The Caprivi is a fascinating area with a colourful history and an interesting mixture of swamps, rivers, woodland and forests. It’s a tiny strip of land but borders on four countries: Namibia, Angola, Botswana and Zimbabwe. In 1890 the area gained prominence when the German Government laid claim to Zanzibar, the island off the coast of East Africa. The British were quite upset over this move, and the matter was settled by swopping Zanzibar for this strip of land. The Germans named the area after the German Chancellor at the time, who went by the lofty name of General Count Georg Leo von Caprivi di Caprara di Montecuccoli. Fortunately we only use the Caprivi bit!

The Caprivi offers something for everybody. Although some parts are accessible in a 2-wheel drive (the Popa Falls and the Mahango Game Park), the eastern parts can only be explored in a 4-wheel drive. There are four perennial rivers (Zambezi, Kwando, Chobe and Linyanti) and four National Parks (Mamili, Mudumu, Mahango and Bwabwata). Because of the abundance of water, the Caprivi is home to 600 species of birds, four of the Big Five, and an amazing variety of flora. The human inhabitants are no less interesting: the Caprivi, despite its size, is home to 6 ethnic tribes who’ve adopted a Zambian language (Lozi) as their lingua franca! 

Temba provides excellent accommodation in the Caprivi. Compared to similar accommodation in the Okavango Delta, prices in this area are much lower while you can enjoy an even better safari experience and game viewing.  The luxurious Kwando Camp, just outside the Mudumu National Park. offers beautiful views across the Kwando River and the accommodation comprises island tents, tree houses or campsites. The Namushasha Lodge is a luxury bush lodge overlooking a tranquil hippo pool. You are housed in airconditioned en suite bungalows and there are many opportunities for game viewing and birding. The Mazambala Island Lodge is situated in an area known to the locals as “place of abundance”. This is the place to visit if you want lots of rest and relaxation. Ngepi Camp offers unique accommodation in luxury tree houses. Their campsites are shady and it’s the only place in the world with a hippo/croc-proof floating swimming pool! Popa Falls offers rustic, comfortable accommodation with good value for money, close to the beautiful Popa Rapids in the Kavango River. The Mahangu Safari Lodge offers stylish, laid-back accommodation in luxury bungalows and luxury safari tents.