Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the 'Botswana & Namibia' guide.
Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of the 'Botswana & Namibia' Lonely Planet guide.
Anthony is the author of the 'Botswana & Namibia' Lonely Planet guide.
The Zambezi Region (formerly Caprivi Strip) is a narrow strip of land in northeastern Namibia bordering Botswana. 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.
There is plenty of wildlife in the Zambezi Region, including several species not found elsewhere in Namibia. The area, which becomes flooded in the Wet season, is home to many water-adapted animals. 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.
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 (35°C/95°F) during the final month of the region’s otherwise mild winter (May to October).
The Dry season (May to October) is the best time to visit the Zambezi Region. At this time, temperatures are more bearable and wildlife viewing tends to be better. Roads can deteriorate badly during the Wet season (November to April).
Emma is an award-winning travel writer for Rough Guides, National Geographic Traveller, Travel Africa magazine and The Independent.
Calm, riverside scenery, dotted with tranquil lodges
4/5
The odd-looking stretch of territory sticking out like a panhandle at the top right corner of the map is a place unlike any other in Namibia. Instead of dunes and plains, here you’ll find smallholdings, rivers, floodlands, lush woods and...