LODGES OF THE ZAMBEZI REGION

THE ZAMBEZI REGION IN NAMIBIA

Namibia’s Zambezi Region was previously known as the Caprivi strip. It is one of the greenest parts of Namibia with forest, grassland, reed floodplains and three rivers that cross through it. The area is now named after the Zambezi river that borders its eastern side. The other two rivers that play a big role in the flora and fauna and the lives of the local people of this area are the Kwando River and the Kavango river. For the locals the area will probably still be known as Caprivi for many years to come. This finger-like extension of Namibia points in the general direction of Livingstone in Zambia. The extreme eastern point of Namibia is the only quadripoint known in the world. Four countries namely Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia meet in a rough triangle. The Caprivi starts at the Bagani bridge at Divundu, and stretches right through the 500km long and 32km broad stretch of Namibia, to end up just to the east of Kasane. The largest town in the Zambezi Region is Katima Mulilo.

The Zambezi Region is also renowned for its of wide range of bird life. Here you will be converted from a mere onlooker into a fully-fledged bird watcher. Listen to the call of the fish eagle and watch the flight of multi-coloured birds through riverine forests. The region has a colourful history and an interesting combination of rivers, swamps, woodlands and forests. Due to the abundance of water, the region is home to 600 species of birds and 4 of the Big Five can be found here. There is also an abundance of flora varieties.

Some areas are accessible in a standard two-wheel drive vehicle, for instance the Popa Falls and parts of the Mahango Game Park. Other game watching areas are only accessible in four-wheel drive vehicles.

Temba Travel can assist you in finding accommodation in the region. In comparison to similar accommodation in the Okavango Delta prices are a lot cheaper and you will find it to be an excellent safari and game viewing experience. The lovely Kwando Camp, just outside the Mudumu National Park, offers beautiful views across the Kwando River. You can choose between island tents, tree houses or campsites. The Namushasha Lodge is a luxury bush lodge overlooking the tranquil hippo pool. You are housed in air-conditioned en-suite bungalows and there are many opportunities for game viewing and birding.

Call us and allow us to introduce you to the Zambezi Region of Namibia.

 

NAMIBIA

Drive from the Caprivi to Etosha National Park and from there to Damaraland or Kaokoland in the west of Namibia. It might take you two days, but it will be worth the effort. In Damaraland there are a number of excellent lodges, but Twyfelfontein Country Lodge near the petrified forest at the famous Twyfelfontein rock paintings is certainly our choice.

From Twyfelfontein it will take you about 9 hours to get to Keetmanshoop in the south of Namibia. The Quivertree Forest and Giants Playground just a few km north of Keetmanshoop is the main attraction of this area. The Quivertree Forest Rest Camp is next to this beautiful place and they offer affordable self-catering accommodation. If time allows you can also consider staying in Grunau Lodge, at the Shell Garage in Grunau about 130 km south of Keetmanshoop.

BOTSWANA

The Botswana borders on the Caprivi and we recommend the Thapama Hotel in Francistown, Botswana's second largest city. Francistown is 680 km from the Caprivi.

ZIMBABWE

If you plan a visit to Zimbabwe after you stay in the Caprivi you can cross the bridge in Katima Mulilo and travel via Zambia to Victoria Falls or you can cross the border at Ngoma Bridge into Botswana from where the Zimbabwe border will only be 70 km away. Irrespective of what route you decided on, your first stop will most likely be Victoria Falls, the adventure capital of Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls hosts a selection of excellent hotels such as Ilala Lodge, The Kingdom Hotel and Victoria Falls Hotel to name just a few.

The Hwange National Park is only 180 km from Hwange National Park. This park is Zimbabwe's best known game reserve. Sikumi Tree Lodge is a very extraordinary lodge which offers excellent accommodation and safaris through this game park.

Further south near Bulawayo is the Matobo Hills National Park. The Matobo Hills Lodge offers excellent accommodation in this beautiful park.

Another option would be to visit Kariba, the largest man-made lake in the region.

CAPRIVI ACCOMMODATION AND OTHER LODGES IN THE REGION.

Twyfelfontein Country Lodge    Quivertree Forest Rest Camp     Grunau Lodge 
Kalahari Monate lodge     Gables Inn     Savoy Hotel in Mthatha     Thapama Hotel 
Victoria Falls     Sikumi Tree Lodge     Matobo Hills Lodge  

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