In the northeast of the country, Namibia reaches out to touch the great Zambezi. Here, in the Caprivi Strip, wide tropical rivers bear names to conjure with – the Zambezi, the Okavango, the Chobe and the Linyanti. The vegetation is lush and supports a dense population, making this a unique corner of Namibia.

On a trip across the Caprivi you will come across many villages and their inhabitants. Children herding goats wander back and forth across the road, women sell fruits, carvings, pots and pans from makeshift stalls, and everywhere you will be warmly welcomed. Even the Strip's main town, Katima Mulilo, is fairly small. Once in the parks, you will find Namibia's big game, including hippo, crocodile, elephant and even buffalo.

Rundu gives access to the Caprivi Strip; Mahango, Bwabwata and Mudumu national parks are worth visiting here, as is Impalila Island. Mamili National Park is also interesting, and best seen on a long day-trip from Mudumu. Meanwhile if you're driving past, consider dropping into Botswana for just a taste of that country during your trip. Read on for more details...

Where to stay in Rundu

Rundu is the gateway to Namibia's Caprivi Strip and has the wonderful, if slightly disorderly, feel of rural Africa. Livestock wander around its ramshackle buildings, flashes of colourful fabrics appear everywhere, and occasionally you'll sense a Portuguese influence, from neighbouring Angola. There are a few places to stay here, including:

Nkwazi Lodge

Nkwazi Lodge stands high on a cliff overlooking Kavango River and the shores of Lake Jozini. It has 14 tastefully furnished, thatched guest chalets, each with a private veranda and en-suite bathroom. Activities include game drives, boat cruises and canoeing tours. (Read more about Nkwazi Lodge…)

Hakusembe Lodge

Set beside the Kavango River, 16km west of Rundu, Hakusembe Lodge has luxurious, river-facing guest chalets, a restaurant serving traditional dishes, and a swimming pool. It's ideal to explore the area, with activities focusing on guided river safaris, bird watching walks and romantic sunset cruises. (Read more about Hakusembe Lodge…)

Kaisosi River Lodge

7km east of Rundu, Kaisosi River Lodge has 16 en-suite chalets, as well as a camping site with communal ablution blocks. Its two swimming pools both overlook the Kavango River, and activities can be arranged, including trips to the local market or floating breakfasts on the river. (Please ask us for details about Kaisosi River Lodge in Namibia…)

Where to stay in Mahango National Park

Tucked in a corner of the Caprivi Strip in Namibia, bordering both the Okavango River and Botswana, Mahango is a small national park, but it protects great diversity. Its western side is pure dry Kalahari bush, whilst its east is the riverine forest, open floodplain and papyrus swamps of the Okavango River. This tremendous variation allows it to boast more bird species than any other Namibian park, as well as an array of larger mammal species too. Places to stay here include:

Ndhovu Safari Lodge

The owner-run Ndhovu Lodge has eight safari tents with en-suite bathrooms made of reed and thatch, overlooking the Kavango River and Bwabwata National Park on the opposite bank. It's an excellent base from which to explore. (Read more about Ndhovu Safari Lodge…)

Mahangu Safari Lodge

Mahangu Safari Lodge has four safari tents and seven chalets, as well as a main lapa, a swimming pool, and two wooden decks overlooking the river. Activities include boat trips, fishing and game drives. (Read more about Mahangu Safari Lodge…

Divava Okavango Lodge and Spa

Hidden amongst tall trees, 14km from Mahango Game Reserve, you'll find the 20 spacious en-suite chalets of Divava Okavango Lodge and Spa. It has a pool, a sauna and a steam room, and open treatment rooms with excellent views over the Kavango River. (Read more about Divava Okavango Lodge and Spa…)

Popa Falls Restcamp

Popa Falls Rest Camp is very simple and basic, with 10 four-bed river chalets, a field kitchen and communal ablution blocks. There's also a restaurant, a bar, a lounge area and a kiosk, as well as a nearby filling station. (Call our experts for details about Popa Falls Restcamp in Namibia…)

Ngepi Camp

Ngepi Camp is set on a small island, surrounded by seasonally flooded swamps. It offers a variety of accommodation options, including private and group camping, en-suite tree houses and family bush huts – plus a floating swimming pool on the river. (Ask us for details about Ngepi Camp in Namibia…)

Where to stay in Bwabwata National Park

Formerly the Caprivi Game Park, the Bwabwata National Park stretches from the Kavango River in the west to the Kwando River in the east, and has some good game – much of which migrates between this Namibian area and northern Botswana. Our favourite place to stay here is:

