Zambezi Region (Caprivi Strip)
Overview
Namibia Parks
By Anthony Ham
Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the 'Botswana & Namibia' guide.
The Zambezi Region (formerly Caprivi Strip) is a narrow strip of land in northeastern Namibia bordering northern Botswana. The area is wetter and lusher than the rest of the country. There are three off-the-beaten-track national parks here: Bwabwata, Nkasa Rupara and Mudumu. Animals cross freely from Botswana and there is wildlife not common in the rest of Namibia, including buffalo, hippo and crocodiles. This is mainly a 4x4 self-drive destination for the adventurous traveler. It is advisable for parties to travel with two cars.
Pros & Cons
Wildlife
There is plenty of wildlife in the Zambezi Region, including several species not found elsewhere in Namibia. There are many water-adapted animals in the region, which becomes flooded in the Wet season. Crocodiles and hippos are common and water-loving antelopes such as red lechwe, sitatunga and reedbuck are present in healthy numbers. No less than 60% of the country’s buffalo and elephant inhabit this small area.
Scenery
The Zambezi Region is flat and lacks prominent physical features. Several wide, tropical rivers, such as the Kwando and the Zambezi, form the main landmarks. Thirty percent of the eastern Zambezi Region can be flooded during rains, making it resemble the more famous neighboring Okavango delta. The vegetation is lush and tropical with many magnificent tree species.
Weather & Climate
Summer in the Zambezi Region, which is also the area’s Wet season (November to April), is punctuated by thunderstorms most afternoons, though they rarely stick around for long. It stays relatively hot over this six-month period, but nothing approaching the average afternoon temperature (34°C/93°F) during the final month of the region’s otherwise mild winter (May to October).
Best Time to Visit
You might be tempted to visit the Zambezi Region during its Wet season (November to April), but note that the stifling heat and general scarcity of animals can make it hard to appreciate the lush scenery. The Dry season (May to October) is a better bet, with its less-harsh temperatures and better wildlife-viewing opportunities.
Want to Visit Zambezi Region?
Safari Tours to Zambezi Region
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![15-Day Namibia, Chobe & Victoria Falls]()
15-Day Namibia, Chobe & Victoria Falls
$5,463 to $5,733 pp (USD)
Botswana, Namibia, Zambia & Zimbabwe: Self-drive
Mid-range Lodge & Tented CampYou Visit: Windhoek (Start), Namib Desert, Swakopmund (City), Skeleton Coast NP, Twyfelfontein (Rock Art), Etosha NP, Zambezi Region, Chobe NP, Victoria Falls, Livingstone Airport, Johannesburg (End)
Wayfairer Travel
4.9/5 – 51 Reviews
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![12-Day Go Wild Self Drive (4x4)]()
12-Day Go Wild Self Drive (4x4)
$2,005 to $2,046 pp (USD)
Namibia: Self-drive
Mid-range Lodge & Tented CampYou Visit: Windhoek (Start), Etosha NP, Okavango River, Zambezi Region, Chobe River, Windhoek (End)
Cardboard Box Travel Shop
5.0/5 – 106 Reviews
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15-Day Elephant Track
$3,803 pp (USD)
Scheduled Start DatesBotswana, Namibia & Zimbabwe: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle)
Mid-range Lodge & Tented CampYou Visit: Windhoek (Start), Sesriem (Town), Swakopmund (City), Brandberg Mountain (Rock Art), Etosha NP, Grootfontein (Town), Kavango Region, Okavango Panhandle, Zambezi Region, Chobe NP, Victoria Falls (End)
Sunway Safaris
4.4/5 – 21 Reviews
