A region shaped by water and roads

After the rains, 80 percent of the area is flooded and cut off from the mainland; during the dry season, the Zambezi Region is accessible by road. This contrast should be part of your initial travel planning: consider the time of year and your starting point together. Before setting off, check which conditions apply during your specific travel period. The Trans-Caprivi Highway, an important tourist road, runs through the region.

The Four Rivers Route offers a different route description: it runs from Nkurenkuru in the northeast through the Zambezi Region to Victoria Falls. The Trans-Caprivi Highway connects central and northern Namibia with Chobe Game Reserve and Victoria Falls in Botswana or Zimbabwe. While the connections mentioned are the focus of this highway, the Four Rivers Route begins in Nkurenkuru. These different reference points can help you choose routes that fit your travel plans. Check current route conditions before setting off.

Landscape and wildlife

In Bwabwata National Park, low, vegetation-covered sand dunes shape the landscape. Between them are old drainage channels known as omurambas. Together, the dunes and channels create a clear contrast in the landscape. If you are interested in landforms, this change in terrain gives you a specific feature to look out for in the park.

Wildlife in the Zambezi Region includes elephants, buffalo, sable antelope, roan antelope, kudu, impala, oribi, zebra and wild dogs, as well as around 430 bird species. The many named mammals are complemented by birdlife whose species count is approximate. Several different animal groups are therefore relevant to the region’s natural environment; you can plan around your interests without focusing your trip on just one species.

Visiting the national parks

A 4x4 vehicle with recovery equipment is required in Nkasa Rupara National Park. Factor this requirement into your specific park visit plans and check current conditions before setting off. This allows you to take the vehicle requirement into account when deciding on this outing.

In Bwabwata National Park, two tourism facilities on the Kwando are operated by conservancies: Nambwa, operated by Mayuni Conservancy, and Susuwe, operated by Kwando Conservancy. The two facilities are therefore associated with different conservancies. Check their current status before your trip and before adding them to your plans.

Cultural insights in Mudumu and Katima Mulilo

Lizauli Traditional Village is a community-based tourism project in Mudumu National Park that offers insights into traditional village life. This adds a cultural perspective to the themes of landscape and wildlife. If you would like to include Lizauli in your trip, enquire about visiting options in advance.

In Katima Mulilo, the Caprivi Art Centre offers regional handicrafts, pottery, wood carvings and sculptures to view and buy. The art centre provides a glimpse of local creative work. Check whether the centre is currently operating before you visit.

The Katima Open Market is associated with Zambezi bream, local agricultural produce, clothing, handicrafts, art and livestock. This distinguishes the two places to visit: the art centre focuses on handicrafts and sculptures, while the market combines food with a range of other goods. If you are looking for specific products, ask locally about current trading conditions.

Discover more destinations: Kasika, Omaheke, Ohangwena Region, Oshana, Khomas, Erongo, Oshikoto, Kunene

For the broader travel overview: Namibia.