Top things to do in the Caprivi Strip, Namibia

Last updated August 23rd, 2023.

This guide may contain affiliate links. At no cost to you, they allow me to provide these free and, even if I do say so myself, expert guides based on almost two years of travel in Africa. For a broader view, don’t miss my complete guide to travel in Africa.

Imagine a clenched fist (thumb tucked in) with the first finger pointing to the right. You have the basic shape of Namibia down to a tee. The pointing finger is the Caprivi Strip, a narrow ribbon of land. It extends 250 miles (400 km) towards (but never quite reaching) Zimbabwe. It borders Angola, Botswana and Zambia, and is just 20 miles (32 km) wide at its narrowest point. Ignored by most tourists to the country, these are the top things to do in Namibia’s Caprivi Strip.

A little history

But first, a little history into how this strange protrusion of Namibia came into being.

The Caprivi was purchased during the Scramble for Africa of the late 1800s. During this time, modern-day Namibia was German South West Africa.

Ownership of this area of southern Africa was sought out to give the German Empire access to the trade routes of the Zambezi River.

However, this came to nothing due to the existence of Victoria Falls just 40 miles downstream. The falls made navigation impossible and limited the interest the colonial authorities had in developing the region.

The top things to do in Namibia’s Caprivi Strip

Given this history, is it worth making a trip to the Caprivi Strip while in Namibia? Let’s take a look at the top things to do in the strip.

1. Explore the national parks

Although just a small area of land by African standards, the Caprivi Strip has three national parks. These are Bwabwata, Mudumu, and Nkasa Rupara.

They may not be well known beyond the region, but that doesn’t mean they are not worth exploring.

Largely unfenced, together they provide important corridors for elephants passing between Botswana and Angola on historic migration routes. They are therefore ideal for anyone who loves these gentle giants.

Mudumu also has areas of primary mopane woodland fed by seasonal rivers. Nkasa Rupara contains this arid country’s most significant areas of wetland. It has been compared to the Okavango Delta further south.

2. Experience life in the border town of Katima Mulilo

Katima Mulilo’s population of 28,000 people are able to enjoy one of the world’s finest natural spectacles, the Zambezi River.

Forming the border between the Caprivi Strip and Zambia, the town sits among foliage that is unusually lush for Namibia, which both birds and monkeys take advantage of.

It’s also one of the best places in the area to understand how the strip differs from the rest of Namibia culturally as well as geographically.

It’s possible to delve into this culture at the Caprivi Art Centre, a community-led organisation. There is also an annual Caprivi cultural festival. Known as Lusata, it takes place towards the end of September, and primarily celebrated by the Mafwe people.

Handily for a worn out tourist, there’s also a good selection of descent hotels in the town.

3. Mafwe Living Museum

Approximately 20 km north of Kongola, Mafwe Living Museum aims to give visitors an authentic insight into the livelihoods of the Mafwe people for anyone unable to attend Lusata.

While very much a demonstration museum rather than a true village, it nonetheless provides a fascinating insight that would be difficult to gain elsewhere without local contacts.

Much of the museum is hands on, giving visitors the chance to try their hand at weaving or sample Mafwe cuisine.

If time’s on your side, you can even spend the night beneath the giant baobabs in a basic bush camp. A similar experience can be had at Lizauli Traditional Village within Mudumu National Park.

4. Rundu

Gateway to the Caprivi Strip for many, Rundu is located on the border with Angola in Namibia’s northeast.

Its top attraction for many visitors is its open market, which was set up in the mid-1990s to help develop the region.

A short distance away you’ll also find a woodcarvers’ market, where it’s possible to watch the city’s master craftspeople at work, ensuring you’re not purchasing objects actually made in Vietnam or China.

5. Popa Falls

While Victoria Falls takes most of the headlines for anyone in this part of Africa, Popa Falls in Bwabwata National Park are still a desirable place to head to.

Best after the rains, these rapids-like cascades offer further wildlife viewing opportunities, since crocs are often to be found cruising the waters in addition to all manner of bird species.

Get here early to experience the falls at their quietest and most natural, before the heat of the day sees many of the creatures that would otherwise drink here seek shade elsewhere. There’s fantastic accommodation on the river, and a range of activities including game drives and boat trips on offer.

What are the top things to do in the Caprivi Strip?

The Caprivi Strip may not come anywhere close to the likes of Namibia’s Etosha National Park in terms of scale, but it still manages to offer those with the desire to visit with experiences different to other parts of Namibia.

A bevvy of national parks, together with living museums and modern metropolises mean it’s well worth heading in this direction even if you’re not continuing on to Zambia, Botswana, or Angola. If you’re thinking about flights, make sure you check out CheapOAir first. They often have some great deals going. And don’t forget about that all important travel cover either!