WELCOME TO THE KAVANGO-ZAMBEZI
NAMIBIA
The Kavango Zambezi TFCA is enormous, larger than Germany and Austria combined and nearly twice as large as the United Kingdom. It lies in the Kavango and Zambezi river basins where Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe converge.
Namibia in depth.
Namibia is a largely arid country, its wild terrain dominated by the great deserts and mountain ranges of the Namib, Naukluft and western Kalahari. In the far northeast corner, however, the Zambezi region – formerly known as the Caprivi Strip – offers a landscape unlike anywhere else in the country. Perched like a cap on top of Botswana, its woodlands and wetlands are effectively an extension of its southern neighbour’s Okavango and Chobe-Linyanti regions, and share the latter’s wildlife and ecology. Today, Kavango Zambezi Namibia incorporates the whole of this region. Encompassing some 71,500km² (around 14% of the park’s total area), it also extends west into the northwest corner of the Kalahari, where Khaudum National Park offers a slice of Namibia’s more typical heartland.
In the Zambezi Region, Kavango Zambezi incorporates three off-the-beaten-track national parks plus a number of adjoining community conservancies. Elephants cross freely here from Botswana, while hippo and buffalo – largely absent from the rest of Namibia – abound. A history of poaching and insecurity in the region has left wildlife viewing more hit-and-miss than in neighbouring Botswana. Nonetheless, populations of many species are increasing thanks to translocations and other conservation initiatives, and the potential of these parks is enormous. In biodiversity terms, this is one of the richest regions in southern Africa and birders, especially, can seek out numerous species rare or absent elsewhere. Park facilities are limited, so at present this remains largely a 4×4 self-drive destination for the adventurous traveller. The rewards include having a spectacular wilderness almost to yourself, plus a unique opportunity to gain an insight into local rural village life.
Bwabwata National Park is the largest conservation area in the Zambezi Region, extending between the Okavango and Cuando rivers. It was established in 2009, combining the former Caprivi Game Park and Mahango Game Reserve, and in places you may still come across discarded military equipment from the region’s turbulent past. Visit during the dry season and you should see plentiful elephant, plus buffalo and several antelope species – including red lechwe, greater kudu, roan and sable. The grunting of hippos echoes around the scenic river bends, while the lucky visitor may spy any of the big cats and sometimes even wild dogs. For birders, Pel’s fishing owl and Dickinson’s kestrel are among the prizes.
South of Bwabwata, Mudumu National Park protects a smaller area of mopane woodland along the Cuando River. Giraffe and eland have been reintroduced here, alongside elephant, buffalo and zebra, while red lechwe and sitatunga frequent the river frontage. Wildlife is generally skittish and large predators hard to find – though they do occur. On a boat trip, you can seek out hippos and other aquatic wildlife, and get closer to many of the park’s riverine bird species, including dazzling carmine bee-eaters.
South of Mudumu, the Cuando bends sharply eastwards, becoming the Linyanti. Tucked into this bend, Nkasa Rupara National Park directly abuts Botswana’s Linyanti Swamps to the south. This is Namibia’s largest protected wetland, and wildlife moves freely back and forth across the river as flood conditions fluctuate. At peak times, 1,000 buffalo crowd this little park, alongside hundreds of elephant, hippo and crocodile. Lion are regularly seen, while sitatunga, oribi and spotted-necked otter are among other more elusive finds. Birders can seek out wattled crane and Pel’s fishing owl among over 450 species, plus such local specials as rosy-throated longclaw and coppery-tailed coucal. Facilities are sparse, but community-led development is under way.
West of the Zambezi, Kavango Zambezi Namibia embraces the northernmost reaches of the Kalahari. Here, the little-visited Khaudum National Park protects a remote expanse of dense thorn bush and ancient sand dunes, where during the dry season elephants gather at several permanent springs. A decent population of lion roams the park, along with a few cheetah and wild dog, while the presence of oryx and red hartebeest among numerous antelope species is evidence of Kalahari affinities. Khaudum’s thick bush, deep sandy and limited facilities make this a challenging destination, only for the experienced, experience, but the rewards, especially when staking out the waterholes, can be impressive.
A little to the northwest of Khaudum, Mangetti National Park was established in 2008 – another of Kavango Zambezi’s new generation of parks aimed at reducing rural poverty through tourism development. This small park’s Kalahari woodlands support plentiful wildlife, including sable antelope, leopard, oryx, kudu and occasional African wild dog. Visitor facilities are on their way, with the local community helping develop the park into a regional tourism highlight.
Explore Namibia
Find out more about Namibia
The Sijwa Project: A Transformative Journey of Sustainability and Community Empowerment
Breeding Marvels – Carmine Bee Eaters in Divundu, Namibia
A Glimpse into the Past
Uncover Kavango Zambezi’s Hidden Gems – Chobe and Bwabwata 4 Day Land and Boat Safari Combination
Kwando Carnivore Project – Namibia:
Photo Gallery
Selected Trips to Namibia
Divava Okavango Resort and Spa
Divava Okavango Resort & Spa perched on the banks of the Okavango River renders 20 luxury air-conditioned, spacious chalets with large decks providing front row seats for the magnificent wildlife show. Encounter fine dining surrounded by elegant style and luxury.
| Destination | |
|---|---|
| Namibia |
Kavango |
| Partners | |
| Description | |
| Interest Category | |
| Zimbabwe |
Victoria Falls |
Nkasa Lupala
Nkasa Lupala tented lodge is built on the banks of one of the many channels of the Kwando-Linyanti river system. This unique Namibian wetland paradise in the Zambezi Region (Caprivi), is commonly known as Mamili and was recently renamed Nkasa Lupala National Park. The lodge and the Wuparo conservancy are part of the successful and award winning Namibian conservancy program. At Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge be ready to experience a true Sustainable holiday.
