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
The ultimate adventure through wild Botswana
9 nights
An epic overland odyssey from Namibia to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, through one of the most wildlife-rich countries on Earth.
DAY 1
Welcome to Windhoek
DAY 2
Kalahari Desert road trip
DAY 3
Okavango Delta
DAY 4
Bushwalking in the Okavango Delta
DAY 5
Goodbye Delta, hello Maun
DAY 6
Baobab bushwalk
DAY 7
Chobe National Park
DAY 8
Chobe National Park game drive and river cruise
DAY 9
On to Victoria Falls
DAY 10
All good things must come to an end
| Destination | |
|---|---|
| Interest Category |
Adventure, Boating, Conservation, National Park, Safaris, Walking, Wildlife |
| Partners | |
| Partner Location |
Australia, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, UK, USA |
| Trip Budget |
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 |
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 |
Sikereti Camps, Khaudum
Located in a grove of purple-pod cruster-leaf trees, Sikereti Camp now boasts a tented camp with eight (8) self-catering units. Each of the spacious en-suite units has an elevated deck, a braai area and parking area. The camp also offers four (4) campsites, each with its own private washing up area, hot water showers fired by a donkey, flush toilets and a central fireplace. Campsites can accommodate groups of up to four vehicles travelling together. The central guest area, scheduled for completion in May 2023, will afford guests all the important creature comforts one would normally expect from a world-class safari experience such as Khaudum National Park.
| Destination | |
|---|---|
| Partners | |
| Description | |
| Namibia |
Khaudum NP |
Kasile Island Lodge
Kazile Island Lodge is situated on a private island on the banks of the Kwando River, within the heart of KAZA. Kazile together with its sister lodge Nambwa are the only lodges to be uniquely situated within the Bwabwata National Park. The Lodge offers thirteen Meru tents nestled within a Mangosteen forest. The tents overlook the Kwando River as well as the expansive floodplains between the Island and the famous Horseshoe Bend.
| Destination | |
|---|---|
| Namibia |
Bwabwata NP |
| Partners | |
| Interest Category | |
| Description |
Jackalberry Camp
Located in one of the most unexplored parks of Namibia, the Camp is not far from Kasane and Victoria Falls. Katima Mulilo and the closest airport is just 150km away. Jackalberry Lodge enjoys its prime location which make a perfect base for Park experience and exploration. The camp offers 4 tents in a concession inside the Nkasa Rupara NP. Ideal if you are looking for an customized and unique African experience.
| Destination | |
|---|---|
| Namibia |
Nkasa Rupara NP |
| Partners | |
| Description |
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.
Nambwa
Honouring the elephants’ right of way, a timber walkway, towering above these gentle giants, meanders through the trees and joins the ten luxurious tented suites of exquisite comfort. Tastefully decorated with natural colours and evoking a gentle balance of serenity. The decadently spacious tented suites open completely and emanate a feeling of vastness and opulence.
| Destination | |
|---|---|
| Namibia |
Bwabwata NP |
| Partners | |
| Description |
Namibia and Botswana safari
22 DAYS
Unforgettable combination of Namibia, Botswana and Vic Falls
This trip is the perfect full circle journey with a combination of both Namibia and Botswana, you will get to enjoy comfortable accommodation in a stunning location – perfect for a group or solo! This unique, wonderful experience is unforgettable, packed full of wildlife, and beautiful landscapes. During these 21 days you will venture into the Sossusvlei dunes in the Namib desert, enjoy a sunset cruise on the Chobe River, and even have time for some fabulous game viewing.
| Destination | |
|---|---|
| Interest Category | |
| Partners | |
| Trip Budget |
Shametu River Lodge
Luxury Chalets and Tented chalets with breathtaking views of the mighty Kavango river and the thundering Popa Falls.
| Destination | |
|---|---|
| Description | |
| Interest Category | |
| Namibia |
Kavango |
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.
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.
