05/08/2026
Why does Namibia have that long, skinny “handle” on the map?
It is called the Caprivi Strip, and it was created through a colonial agreement in 1890. Germany wanted access to the Zambezi River, believing it could provide a trade route across Africa. The corridor formed part of a much wider deal involving Zanzibar, Heligoland and competing colonial interests.
The plan didn't work. Victoria Falls and other natural barriers made the river route impractical.
Today, the Caprivi Strip is known for something far more remarkable.
This is one of Namibia’s greenest and most wildlife-rich regions, where the Okavango, Kwando, Chobe and Zambezi river systems create floodplains, wetlands and riverine forests.
A safari here can include:
• Boat safaris past hippos and crocodiles
• Game drives in Bwabwata, Mudumu and Nkasa Rupara national parks
• Large elephant and buffalo populations
• Excellent birdwatching
• Remote camps and riverside lodges
• Quieter wildlife viewing than in many better-known safari areas
The Caprivi feels very different from the deserts and dunes usually associated with Namibia. It is greener, wetter and more remote, with wildlife moving naturally across borders between Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Angola.
Discover the history, parks, wildlife, lodges and best ways to explore the Caprivi Strip.
https://safarideal.com/caprivi-strip-safari/
