"In a country known for its vast, evocative desert scapes, the Caprivi Strip is a comparatively lush area that is equally as captivating. There are four national parks within Caprivi and four rivers that pass through the region offering, both from water and from land, incredible game viewing and some of the best birding opportunities in Namibia. These mighty rivers also create very memorable wildlife experiences, from canoeing adventures and sunset cruises to houseboat accommodation and river-bank barbecues.”
- Narina Exelby
Zambezi Region and Caprivi Strip
The Caprivi Strip is a 450km-long panhandle that juts off the northeast of Namibia’s almost rectangular bulk, and it’s surrounded by some of Southern Africa’s most iconic destinations. The Zambezi River plummets over the majestic Victoria Falls 80km to the east, while Chobe National Park and the great Okavango Delta lie to its south; the Caprivi benefits from both of these regions, as their waters drain through the narrow strip creating an often marshy area that is wonderful to explore.
Caprivi is bordered by three countries: Zimbabwe, Angola and Botswana. Botswana lies to the south of Caprivi and there is no fence line here, allowing huge numbers of game to wander freely between Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta and Caprivi. Expect to see large herds of elephants as well as plenty of antelope, hippo, buffalo and lion. The birding here is outstanding; the waterways and swamps of the Okavango and Linyati rivers provide excellent twitching opportunities and more than 400 species, including the sharp-tailed starling and slaty egret have been recorded in the region. While wildlife and birding are the main draw cards, the area is also known for its angling opportunities and tiger fishing is especially popular.
There are four national parks in Caprivi: Bwabwata, Mudumu, Nkasa Rupara (formerly Mamili) and Khaudum. The region has an array of accommodation options, from camping and chalets to house boats and luxury lodges.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
Wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are quite hot, averaging 31°C/88°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F. During this period the park transforms into a lush green landscape, a stark contrast to the dry season. Wildlife is however well spread out and the vegetation is thick, making game viewing difficult.
Like the rest of Namibia, the Zambezi Region has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the Zambezi while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
Wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are quite hot, averaging 31°C/88°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F. During this period the park transforms into a lush green landscape, a stark contrast to the dry season. Wildlife is however well spread out and the vegetation is thick, making game viewing difficult.
Like the rest of Namibia, the Zambezi Region has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the Zambezi while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
Wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are quite hot, averaging 31°C/88°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F. During this period the park transforms into a lush green landscape, a stark contrast to the dry season. Wildlife is however well spread out and the vegetation is thick, making game viewing difficult.
Like the rest of Namibia, the Zambezi Region has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the Zambezi while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
Wildlife will begin to move closer to the riverfront as the clear skies dominate. The rains fade, and midday temperatures are more pleasant. Mornings can be surprisingly cool, so it is advisable to pack some warm clothes.
Like the rest of Namibia, the Zambezi Region has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the Zambezi while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
Wildlife will begin to move closer to the riverfront as the clear skies dominate. The rains fade, and midday temperatures are more pleasant. Mornings can be surprisingly cool, so it is advisable to pack some warm clothes.
Like the rest of Namibia, the Zambezi Region has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the Zambezi while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
The landscape continues to dry up, with good game sightings becoming more likely. Midday temperatures are average around 25°C/77°F, the mornings can be surprisingly cool at around 11°C/52°F, so be sure to pack a warm fleece.
Like the rest of Namibia, the Zambezi Region has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the Zambezi while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
The landscape continues to dry up, with good game sightings becoming more likely. Midday temperatures are average around 25°C/77°F, the mornings can be surprisingly cool at around 11°C/52°F, so be sure to pack a warm fleece.
Like the rest of Namibia, the Zambezi Region has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the Zambezi while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate, the landscape has now become quite parched; ultimately making this the perfect time for game viewing. Midday and night temperatures are climbing, with midday temperatures becoming hot, averaging 29°C/84°F in August and 33°C/91°F in September. Mornings remain surprisingly cool, so do pack something warm.
Like the rest of Namibia, the Zambezi Region has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the Zambezi while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate, the landscape has now become quite parched; ultimately making this the perfect time for game viewing. Midday and night temperatures are climbing, with midday temperatures becoming hot, averaging 29°C/84°F in August and 33°C/91°F in September. Mornings remain surprisingly cool, so do pack something warm.
Like the rest of Namibia, the Zambezi Region has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the Zambezi while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Game viewing can be spectacular during October; however, temperatures continue to rise before the start of the rains, with midday temperatures over 40°C/104°F not uncommon. We suggest early morning starts during this time to make the most of the cool temperatures!
Like the rest of Namibia, the Zambezi Region has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the Zambezi while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON
The first rains arrive, usually in the form of sharp afternoon showers. The temperatures still however remain very hot, while the humidity adds level of discomfort. Game viewing can still be great, but just be prepared for a little heat.
Like the rest of Namibia, the Zambezi Region has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the Zambezi while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
Wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are quite hot, averaging 31°C/88°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F. During this period the park transforms into a lush green landscape, a stark contrast to the dry season. Wildlife is however well spread out and the vegetation thick, making game viewing difficult.
Like the rest of Namibia, the Zambezi Region has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the Zambezi while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
Explore Zambezi Region and Caprivi Strip Properties
Chobe Water Villas
Chobe Water Villas
Chobe Water Villas is a boutique lodge surrounded by verdant gardens and overlooking Sedudu Island and Chobe National Park beyond. With sweeping views and an abundance of unique and modern spaces to enjoy, the lodge is a prime ..
Nambwa Tented Lodge
Nambwa Tented Lodge
Nambwa Tented Lodge is a simple, cosy lodge on the banks of the Kwando River. With a huge range of traversing rights and the only lodge around the park to offer night drives, Nambwa is a perfect base for adventurers with rooms ..
What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
