runs through the park. The Kwando River borders on the west side of Mudumu.

Accommodation: There isn’t an awful lot of choice right here, and on this side of the river. However, you always have to option of driving a bit north or south.

• Camp Kwando offers chalets, “Island Tents”, which are safari tents by the river, as well as a campsite. There’s a restaurant, bar and swimming pool. Read the reviews here.

• Livingstone’s Camp is a great, affordable spot, with hot showers and kitchen facilities. They offer game drives, walking safaris, and mokoro safaris.

A mokoro is a traditional African canoe. It’s propelled through shallow water by standing in the stern and pushing a pole against the bottom of the waterway.

• Lianshulu Bush Lodge is a collection of chalets by the river, all with private decks. You have the option of paying full board, dinner, or bed and breakfast rates.

They have a variety of game-viewing activities, as well as a cultural visit to a local village. Read these reviews.

• Malyo Wilderness Camp has tented bungalows, or you can put up your own tent. There is no fridge, but they do have hot showers.

Nearby is the Lizauli Traditional Village, where you’re welcome to visit and learn about the culture and traditions of the Mbukushu and Mawfe people. There is a small fee.

The village was closed at the time of writing. Be sure to ask someone at your accommodation about this before heading out.

3. Nkasa Rupara National Park (aka, Nkasa Lupala NP, formerly Mamili NP)

Nkasa Lupala Park Entrance Fee: N$150 per person for 24 hours, including conservation fee, plus N$50 per vehicle. Must be obtained prior to arrival.

This is a smaller park, just below Mudumu. It’s a haven for wildlife, and a part of the large mammal corridor between Botswana and Namibia.

It’s also the largest formally protected wetland in Namibia.

The park is focused on the Nkasa and Rupara islands in the Kwando River. The terrain can be waterlogged and muddy, requiring at least two 4WD vehicles riding in convoy.

For this reason, I’m not going to go into much detail here about this park.

You can join an organized tour in Katima Lulilo, one of the lodges north of the park.

Jackalberry Tented Camp and Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge are both good choices for accommodation – oases in the wild.

They both provide good food, views, and activities.0

4. Salambala Conservancy

The conservancy was established in 1995 for the purpose of re-establishing the decreasing wildlife populations.

For visitors, the Salambala Campsite will be the home base. Each site has running water, a lapa kitchen, and ablutions with sinks, toilets, and showers.

Proceeds help support the community.

The services of local guides are available on request for nature walks. Birdwatching is excellent, and you may see small mammals around.

Elephants and lions may also be seen in the area.

5. Katima Mulilo (Katima)

Katima is the capital of the Zambezi region. In days passed, it was known for the elephants wandering through the village streets.

Today it’s a thriving border town of around 30,000 people. There isn’t a lot to see here, but if you need any kind of supplies, you should be able to find them.

The busy market is an interesting stop. I’d also recommend a visit to the Caprivi Arts Centre.

The Centre is run by the Caprivi Art and Cultural Association. It’s a good place to find local rafts and souvenirs.

Accommodation: There are options here for every budget.

• Caprivi Houseboat Safari Lodge has reasonably priced chalets as well as the houseboat. There are laundry facilities.

The chalets are rustic but comfortable. And the campsites have braais, communal ablutions and 2 communal kitchenettes with small gas cookers.

In order to book the houseboat or campsites, email them directly at info@caprivihouseboatsafaris(dot)com, or call +264(0)66 252 287.

There’s a beautiful sense of nature here, and the birding, of course, is fantastic. Check out the reviews here.

• The Protea Hotel Zambezi Lodge is a bit more upscale but still very affordable. It sits on the bank of the Zambezi River, giving you a great view of the hippos and crocs in the water below.

These are modern rooms, each with its own small veranda. You also have access to a restaurant, pool and gift shop. Wifi is also available. See the reviews here.

• Kololo Guesthouse is a budget option, with a restaurant, bar, and free wifi. No spectacular views, however.

But it is a fun, clean and comfortable place, near the supermarket and Tourism and Information Office. Plus some of the rooms have a kitchenette and microwave oven.

6. Impalila Island (aka. Mpalila Island)

The 12 km x 4 km island lies in the middle of the Zambezi River, and is one of the largest islands in the river.

