Caprivi & Khaudum
A route of three Rivers
The Caprivi is a river-rich route, a truly lush counterpoint to Namibia’s arid heart. Also known as the Zambezi Region, it is a haven for wildlife and birdlife, nourished by 3 perennial rivers and protected within several national parks. The Kavango (Okavango) offers wide floodplains to easily spot large herds of buffalo, numerous elephants and waterbirds en masse, including the eccentric black egrets patrolling the riverbank, as it winds its way southward into the Okavango Delta. The Kwando River mouths into the Linyanti Swamp and creates a border for 3 game reserves, namely the Bwabwata, Mudumu and Nkasa Rupara National Parks. Finally, the mighty Zambezi River makes a brief bend on the north eastern border of the Caprivi, allowing Namibian access to its waters for fishing excursions and boat cruises.
Explore this prime bushveld on a self-drive adventure, weaving past lagoons frequented by elephants and tree-topped termite mound island. Fondly called the “poor man’s delta,” The Caprivi is far more than a transit route - it's a soulful destination in its own right.
KHAUDUM NATIONAL PARK
For the more adventurous overlander looking for wildlife in solitude, a trek through the Khaudum National Park and overnight on the Nye Nye pans in the east will set you far from the madding crowd. Read more about this area below...
Sights & Scenes
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Our Expert Opinion
The Caprivi is a mini-Delta experience in our opinion. Wide floodplains with tree-lined bushveld host a wide variety of plains game and a growing number of predators. On the opposite side of the Linyanti swamps lies Namibia’s Nakasa Rupara National Park, a little-known gem with a real delta feel. To get into the heart of this park, we’d opt for a luxury stay to truly immerse yourself in nature here. The Caprivi is generally accessible throughout most of the year, and a wonderful addition to any Namibian, Botswana or Zambian itinerary - make sure not to rush past it! The abundance of water makes for excellent birding, game viewing and river activities - a MUST SEE destination!
A special note about Khaudum
Khaudum is not your average safari destination - it’s a true test of self-reliance and off-grid adventure, suited to confident, well-prepared self-drivers. With no fuel stops, shops, or signal in the park, deep sandy tracks that demand low-range 4x4 and convoy travel, Khaudum calls for planning but also respect for untamed nature.
For those who come prepared, the rewards are exceptional. Expect solitude, vast wilderness landscapes, and wildlife encounters that feel truly wild - no fences, no crowds, just you and the bush. Days are spent driving between both artificial waterholes and natural springs in the park, where wildlife gathers, especially in the dry season. Several hides offer rewarding views of elephants and game, often in complete silence and seclusion.
The Nyae Nyae Conservancy near Tsumkwe, is likely one of the best kept wilderness secrets of Namibia. With very few visitors and a healthy population game and birdlife, when accessible, it is a gem for self-drive adventures, easily explored in conjunction with Khaudum and the Caprivi en route. The Nyae Nyae San people no longer live an active hunter-gatherer lifestyle and find themselves in a state of cultural transition and social change. Yet the living museums make the past accessible again - for both visitors and new generations of San no longer in touch with their heritage.
