About Caprivi Strip

The Caprivi Strip is a narrow panhandle territory in the far northeast of Namibia. It is a distinct geopolitical region, bordered by Angola and Zambia to the north and Botswana to the south. The region is notable for its unique geography, as it extends Namibia's territory eastward to the Zambezi River, providing the country with access to key waterways and borders with several nations. The administrative and tourism hub is the town of Katima Mulilo, located on the banks of the Zambezi.

Basic information

The Caprivi Strip was formed as a result of colonial territorial negotiations in 1890. It is not a single man-made structure but a defined geographical and political region. The area contains several national parks and protected areas, including Bwabwata, Mudumu, and Nkasa Rupara National Parks, which are its primary features. Its current purpose is primarily administrative, residential, and as a significant corridor for tourism and transport between Namibia and its eastern neighbors.

Location

The Caprivi Strip is accessed via the Trans-Caprivi Highway, a paved road that runs the length of the region from Rundu to Katima Mulilo. The nearest major city is Windhoek, Namibia's capital, which is connected by long-distance roads. Road conditions on the main highway are generally good, though secondary roads to parks may require a 4x4 vehicle, especially during the rainy season. Tourist infrastructure includes lodges, campsites, and guided tours within the national parks. Accessibility to remote areas can be severely limited during the summer rainy season from November to April.

Nature

The landscape of the Caprivi Strip is predominantly flat and characterized by lush savannahs, seasonal floodplains, and dense riverine forests, a stark contrast to the arid regions of western Namibia. It features a network of major perennial rivers, including the Okavango, Kwando, Linyanti, and Zambezi. The region supports a high density of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, and numerous antelope species, and is a critical migratory route. Human influence is present through settlements and subsistence agriculture, but large areas remain well-preserved within the national parks.

Story

The Caprivi Strip was acquired by the German Empire in 1890 through the Heligoland-Zanzibar Treaty with the United Kingdom. It was named after German Chancellor Leo von Caprivi. The territory's purpose was to provide Germany's colony of German South West Africa with access to the Zambezi River and thus a route to the Indian Ocean via its colonies in East Africa. After World War I, it became part of South African-administered South West Africa. It played a strategic role during regional conflicts in the latter half of the 20th century before becoming part of an independent Namibia in 1990.

Transport
• Plane

Flora and fauna
• Animals:
• Insects:
• Vegetation:

Entertainment
• Parks

Recommendations
• Dress code:

Location type
• Active
• Adventure
• Exotic
• Popular

Location level
• Average level
• High level

Price level
• Food and drinks:
• Goods: