Zambezi Region (Caprivi) | Namibia Safari Destination

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Zambezi Region

Zambezi Region (Formerly the Caprivi) Destination Guide

The Zambezi Region forms Namibia’s narrow northeastern extension between Angola, Botswana and Zambia. It is much greener than the rest of the country, with major rivers, floodplains, woodland and several protected wildlife areas. Formerly known as the Caprivi, the region offers a very different safari experience from the desert and arid landscapes described in our Namibia Travel Guide.

Getting to the Zambezi Region

By Air: Katima Mulilo Airport is the main air gateway to the Zambezi Region. Flying is useful when the region forms part of a shorter itinerary, with road transfers continuing from the airport to lodges and wildlife areas.

By Road from Namibia: The Zambezi Region can be reached overland from eastern Etosha National Park. A typical route continues through Grootfontein and Rundu before reaching Divundu and the eastern Zambezi Region. This works particularly well on longer Namibia itineraries where the changing landscapes are part of the experience.

By Road from Botswana: Travelers can also enter from Kasane and Chobe National Park in northern Botswana, crossing at Ngoma. This makes the Zambezi Region a useful connection between Namibia, Chobe and Victoria Falls.

Weather & Best Time To Visit

May to October is the dry season and the most popular time for wildlife viewing. Animals gather near rivers and other permanent water sources. Winter mornings can be cool, but the days are usually warm.

November to April is hotter and wetter. The landscape turns green and birding is excellent. Migrant species arrive during summer, making this a rewarding time for keen birders.

Health Considerations

Malaria prevention is recommended for travelers visiting the Zambezi Region. Seek current advice from a qualified healthcare professional before departure and use mosquito-bite precautions throughout your stay. Check current health advice for Namibia before traveling.

Three protected areas shape much of the safari experience in this part of Namibia. Bwabwata National Park combines extensive woodland with river and floodplain habitat, Mudumu lies along the Kwando River, while Nkasa Rupara protects an important wetland system close to the Botswana border.

Location

Northeastern Namibia

Borders

Angola, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Bird Species

430+

Area

19,532 km²

Regional Capital

Katima Mulilo

Key Parks

Bwabwata, Mudumu, Nkasa Rupara

Signature Activity

Boat safaris

Notable Species

African wild dog

Reasons to Visit the Zambezi Region

1

Namibia’s Greener Safari Region

Most Namibia itineraries are dominated by desert, dry savanna and open plains. The Zambezi Region provides a striking contrast, with woodland, floodplains and permanent rivers creating a greener setting within a longer overland safari.

2

Safari by Water and Land

The region adds activities that are less common on a traditional Namibia safari. Visitors can combine game drives with boat trips and sunset cruises, viewing wildlife from both the water and the road rather than relying on vehicle-based game viewing alone.

3

Exceptional Birding

More than 430 bird species occur across the wider river region, making this one of Namibia’s strongest destinations for birding. Riverbanks, wetlands and woodland support species that visitors are unlikely to encounter in the country’s drier central and western regions.

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Experiences to Savor

Many of the region’s best experiences take place on or near the water.

Boat Safaris

Explore the rivers by boat in the morning or late afternoon. Cruises offer opportunities to see hippo, crocodile, elephant and other wildlife along the banks while providing a completely different perspective from a game drive.

Game Drives

Explore Bwabwata, Mudumu, Nkasa Rupara and surrounding conservancy areas on guided game drives. Elephant and buffalo are important sightings, while lion, leopard and African wild dog may also be encountered.

Birding and Fishing

Birding is rewarding around rivers, floodplains and woodland throughout the region. Fishing is another popular activity, with tigerfish among the best-known species sought by visiting anglers.

Useful Information

History

The narrow eastern extension of Namibia was once known as the Caprivi Strip. It became part of German South West Africa under the Heligoland–Zanzibar Treaty of 1890. Germany hoped the corridor would provide access to the Zambezi River and improve links with its territories in East Africa.

Today the region is better known for conservation and wildlife. Bwabwata National Park was proclaimed in 2007. It incorporated the former Caprivi Game Park and Mahango Game Reserve. Mudumu and Nkasa Rupara protect other important wetlands and woodlands nearby.

Wildlife

The Zambezi Region forms part of a large wildlife landscape that extends across international borders. Elephant and buffalo are common in several protected areas. Hippo and crocodile occur along the rivers. Predators include lion, leopard, spotted hyena and African wild dog.

The region also supports sable, roan, red lechwe, sitatunga, giraffe, zebra and many other antelope species. Birding is outstanding, especially around rivers and wetlands. Fishing is also popular, with tigerfish among the best-known species targeted by anglers.

Vegetation & Terrain

The Zambezi Region is much wetter than most of Namibia. The landscape is generally flat, with rivers, floodplains and seasonal wetlands. Riverine forest, grassland, mopane woodland and broad-leaved woodland all occur here.

The vegetation changes from park to park. Bwabwata includes broad-leaved woodland and river floodplains. Mudumu has mopane and riverine woodland, while Nkasa Rupara is dominated by wetlands, reeds and floodplain habitat.

Conservation Landscape

Protected areas in the Zambezi Region form part of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA), a vast conservation landscape spanning Namibia, Botswana, Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Wildlife moves across national borders and between national parks, communal conservancies and other protected areas.

This connected landscape is particularly important for wide-ranging species such as elephant and African wild dog. Community conservancies also play an important role in wildlife management and tourism outside the national parks.