The Kwando River
Rivers of Namibia
Rising in the central Angolan highlands, and east of the Kunene River, is the Kwando River, which forms the boundary between Namibia, Angola and Zambia. After making its way through the Caprivi Strip, it flows along the border of Mudumu National Park, before disappearing into the Okavango River in one direction and breaking up into a labyrinth of channels, islands and oxbow lakes, to form the vast Linyanti Swamps in another. Quite a journey!
The river is the lifeblood of this region of the Caprivi, and the Kwando's waters nourishes the land. Elephants and hippo, spotted-necked otters and crocodiles all share and love these waters, and the rare red lechwe and sitatunga tread warily. Local fisherman skillfully pole their mokoros (dug-out canoes) as they cast their nets for tilapia; further along the river is the swirl of the fanged tiger fish and the ripples of turtles.
After spring rains in the Angolan highlands, the Kwando rises, sometimes by as much as 2m, and subsequently inundates the floodplains that surround the forests in Mudumu National Park. The new grass nurtures large herds of plains animals, most notably Burchell's zebra and impala. The Kwando's rapid rise also nourishes papyrus beds and marshland that act as fish nurseries, and serve superb wetland bird habitat. Roughly 430 bird species have been recorded in the region, including cranes, storks and the sacred ibis that forage in marshy ground. African jacana walk on floating vegetation on lily-covered pans, and frequently chase each other in short dashes, racing across lily beds on broad webbed feet.
Soak up the charm and excitement of the Kwando River with a stay at Lianshulu Lodge, set on the banks of the river, nestled beneath a canopy of shady jackalberry and mangosteen trees. Hire a boat at Mazambala Island Lodge to catch Tiger Fish, bream, nembwe, squeaker or barbel. Or if you fancy something a little more adventurous, then zip up your tent in Bumhill campsite to the sound of sloshing water, frogs croaking, hippo's chuckling and the occasional roar of a lion!
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.
Lianshulu Lodge
Traditionally one of the east Caprivi's most popular lodges has recently been re-opened
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
Pride of the Zambezi Houseboat
A small luxurious houseboat, offers awesome game viewing, bird watching & fishing expereinces on the Chobe & Zambezi Rivers
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