It’s home to many tiny villages and hundreds of people. They’re fishermen and farmers, for the most part. The local tribe is Basubiya.

The villages have schools, churches, and small shops. There’s also a little hut containing a local immigration office for the many visitors from Botswana.

The landscape is similar to that of the Okavango Delta in Botswana, with papyrus-lined channels and water lilies. The island is a favourite of birders – you’ll love watching the kingfishers dive for fish!

Visitors also enjoy walking through town, and visiting the 200-year-old baobab tree, with a 14.5 m girth.

It’s a popular tree to climb – the view from the top is breathtaking. Be extremely careful though! The tree has a wooden ladder with many sharp and rusty nails sticking out of it.

The island is very nearly on top of the point where Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe meet. From the top of the tree, you can see 4 countries.

The easiest way to get to Impalila Island is to book a stay at a local lodge. They’ll arrange transportation for you.

Accommodation: the options here can be quite upscale but very private.

• Ichingo Chobe River Lodge has accommodation in pretty luxurious safari tents. The tents are air-conditioned, the food is good, and the wildlife and birdwatching can’t be beaten.

Rates include full board and transfers. All offer activities.

• Zovu Elephant Lodge has single and double rooms, river views, and braai facilities. There is an outdoor pool, restaurant and laundry facilities. Zovu is a bit more affordable.

• Chobe Savanna Lodge is fairly well known in some circles. Each of the chalets has its own veranda for wildlife spotting.

The lodge itself has stupendous views of Puku Flats, home to a rich array of wildlife.

Visiting Victoria Falls from Caprivi

You can’t be so close to Victoria Falls and not see it! It’s a fairly easy 2-hour drive from Katima-Mulilo to Kasane, Botswana. From there it’s another 3 hours to Victoria Falls, Zimb.

• There are a few things to be aware of when you’re entering Botswana. You’re only able to cross the border from 7 am to 6 pm. Your crossing will take about 30 minutes.

• You will need to have all of the paperwork for your rental vehicle ready to pull out if you’re asked for it.

• Don’t bring any uncooked food with you. Coolers especially will be checked when crossing the border.

• There will be fees to bring a foreign vehicle into Botswana.
  • This totals BWP 150-200/ NAD 203.46 – 271.28/ US $11.25 – $15, depending on the weight of the vehicle. This is valid for 90-days, so keep your receipt.
  • There is also a Road Permit fee on top of this of BWP 50/ NAD 67.82/ US $3.75 for a single entry, or BWP100/ NAD 135.64/ US $7.50 if you’re making the return trip.
  • Check out their website if these fees aren’t clear to you. You can use Namibian currency.

• It is rare that you’ll be able to use Namibian dollars in Botswana. Visit an ATM ASAP for Botswana pula.

Keep in mind that the Falls are at their best from February – May. This is after the rains have come and had time to reach the Falls. It’s a little disappointing to see only cliffs with a trickle in a few places. Still impressive, though.

From Kasane, I actually recommend joining an organized tour to get to Victoria Falls. The drive is a bit of a hassle, and there really is no advantage to driving yourself this last bit. Tours aren’t expensive.

Getting To Caprivi/Zambezi Region

Driving:
Windhoek → Divundu, Bwabwata National Park
– Travelling on the B1, B8, and EN160, this is a 917 km, or 570 mile drive
– I like to use Discover Cars for sedan or 4×4 rentals in Windhoek. They will give you all of your options, including international companies as well as local ones.

Flying:
Windhoek → Mpacha Airport in Katima Mulilo
– This is about a 1.5 hour flight. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that you will be able to find a rental car in Katima Mulilo.

Find More Caprivi Strip Accommodation

Zambezi Region and Caprivi Strip: FAQs

Summing It Up: The Caprivi Strip Guide & Zambezi Region

The Caprivi Strip is one of the few remaining truly wild places in Africa. We all know that wild places don’t always stay wild for long.

So I hope you don’t put off checking this amazing destination off your bucket list. And keep it to yourself!!

Enjoy, be safe, and live your best life!

Happy travels!

✔️ Find everything you need to plan your trip on the IWIF Travel Resource page. From your flights and accommodations, to travel insurance and rental car and more.

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