Caprivi Strip

The Caprivi Strip — officially the Zambezi Region since 2013 — is one of Africa’s most curious geographical features: a finger of Namibian territory 450 km long and rarely more than 50 km wide, sandwiched between Angola to the north, Zambia to the northeast, Botswana to the south and Zimbabwe just visible at its eastern tip. It was designed in 1890 by German colonial administrator Count Leo von Caprivi to give German South-West Africa access to the Zambezi River — and therefore, theoretically, to the Indian Ocean. The plan never worked geographically (Victoria Falls blocks river navigation), but the strip exists as a cartographic relic of that imperial ambition.

For wildlife travellers, the Caprivi Strip is exceptional. The four major rivers that flow through or border it — the Okavango, Kwando, Chobe and Zambezi — create a permanently watered corridor through an otherwise arid landscape. The result: Namibia’s most biodiverse region, with three national parks protecting an extraordinary transfrontier elephant population and some of the finest river-based wildlife watching in southern Africa.

Where is the Caprivi Strip?

The strip runs east from Divundu (where the B8 highway crosses the Okavango River) to Katima Mulilo, the regional capital on the Zambezi. From Windhoek: 1,100 km east, approximately 10–12 hours driving. Flights connect Windhoek to Katima Mulilo (1.5 hours). The strip borders Botswana’s Chobe National Park along its southern boundary — elephant cross between the two countries freely.

Bwabwata National Park

The western section of the strip, straddling the B8 highway, is managed as Bwabwata National Park. It is unusual in that the San (Khwe Bushmen) people live inside the park, maintaining traditional use rights alongside conservation — one of Africa’s few examples of integrated human-wildlife coexistence in a formal park. Wildlife includes elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and African wild dog. The Mahango Game Reserve within Bwabwata, on the Okavango flood plain, is outstanding for birds and elephant.

Mudumu National Park and the Kwando River

The central Caprivi’s finest wildlife area, Mudumu is centred on the Kwando River — a broad, hippo-filled waterway that forms the park’s eastern boundary and provides exceptional boat safari conditions. The river holds Africa’s highest Nile crocodile density in some sections. Sitatunga are reliably seen in the papyrus margins. Pel’s fishing owl — one of Africa’s most sought-after nocturnal birds — is regularly heard and sometimes seen at night from the river camps.

Nkasa Rupara National Park

The eastern Caprivi’s most complete wetland system, Nkasa Rupara (formerly Mamili) encompasses the Linyanti and Kwando floodplains at their widest point. Accessible only by mokoro (dugout canoe) or motorboat in the wet season, this is Namibia’s most pristine remaining wetland — a counterpart to the Okavango Delta, far less visited and equally extraordinary.

Combine the Caprivi with…

• Botswana’s Chobe National Park — a day cross-border trip from Katima Mulilo by boat.
• Etosha — the complete Namibia wildlife circuit, fly or drive west.
• Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe/Zambia) — 2 hours east from Katima Mulilo.
• Botswana’s Okavango Delta — accessible from the western Caprivi via Divundu.

Frequently asked questions about the Caprivi Strip

Is the Caprivi Strip safe?

Yes — Namibia is one of Africa’s safest countries, and the Caprivi is no exception. The region is stable and well-administered. Standard wildlife precautions apply (don’t walk at night near river banks due to hippo and crocodile).

Is malaria present in the Caprivi?

Yes — the Caprivi Strip is Namibia’s only malaria zone. Anti-malarial prophylaxis is strongly recommended. Consult a travel clinic before visiting.

What is the best way to see the Caprivi?

Self-drive with a 4WD on the main B8 highway is feasible but misses the river and wetland experiences that make the Caprivi unique. A lodge-based trip with guided boat safaris and night drives is far more productive.