Introduction

The north-eastern region of Na-mibia stretches from the Kavango region right through to the end of the Caprivi (Zambezi) strip. This region is typically African, with scattered rural settlements, lush tropical veg-etation, expansive floodplains and an abundance of birds and game.

Near Tsumkwe, the Nyae-Nyae area represents the homeland of the Bushman/San people. This area was formerly known as Eastern Bushmanland and is a little off-the-beaten track, thus a 4×4 vehicle is advisable.

Similarly, the Khaudum National Park, which lies further north of Tsumkwe, is also only accessible by four-wheel drive. The Baobab tree is a distinctive species found in this area, recognizable by the enormous diameter of its trunk.

The main town of the Kavango region is Rundu which is situated on the banks of the Okavango River. This region is particularly known for its woodcarvers. This ancient craft has been handed down over generations and is a flourishing industry.

When heading further eastwards, the Caprivi Game Park extends into the Mudumu and Mamili Na-tional Parks. Herds of elephant are particularly abundant in this area and are best observed around the Chobe and Kwando rivers when they come down for their drink be-fore sundown. Katima Mulilo is the main town of the Caprivi region and is considered the gateway to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe/Zam-bia and the Chobe National Park in Botswana.

North-East is well known for its fishing (especially the sought-after Tiger Fish), game viewing and bird watching (over 400 bird species are found in this area).

What to see

Named after the people who re­side there, Namibia’s Kavango region is home to incredible wildlife, natural beauty and an abundance of fresh water from the Okavango River.

The Kavango region is also a pop­ular destination for fly-fishermen due to the abundance of fish, particularly Tiger fish, Bream and African pike. More than 150 spe­cies of fish have been recorded so far in the Kavango River and even if you don’t hook ‘the big one’, the river itself is en chanting and competes with al I the other great African rivers. Locals travel up and down the river on ‘makoros’, typical dugout canoes used in the Kavango region that are made from hollowed out tree trunks.

Birders will be in their element as the Kavango region is home to more than 400 species of bird, such as the rarely-sighted Souza’s Shrike, Grey-headed Parrot and Sharp-tailed Starling amongst many more other species like Af­rican Skimmer and Carmine Bea­eater. There are plenty of well­maintained lodges along the river with hides erected specifically for bird-lovers to view these exquisite animals around waterholes.

What to do

Intrepid 4×4 enthusiasts can head south to the wild and unspoilt Khaudum Game Park for an ex­perience they won’t soon forget. The road to the park from from Katare, in the north, is extremely difficult and only experienced 4×4 travellers should attempt this. Home to some of Namibia’s most magnificent wildlife, the park is known for its predators including lion, cheetah, hyena and the elu­sive wi Id dog. The remoteness of the park means it’s hard to reach without a 4×4 and as there are no luxury camps within the park’s confines, brave visitors will sleep in unsecured camps next to their wild African neighbours.

For the less adventurous, Mahango Game Reserve, on the border of Botswana is one of Namibia’s undiscovered gems. This pocket sized park provides fantastic op­portunities for game viewing and it is not uncommon to see over 10 different species in less than an hour. The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife including Roan, Sable and Sitatunga.