Zambezi (formerly Katima Mulilo region / Zambezi city)

Zambezi is the main town in the region of the same name, at Namibia's far northeast, within the Caprivi Corridor. Wedged between four countries — Angola, Zambia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe — it stretches along the banks of the Zambezi River. It serves as a strategic jumping-off point for exploring northeastern Namibia's wetland parks, observing prolific wildlife, and discovering the cultures of the Lozi and Subia peoples.

Quick facts at a glance

• Access: B8 road (Trans-Caprivi Highway) from Rundu; regional flights from Windhoek via Katima Mulilo Airport.
• What to pack: light clothing, sun protection; long sleeves in the evening (mosquitoes).
• Suggested stay: 2 to 4 days to combine town, river, and nearby parks.
• Health: malaria zone — prophylaxis recommended before departure.
• Visas: standard Namibia entry; nearby border crossings (Botswana, Zambia) require valid documents.

What to see

The Zambezi River anchors local life. Traditional canoes line banks thick with papyrus. Zambezi's central market reflects cross-border trade: Lozi crafts, woven baskets, wood carvings. Natural hippo runs along the river allow viewing of hippopotamuses and crocodiles from the shore or by boat.

History and context

The region was officially called Caprivi until 2013, a name inherited from German Chancellor Leo von Caprivi, who negotiated this corridor in 1890 to give Germany access to the Zambezi. Renamed Zambezi, the region asserts its African identity. The Lozi peoples maintain traditional royal structures and ceremonies tied to the river's flood cycles.

Highlights of your visit

The Zambezi River at sunset

Sunset cruises on the Zambezi are the signature activity. Golden light on grassy islands, silhouettes of hippopotamuses, and flights of grey herons compose a striking tableau. Several lodges offer these boat outings.

Mudumu and Bwabwata National Parks

Less than an hour from Zambezi, Bwabwata park shelters elephants, buffalo, and antelope in a floodplain forest ecosystem. Mudumu, further south, offers quieter safaris with a remarkable elephant density.

Ngonye Falls (Sioma Falls)

About 200 km west in Zambia, Ngonye Falls represent a possible cross-border excursion from Zambezi for travellers with the required documents.

Local crafts and markets

Local cooperatives sell woven baskets made using traditional Lozi techniques passed down through generations. These items are authentic souvenirs directly linked to the local economy.

Photography tips

Early morning and evening light on the Zambezi is ideal — avoid midday, too harsh. Boat outings offer low angles on aquatic wildlife. Always ask permission before photographing residents or traditional ceremonies.

Location and access

Zambezi sits at the eastern end of the Caprivi Corridor, bordering Zambia. The Trans-Caprivi Highway (B8) connects the town to Rundu to the west and the Wenela border post (Zambia) to the east. Katima Mulilo Airport serves flights from Windhoek. The town is accessible by 4×4, recommended during the rainy season (November–April).

Accessibility for persons with reduced mobility is limited outside main lodges.

Nearby attractions

• Bwabwata National Park — vast wetland park with elephants and buffalo, less than an hour's drive away.
• Mudumu National Park — quiet safaris in little-visited floodplain forests.
• Lake Liambezi — seasonal lake that has reappeared after decades of drought, a birdwatcher's paradise.
• Victoria Falls — about 70 km east via Botswana and Zimbabwe, one of the world's greatest waterfalls.