| Destination | |
|---|---|
| Namibia |
Nkasa Rupara NP |
| Partners | |
| Description |
Serondella
Situated on the Namibian banks of the Chobe river, Serondela Lodge is facing the world renowned Chobe National Park. This will ensure all year round close encounters with free roaming wildlife to our guest. The 8 rooms situated facing the river will enjoy spectacular views with endless photographic opportunities. Just 17km from Kasane but far enough to ensure exclusivity the guest will be part of the positive impact of sustainable tourism on this incredibly beautiful area which is situated within a very dynamic conservancy.
| Destination | |
|---|---|
| Namibia |
Impalila Island |
| Partners | |
| Description |
Africa at its best
19 DAYS
Safari adventures to the highlights of three countries: Sossusvlei, Okavango Delta and Zambezi
You glide almost silently in a mokoro through a labyrinth of water arms. “Tchzrrr-tchzrr!” – shrills the call of a shrike, which warns the other animals of your dugout. Joyce, your Bayei guide, stops punting and points to a tiny reed frog, well camouflaged, bobbing on a papyrus stalk. How she manages to spot such a fingernail-sized dwarf will probably remain her secret forever. But that’s how it’s been all morning… Lechwe antelopes under Ilala palms; jacanas on lily pads; Hippos, always breaking new waterways in the man-high reeds. Joyce knows the Okavango Delta like the back of her hand, this green island of life in the middle of the Kalahari.
Desert, rock art and Victoria Falls
21 DAYS
This hands-on safari, which takes you through southern Africa in 21 days, is rich in contrast, diverse and full of experiences.
Caprivi Mutoya Lodge
Our lodge is a haven situated in a small riverine forest, delicately perched on the tranquil banks of a backwater lake connected to the Zambezi River.
| Destination | |
|---|---|
| Namibia |
Katimo Mulilo |
| Partners | |
| Description | |
| Zimbabwe |
Victoria Falls |
From Table Mountain to the Victoria Falls
24 DAYS
Warm morning sun bathes the wall of Table Mountain in bright colors. A shimmering cloud cover, affectionately called tablecloth by the Cape Towners, hangs over the mountain plateau. Above all lies the magic of the dawning day, while the cable car gondola slowly pushes towards the summit. Lion’s Head, Gardens, Waterfront, Robben Island – your eyes wander and the whole of Cape Town is at your feet. Up here, the view wideneds and the senses open up. Up here begins your three-week safari adventure on one of the most beautiful routes in southern Africa.
Caprivi Adventures
Situated in Katima Mulilo (on the B8 highway) and in the heart of the greater KAZA region, Caprivi Adventures is your one-stop place to go in the Zambezi region. From private and group transfers and vehicle rentals to boat cruises, private sunset cruises, fishing trips, birding excursions, game drives, cultural tours, and day trips to the Vic Falls, the Chobe National Park, and Sioma Falls. We also offer short- and longer safaris in the KAZA region (including Botswana, Zambia, Angola, and Zimbabwe).
| Destination | |
|---|---|
| Botswana Region | |
| Namibia |
Zambezi Region |
| Partners | |
| Description | |
| Interest Category |
Escorted Tour: Namibia + Botswana + Etosha + Caprivi + Chobe + Victoria Falls Park
20 NIGHTS
This 3-week grand escorted tour of Namibia & Botswana visit three fascinating countries. From Windhoek, explore the deserts & canyons of the south – including the Kalahari, the mighty Fish River Canyon, Succulent Karoo & Namib Desert, before heading north to view the wildlife of Etosha, Caprivi, Chobe & Victoria Falls park in Zimbabwe. Regular scheduled departures. English & German. Group size 2-16. No children < 12.
From the Cape to the Zambezi
21 DAYS
Hands-on safari from Cape Town across the Namib and Kalahari deserts to the Okavango Delta and the Victoria Falls
Only a few thin stems and leaves betray the tuber in the Kalahari sand, which the old hunter digs from the San people to rub them, press them in their hands and obtain vital drops of water. “Bi! (Klicklaut)”, “Milk”, the San call this tuber and they are masters of water search, fire, track reading and survival in one of the most inhospitable terrain on earth. Learn how to catch the morning dew in ostrich egg shells and embark on a unique adventure in the south of the African continent.
Namibia & Botswana Self Drive Holiday Safari: Etosha + Caprivi + Victoria Falls
14 NIGHTS
This Namibia & Botswana self drive holiday allows you to experience the diverse wildlife of three different countries. Starting in Windhoek, visit the Africat Foundation in Okonjima & enjoy a safari in Etosha, before driving through the Caprivi Wetlands to Chobe National Park, famous for its elephants & river based wildlife. Complete your holiday relaxing at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Africat activities included.
From the desert sea to the Zambezi
16 DAYS
The Kwando flows hundreds of kilometers through the highlands of Angola before it flows into the mighty Zambezi as the Chobe. Together with the Kavango, it creates a lush green landscape in northern Namibia that contrasts with the country’s endless deserts and savannahs. Elephants stand shoulder-high in the river and feast on sweet lily pads. Openbills comb small lagoons for snails and crayfish. Skilled Mafwe fishermen wade through the shallows with fishing baskets to catch tilapia and catfish. This is the undiscovered green realm of the Caprivi Strip.
