Caprivi Strip

Caprivi Strip

A lush water-fed area, the narrow extension of land known as the Caprivi Strip (also known as the Zambezi region), protrudes eastwards from the extreme northeast corner of Namibia. The Caprivi borders Botswana, Angola, Zambia and, contrary to popular belief, not Zimbabwe (close, but no).

Caprivi Strip Facts

  • Size: Length +- 450km, width, between 30km and 105km
  • When to visit: May-Oct (cool, dry season - preferred for game viewing)
  • Climate: Pleasant with avg. daily temp. at 26°C
  • Rainfall: above 500mm per annum varying
  • Altitude: 1000m above sea level
  • Location: Top northeast corner
  • Accommodation: Zambezi Region Lodges

Information On Caprivi Strip

Although the wildlife in the Caprivi has not yet recovered from years of poaching and the destructive bush war of the 1970s and 80s, it is a superb conservation area that may in the future rival Etosha and the Okavango and Selinda national Parks.

Named after Leo Graf von Caprivi, the strip was ceded to colonial Germany by the British. The Caprivi is in a tropical climate zone and receives a high amount of rainfall in the summer months.

Open throughout the year; the Caprivi region is dominated by broad-leafed deciduous woodlands comprising wild Seringa, Copal Wood and Zambezi teak. It is the wettest region in Namibia, with its high rainfall fed by a number of major rivers like the Okavango, Kwando and Zambesi.

The small town of Katima Mulilo at the eastern tip of Caprivi offers some attractive lodges, an airport, a hospital, some petrol stations, grocery stores and a street market with crafts, traditional baskets woven from grass, wood carvings, jewellery and clothes.

Malaria is an endemic, year-round problem and prophylaxis are recommended for all visitors.

Animals seen here include: buffalo, elephant, zebra, antelopes, hippo, crocodiles, lion, giraffe, puku, sitatunga, red lechwe, spotted necked otters, waterbuck, Roan antelope, Oribi, wild dog.

As many as 339 bird species have been recorded in west Caprivi.

Where is Caprivi Strip located?

Located in the far northeast corner of Namibia, in a nutshell, drive north from Windhoek and turn right at Rundu, 100 kilometres later, one arrives in the Caprivi.

To give one more of an overhead view of where the Caprivi/Zambezi Region is located, have a look at this link; Google Maps - Caprivi Strip

Best Time to Visit Caprivi Strip?

In our humble opinion, the dry winter months are the best months to travel through the region; the days are mild to warm, as are the nights. The summer months are the rainy/wet months. Although this period is excellent for birding, accessing certain areas of the national parks is prohibited by rising waters, with a very good chance of one getting stranded.

Main Attractions Of National Park

  • View 4 of the 'Big 5'
  • Remarkable birdlife
  • Fishing and boat trips
  • Access into Botswana from Namibia (and visa-versa)
  • Popa Falls
  • Bwabwata National Park
  • Mudumu National Park
  • Nkasa Rupara National Park
Namibia Travel Information
Namibia Lodges
Safaris In Namibia
Namibian Lodges Showcased
Travel To Namibia Now
Zambezi Region Lodges Map
Popular Namibia Lodges
  • Atlantic Villa Guesthouse

    Atlantic Villa Guesthouse, located in the peaceful Vogelstrand area of Swakopmund, offers a coastal retreat just 6 km from the town centre. With stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, it's a tranquil and luxurious escape.

    With its enviable location just a short stroll from the ocean's edge, Atlantic Villa combines convenience with the unparalleled beauty of Swakopmund's coastline, making it the perfect haven for those seeking relaxation and elegance by the sea.

  • Kulala Desert Lodge

    Kulala Desert Lodge, located in the stunning Namib Naukluft Park on the 37,000-hectare Kulala Wilderness Reserve, is the closest lodge to Sossusvlei's iconic red dunes. It's the perfect base to explore Namibia's extraordinary landscapes and capture early-morning shots of Deadvlei's unique beauty.

    This desert safari lodge features 23 beautifully designed thatched and canvas suites, each with en-suite bathrooms, private star beds for unforgettable nights under the desert sky, and spacious verandas to enjoy stunning views. The luxurious yet authentic experience is truly remarkable.

  • Hoanib Valley Camp

    Hoanib Valley Camp, set in the stunning landscapes of Kaokoland/Damaraland, offers a unique experience amidst Namibia's incredible desert wildlife. Spot desert lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, hyenas, oryx, and mountain zebras—all thriving in this dramatic desert.

    The Hoanib River Valley in Namibia's Damaraland is breathtaking. Surrounded by rugged mountains, it offers stunning scenery and a haven for unique desert wildlife. Staying here is an unforgettable safari adventure into Namibia's wild and remote beauty.

  • Omarunga Lodge

    Epupa Falls is, without a doubt, one of the most breathtaking highlights of northern Damaraland in Namibia. Nestled along the tranquil banks of the Kunene River lies the enchanting Omarunga Lodge, a serene retreat offering an unparalleled connection to nature.

    What makes this location even more extraordinary is its proximity to the stunning Epupa Falls. Just a leisurely 2-minute stroll from the lodge, you’ll find yourself standing above the cascading waters, mesmerised by their beauty.

  • Onduli Ridge

    Set in the rugged beauty of Damaraland, Onduli Ridge is a serene retreat for travellers seeking both comfort and adventure. The lodge offers stunning views of Namibia's granite outcrops and desert plains, creating a perfect connection to nature.

    At Onduli Ridge, the experience is as unique as the surroundings. Guests have the opportunity to explore the enchanting terrain on guided walks or game drives, with the chance to encounter the elusive desert-adapted elephants.

  • The Pearls Beach Pods

    The Pearls Beach Pods stand on Namibia's desert coastline near Swakopmund as an attractive destination for travellers. The pod accommodations at The Pearls Beach Pods deliver both comfortable relaxation and exciting outdoor adventures to travellers who want peaceful accommodations while discovering Namibian natural attractions.

    A visit to The Pearls Beach Pods will deliver an unforgettable encounter for every occasion. The modern pods at The Pearls Beach Pods provide the ideal retreat for families on safari, couples on honeymoon, or anyone seeking beach relaxation.