Susuwe Island Lodge

Standing on Birre Island, on the western border of the park, Susuwe Island Lodge has six stylish and luxurious brick-and-thatch chalets, each with a private deck and its own plunge pool. Here, tiered viewing decks are built into the canopy of riverine forest, ideal to enjoy the abundant birdlife. (Read more about Susuwe Island Lodge…)

Where to stay in Mudumu National Park

In the heart of Namibia's Caprivi, on the banks of the Kwando River, lies the small Mudumu National Park. Game concentrations in this area are excellent, with highlights including large numbers of elephant, buffalo, lion and red lechwe. The Kwando River's rich birdlife includes dazzling colonies of migrant carmine bee-eaters and endemic coppery-tailed coucals. Here you'll find a few lodges, including:

Lianshulu Lodge

Lianshulu is the only lodge within Mudumu, as it was built before the park was declared. Its 11 chalets have space and style: glass fronts open out onto great views over lush riverine vegetation. The main area is perfect for birdwatching or observing the elephants that criss-cross the river. (Read more about Lianshulu Lodge…)

Mazambala Island Lodge

Just outside the park, Mazambala stands on an island in the flood plains of the Kavango River. It has 15 en-suite brick-and-thatch chalets, a stilted bar and lounge area overlooking the plains, as well as a large pool to cool off and relax. (Read more about Mazambala Island Lodge…)

Namushasha Lodge

Namushasha Lodge concentrates on offering good value in this remote area of Namibia. It has 27 en-suite bungalows, overlooking the Kavango River and a peaceful hippo pool. Activities include 4WD game drives, walks, fishing and boat trips. (Read more about Namushasha Lodge…)

Camp Kwando

Camp Kwando is an interesting place, with a number of accommodation options: 12 island tents, as well as three larger bungalows – the tree houses – are built on poles, with terraces overlooking the river; a shaded lawn provides 10 camping spots, complete with communal ablution blocks. (Read more about Camp Kwando…)

Where to stay on Impalila Island

On Namibia's easternmost tip, at the confluence of the Zambezi and Chobe, lies a small island known as Impalila; this is a peaceful place, perfect for a relaxing stay. Spend a morning being punted gently around floodplains on a mokoro (dug-out canoe), or boat down the beautiful Chobe River, enjoying the animals and birds that come to the waterfront of Chobe National Park. There are a handful of lodges here, including:

Ichingo Chobe River Lodge

Ichingo Lodge overlooks Chobe River on Impalila's southern shore. It's owner-run and friendly, private and secluded, with eight large safari tents hidden amidst the riverine forest. Each tent has an en-suite bathroom and a private balcony. (Read more about Ichingo Chobe River Lodge…)

Ichobezi Houseboats

Ichobezi has two houseboats, plying Chobe and Zambezi rivers. Each boat has four cabins, looking out onto stunning views, whilst the top deck has a plunge pool, a bar and a lounge; there's also a tender boat for short excursions. It's a great way to explore this fertile area. (Read more about Ichobezi Houseboats…)

Impalila Island Lodge

On the north side of Impalila Island, Impalila Island Lodge has eight lovely wooden chalets, with outside decks overlooking the Zambezi River's Mambova Rapids. Sandy pathways lead to the lodge's main house, which is built around an ancient baobab – it's fabulous! (Read more about Impalila Island Lodge…)

Ntwala Island Lodge

Ntwala Lodge stands on the private Ntwala Island, near Impalila. It's an exclusive retreat, and boasts only four individually designed suites, each with its own pool and viewing deck. Ntwala is perfect for a romantic break or honeymoon safari in Namibia! (Read more about Ntwala Island Lodge…)

A Taste of Botswana: the Panhandle

If you plan to drive across the Caprivi Strip, then there are several possibilities which would allow you to drop from Namibia into Botswana for a few days.

For a fascinating introduction to the Okavango Delta, drive south of Mahango for an hour or so, to Nxamaseri Island Lodge. Hidden away on an island in the Delta's panhandle, this long-established camp remains relatively unknown. Each of its seven spacious bungalows has one open side, looking out into the surrounding palm forest and across the floodplains. Nxamaseri is excellent for birdwatching, fishing and seeing the Delta's aquatic flora and fauna – from otters and birds to hippos and crocodiles.

Alternatively, for more of a concentrated big-game safari, travellers who spend at least a night at Lianshulu Lodge or Susuwe Island Lodge can cross the border (the Kwando River) by boat, and stay for a few days at Lebala Camp or Lagoon Camp in Botswana's Kwando Reserve.

If you are continuing through the Caprivi to Livingstone, then you will usually pass through Chobe National Park. Here, Muchenje Safari Lodge is the ideal stop to explore Chobe, which is renowned for its high concentrations of elephant and buffalo.


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