Discover the Zambezi Region

Discover

the Zambezi Region

A lush haven of rivers, wildlife and cultural richness

Text Elzanne McCulloch

From the ITB 2025 issue

As the first rays of sunlight pierced the morning mist, I found myself gliding silently along the glassy waters of the Chobe River. The sounds of the wild surrounded me. The grunt of a hippo, the distant call of a Fish Eagle, and the soft splash of water as a crocodile quietly slid into the water off the riverbank. As we explored the waterways, elephants emerged from the trees to drink along the river’s edge, their graceful presence mirrored in the water below.

This is Namibia’s Zambezi Region, formerly known as the Caprivi Strip – a verdant paradise tucked into the northeastern corner of the country. Unlike the arid deserts and rugged landscapes of Namibia’s south and west, the Zambezi Region is alive with rivers, wetlands and forests. It is a haven for wildlife and a crossroads of culture, where Namibia meets Angola, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The Zambezi Region is a sensory experience. Here, the rivers pulse with life, the sunsets set the sky ablaze, and every moment feels like a step into nature’s most vibrant showpiece.

Elzanne McCulloch

Some key attractions

BWABWATA NATIONAL PARK: WHERE WILDLIFE ROAMS FREE

Stretching over from the Kavango East Region, Bwabwata National Park is the heart of northeastern Namibia, a unique conservation area where people and wildlife coexist. The park spans both dry woodlands and lush floodplains, creating a mosaic of habitats for diverse species. Made up of three core areas – Mahango, Buffalo and Kwando – visitors to the park can spot elephants, buffalo and antelope such as kudu, lechwe and sable during game drives, while the Okavango River in the west and Kwando River in the east are magnets for hippos and crocodiles. Bwabwata is also a birder’s paradise, home to over 400 bird species, including the striking African Skimmer and the rare Wattled Crane.

NKASA RUPARA NATIONAL PARK: A WETLAND WONDERLAND

Nkasa Rupara National Park, often called the “mini-Okavango”, is Namibia’s largest wetland area. This pristine wilderness of reed beds, lagoons and islands comes alive during the rainy season, attracting massive herds of elephants and buffalo. The park’s remoteness offers an intimate and uncrowded safari experience, perfect for adventurous travellers seeking solitude and close encounters with nature. Here, predators roam between Namibia and our southern neighbour Botswana, with possible sightings of lion and leopard. The terrains can be hard to access, especially during the wet season, and must never be attempted with only one vehicle.

ZAMBEZI RIVER: A RIBBON OF LIFE

The mighty Zambezi River, one of Africa’s most iconic waterways, flows through the region, providing endless opportunities for exploration. Visitors can enjoy boat cruises to see wildlife along the banks, try their hand at tiger fishing or simply soak in the tranquil beauty of the river at sunset.

CULTURAL VILLAGES: A GLIMPSE INTO TRADITION

The Zambezi Region is home to vibrant cultural communities, including the Lozi, Mbukushu and Mafwe people. Visitors can explore cultural villages to learn about traditional crafts, music and storytelling, or shop for unique handmade wares along roadsides and at craft markets. These experiences provide a deeper connection to the region and its people.

Le Roux van Schalkwyk

Malachite Kingfisher

Le Roux van Schalkwyk

Adventures in the Zambezi Region

RIVER SAFARIS AND BOAT CRUISES

Glide along the Okavango, Kwando, Linyanti, Chobe or Zambezi rivers for unforgettable wildlife encounters. From spotting herds of elephants crossing the river to watching a pod of hippos basking in the shallows, these water-based safaris offer a unique perspective on the region’s incredible biodiversity.

GAME DRIVES AND GUIDED WALKS

Explore Bwabwata or Nkasa Rupara National Park on a game drive or guided walk, on offer at most lodges. Expert guides lead you through the region’s rich ecosystems, offering insights into the flora, fauna and unique adaptations of the wildlife.

FISHING ADVENTURES

Anglers flock to the Zambezi Region for the chance to catch the ferocious tiger fish, a prized freshwater species known for its strength and speed. Whether you are a seasoned fisherman or a curious beginner, the rivers of the Zambezi Region promise an exciting challenge.

BIRDWATCHING PARADISE

With its wetlands, woodlands and rivers, the Zambezi Region is a haven for bird enthusiasts. Keep an eye out for Carmine Bee-eaters, African Fish Eagles and Pel’s Fishing Owls among the hundreds of species that call this region home.

Wildlife encounters

The Zambezi Region offers some of Namibia’s most intimate and awe- inspiring wildlife encounters. Elephants, hippos, lions and buffalo roam freely across this water-rich wilderness, moving between Namibia and its neighbouring countries. Observing these animals in their natural habitat is a privilege that requires care and respect.

Visitors are encouraged to experience wildlife responsibly, whether on a guided game drive, river cruise or walking safari. Keep a respectful distance, remain quiet and allow the animals to behave naturally. The region’s ecosystems support not only iconic species but also rarities like the elusive sitatunga antelope and the shy bushbuck. These encounters are a testament to the region’s ecological richness and the success of cross- border conservation efforts.

The heart of KAZA

The Zambezi Region is a vital part of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA), the largest transboundary conservation area in the world, spanning five countries: Namibia, Angola, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. At the heart of this ambitious initiative lies a commitment to preserve wildlife corridors, support community-based conservation and foster sustainable tourism. In the Zambezi Region, this means unparalleled opportunities to witness the free movement of elephants, buffalo and other wildlife across national borders, showcasing the success of collaborative conservation. Visitors to this region contribute directly to these efforts, helping ensure the long-term survival of the region’s ecosystems and species. KAZA is a symbol of unity, protecting the interconnectedness of nature while uplifting local communities who call this remarkable region home.

WHY VISIT THE ZAMBEZI REGION?

Namibia’s Zambezi Region is a place of contrasts and connection. A place where rivers and forests meet, where wildlife and culture thrive side by side and where every moment feels alive with possibility. Whether you are gliding through its waterways, exploring its parks or immersing yourself in its vibrant traditions, the Zambezi Region promises an adventure that will linger in your heart long after you leave.

Come and discover the Zambezi – a lush corner of Namibia that brims with life, beauty and endless wonder.