Wildlife Reserve & Sanctuary in Namibia
The green finger of north-east Namibia
The Zambezi Region, formerly the Caprivi Strip, is the green, watery corner of north-eastern Namibia, a narrow arm of land between Angola, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe, with rivers on all sides. It feels like a different country from the desert south, with floodplains, papyrus, woodland and wetlands full of wildlife.
The parks of the region, including Bwabwata, Mudumu and Nkasa Rupara, hold elephant, buffalo, hippo, sable and roan antelope, wild dog and lion, and the rivers are home to hundreds of species of birds. Boat trips, canoe safaris, fishing and village visits are the main activities, and it is a quiet area with few visitors.
The region suits travellers who want to see Namibia's water side, and it links easily with Chobe and Victoria Falls.
Elephants are numerous, especially in the dry season, and buffalo, hippo, crocodile, sable and roan antelope, red lechwe, sitatunga and Burchell’s zebra are found in the parks. Lions and leopards live in the woodland, and wild dog are occasionally seen. The wetlands support more than 450 bird species.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
Broad floodplains, papyrus channels, riverine forest and sand tracks through open woodland.
Activities here
The Zambezi Region is hot and humid in summer, with daytime temperatures of 32°C to 36°C and rain from November to April. Winter days are warm and dry, with cool nights.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 33 | 20 | 120 |
| Feb | 32 | 20 | 110 |
| Mar | 32 | 19 | 90 |
| Apr | 31 | 16 | 35 |
| May | 29 | 11 | 5 |
| Jun | 27 | 7 | 0 |
| Jul | 27 | 7 | 0 |
| Aug | 30 | 10 | 0 |
| Sep | 33 | 15 | 5 |
| Oct | 35 | 18 | 20 |
| Nov | 34 | 19 | 60 |
| Dec | 33 | 20 | 100 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
May to October is dry, and the animals come to the rivers, which gives excellent viewing. Mornings are cold.
November to April is hot, humid and green, with afternoon storms. The floodplains fill, and the birdlife is at its best.
June to October is the best time for wildlife. The rainy season is best for birds and scenery.
Best time to visit Jun to Oct
The Zambezi Region is about 1,200 kilometres from Windhoek, so most guests fly to Katima Mulilo or arrive by road from Chobe or Victoria Falls, which is 60 to 90 minutes from the border. It links with Botswana’s Chobe National Park by road.
Park and conservancy fees are included in our safaris. Visitors from many countries, including the UK and US, need a Namibian visa, which can be applied for online or on arrival (about N$1,600 at the time of writing). A KAZA UniVisa allows travel between Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana for some nationalities, but not Namibia.
The region is a malaria area, with the highest risk from November to May. Please take advice before you travel. Bring repellent and sun protection.
Scenic AreaSossusvlei and the NamibThe world's tallest red dunes
National ParkEtosha National ParkWaterholes that draw everything in
RegionDamaralandDesert elephants and ancient rock art
National ParkSkeleton CoastFog, shipwrecks and roaring seal colonies
City & TownSwakopmundSeaside town between dunes and ocean
City & TownWindhoekNamibia's small, friendly capitalOur take
“Our take”
The Zambezi Region pairs well with Chobe and Victoria Falls. Give it at least two nights.
Safaris from
US$8,084 per person
Plan your time in Zambezi Region
Every safari we run is private and built around you. Tell us your dates and what you hope to see, and we will shape the route, the lodges and the permits.
Made to measure
Tell us how you like to travel and we will build a private journey around it: the right lodges, the right pace and the permits already in hand.
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