Apple Leaf Tree
Trees of Namibia
Apple-leaf can be seen in Namibia in the far north-west of Namibia, mainly in and around the Caprivi Strip, particularly in woodland and wooded grassland areas. It grows on all soil types and the biggest specimens are confined to flood plains as well as the banks of rivers and spruits. It is a small to medium-sized tree(5-15m) and has a tall, slightly twisted trunk with a sparse crown. The bark is a light grey-brown and flaking, with compound leaves and 1-3 pairs of leaflets, with 1 large terminal one, up to 150x100mm. The leaflets are hard, shiny green above and velvety grey-green below. Scented mauve flowers form dense sprays and the pods are large, flat and light grey-brown.
As with many trees of the area, the leaves are browsed by livestock and game, particularly by elephant. The pollen and nectar attract bees, and butterflies are also known to breed on the apple-leaf. If you happen to seek shelter under the apple-leaf, watch out for 'dripping rain' at certain times of the year, (especially if it isn't raining!) It could be sap-sucking 'spittle bugs' living in the tree, excreting a waste liquid. Apple-leaf timber is hard and fairly heavy and is used for carving and making dugout canoes. It is yellowish in appearance, and the leaves and roots are used in traditional medicines.
Caprivi Houseboat Safari Lodge
Just outside the town of Katima Mulilo lies this small river front lodge. The accommodation is rustic, the food awesome and the situation idyllic - resulting in some of the best value for money accommodation in Namibia
Chobe Savanna Lodge
Overlooking the vast Chobe floodplain's from its situation in the east Caprivi this lodge has a lot to offer visitors
Ichingo Chobe River Lodge
One of the best lodges in this area has accommodation in both traditional land based units as well as on two houseboats.
Impalila Island Lodge
This is the only place in the world where four countries meet. A wonderful Chobe destination with eight luxury chalets.
Mahangu Safari Lodge
Situated close to the Mahangu Park in west Caprivi - this is an excellent stop-over between Namibia, Maun (in Botswana) and the Victoria Falls
Mazambala Island Lodge
Situated on an island in the Kwando river around 4km from the trans-Caprivi highway
Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge
Brand new lodge in east Caprivi - ideal for exploring the wetlands of the Mamili National Park
Ntwala Island Lodge
situated on three small islands this is an ultra-luxurious Chobe destination, with four suites, each with plunge pool and private guiding
Susuwe Island Lodge
in the Bwabwata National Park this is a perfect land and water camp with six luxury suites, each with private plunge pool
Zovu Elephant Lodge
In the far eastern Caprivi this lodge offers lots of water based activities on both the Chobe & Zambezi Rivers
