Discover the Zambezi Region

The Zambezi Region combines road routes with national parks, wildlife and seasonally changing accessibility. For trip planning, it helps to first map out your preferred route and potential visits.

Road routes and seasonal accessibility

The Trans-Caprivi Highway, an important tourist road, crosses the Zambezi Region. It connects central and northern Namibia with Chobe Game Reserve and Victoria Falls in Botswana and Zimbabwe, respectively. The Four Rivers Route runs from Nkurenkuru in the northeast through the region to Victoria Falls. The destinations mentioned differ: Nkurenkuru and Victoria Falls are the endpoints of the Four Rivers Route; the highway, by contrast, is notable for its connections with central and northern Namibia, as well as Chobe Game Reserve and Victoria Falls.

The time of year is also important when planning. During the dry season, the area is accessible by road. After the rains, 80 percent of the area is flooded and cut off from the mainland. Therefore, check local conditions before setting out. You should also check the latest conditions on the Four Rivers Route before travelling.

Nature and wildlife in the national parks

Low, vegetation-covered sand dunes shape the landscape of Bwabwata National Park. Between them are ancient drainage channels known as omurambas. This combination of dunes and channels gives the landscape a distinctive form, rather than making it a uniformly flat expanse.

Wildlife in the Zambezi Region includes elephants, buffalo, sable antelope, roan antelope, kudu, impala, oribi, zebra and wild dogs, as well as about 430 bird species. It is not possible to predict which animals you will see on a trip.

A 4x4 vehicle and recovery equipment are required in Nkasa Rupara National Park. Include this requirement in your plans and check current conditions with the park authorities before setting out. Bwabwata National Park on the Kwando is also home to two tourism facilities operated by conservancies: Nambwa is operated by the Mayuni Conservancy, and Susuwe by the Kwando Conservancy. As the status of such facilities may change, you should confirm it before your trip.

Culture and regional offerings

Lizauli Traditional Village is a community-based tourism project in Mudumu National Park and offers insights into traditional village life. Check in advance for current visitor options.

In Katima Mulilo, the Caprivi Art Centre offers local arts and crafts, pottery, wood carvings and sculptures for viewing and sale. As its operations may change, it is advisable to check whether it is open before visiting.

The Katima Open Market offers Zambezi bream, local agricultural produce, as well as clothing, handicrafts, art and livestock. If you plan to visit the market, ask locally which goods are currently being traded.

Combine trip planning with your hotel search

Routes, wildlife watching and visits to Katima Mulilo or Lizauli Traditional Village each offer a different focus. Consider which of these matter most for your stay before searching for hotels in the Zambezi Region. Take seasonal accessibility into account and check the latest visitor conditions for planned stops. This way, your search will reflect the trip you actually plan to take.

Discover more destinations: Kasika, Karas, Kavango, Omaheke, Hardap, Erongo, Ohangwena Region, Kunene.

Return to the main travel overview: Namibia.