THE Caprivi Strip In Namibia, renamed the Zambezi Region, although it has yet to really take off, is an underrated destination. Its greenery will surprise you, considering the arid landscapes of the rest of the country. But why should you visit this part of Namibia, and what can you expect to see and do here? Take a virtual tour with us as we show off its top attractions…
The Caprivi Strip is a serene setting, image credit: Namushasha River Lodge
Where is the Caprivi Strip?
Namibia is huge, but more importantly, it is the second least densely populated country in the world. So it’s the perfect place to slow down and disconnect from modern distractions. But there is one particular tongue-shaped region in the northeastern region of the country that particularly attracts the intrepid traveler…
Yes, this is the Caprivi Strip, sharing a border with four countries, namely Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, and Angola. So it’s like the very heart of Southern Africa’s star safaris and the gateway to exploring them.
You can call it a land of elephant roaming, image credit: Namushasha River Lodge
The Caprivi Strip is almost like an oasis in the middle of Namibia’s famous desert landscapes. A green “belt” (hence the “Strip” in its name), four renowned rivers also flow through the region, bringing with them lush landscapes and wildlife galore.
The Okavango, Chobe, Kwando and Zambezi rivers are attractions in their own right, and their meeting place, the Caprivi Strip, is by no means an exception.
Marvel at the wildlife roaming freely, image credit: Nambwa Tented Camp
What is the Caprivi Strip most famous for?
Your safari is only as good as its location, and as it unfolds, the Caprivi Strip shines. It’s very remote, especially Nkasa Rupara National Park, which has only been made more accessible to travelers in recent years. However, that’s exactly what makes it so alluring. Wildlife considering this a pure paradise as they can roam freely without any human interruption, making safaris sensational.
Safaris take you to the heart of this wild paradise, image credit: Namushasha River Lodge
Top Reasons to Visit the Caprivi Strip
Now that you know a little more about where the Caprivi Strip is located, here are a few reasons why you’ll want to add it to your bucket list. Or, better yet, start planning your trip right now! There’s no time like the present, after all.
Water holes everywhere
With so many places for wildlife to quench their thirst, you can rest assured that you’ll find little pockets of safari scenes. You will see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, lions, large herds of various antelopes and perhaps even the endangered African wild dog.
Gathering place and play area for elephants
Flourishing flora and fauna
The Caprivi Strip flourishes naturally as a special region of flora and fauna, a world woven of wetlands, lush forests, papyrus, forests, tropical palms and wide rivers. It is the most spectacular because it contrasts sharply with the rest of Namibia’s desert landscapes.
A unique blend of flora and fauna, image credit: Nambwa Tented Lodge
Caprivi Crops
But it’s not just wildlife that benefits greatly from the abundance of water here. What makes the Caprivi Strip unique compared to sparsely populated Namibia is that there are villages settled around the rivers, giving you a special cultural atmosphere.
The cultural experience in Africa humbles you, broadens your horizons and looks at life from a different perspective. In the Caprivi Strip, life is sheltered from big city lights, pollution and everyday modern problems. The people of Caprivi still live in harmony with Mother Nature, and the two largest tribes here are the Masubia and the Mafwe. Many lodges will offer you cultural experiences to get a glimpse of their daily life.
Learn about the local way of life, image credit: Namushasha River Lodge
Unique experiences
Does the idea of sleeping on a houseboat float your boat? What if we fished? Or walking safaris to enjoy the silence punctuated by calls of wild animals? Breakfast and sunset river cruises, meals in the bush… there’s so much to look forward to!
Sunset from your own houseboat villa, image credit: Namushasha River Villa
Wildlife-rich safari reserves
There are five safari destinations in the Caprivi Strip, namely Mahangu Game Reserve, Bwabwata National Park (formerly called Caprivi Game Park), Mudumu National Park, Nkasa Rupara National Park and Mahango National Park.
Nkasa Rupara is the largest protected wetland in the country, with the Kwando-Linyanti river system acting as a lifeline for the spectacular species you can see here, whether growing on its banks, flying high in the sky or roaming the vast plains. It’s often called the “mini Okavango Delta”, which should already give you an idea of its aquatic and wildlife wonders!
Another of our favorite safari destinations in the Caprivi Strip is the Mahango Game Park, with wildlife like hippos, crocodiles, elephants and a whole host of antelope dotting its magical forests and wetlands.
A walking safari is an immersive way to explore the Caprivi Strip, image credit: Nambwa Tented Camp
Interesting history and location
If the Caprivi Strip has an interesting history. The 280-mile enclave was actually obtained because the Germans had a false idea of the Zambezi River…
Germany took over the region from Britain in 1890 to give Namibia access to the Zambezi River. It was later named Caprivi Strip in honor of Leo von Caprivi, then German Chancellor. However, they mistakenly thought that the Zambezi River would lead them to the Indian Ocean. But they forgot about a little (or rather a huge) thing called Victoria Falls which made the waters unnavigable.
So the fight was for nothing. Where was it? Given how connected this area is and the life-giving waters found there, it makes sense then that this is considered a highly prized commodity!
Exceptional bird watching
Oh, fellow Twitchers, you’ll be in feather heaven here! With around 450 bird species recorded in the Caprivi Strip, you’ll be using your binoculars in every direction to spot as many as possible and tick off your list.
Given the forests and wetlands the strip is known for, it attracts a variety of species. For example, Pel’s fishing owl, African skimmer, southern carmine bee-eater and slate egret, to name a few.
Pretty birds like in a photo are omnipresent in the Caprivi Strip region
Ready to visit the Caprivi Strip? Let’s go!
Even if you’ve never heard of the Caprivi Strip until now, we’re pretty sure you’re already feeling a pang at the thought of exploring its gems with your own eyes. Let’s make this happen for you.
All you gotta do is reach to our travel experts, and they will get to know you a little better before customizing the African safari of your dreams! No two Rhino Africa safaris are the same, and you’ll love the attention paid to your needs, wants and don’ts. Let’s start planning!
Featured Image Credit: Nambwa Tented Camp
