Puku
wildlife of Namibia
Introduction: The puku (Kobus vardonii) was named in honour of Major Frank Vardon, an English elephant hunter, by explorer and missionary David Livingstone, although the name puku is a common Lozi or Tswana name. They frequent riverine areas and narrow grassland stretches between rivers and swamps. Females gather in small maternal groups of 6-20 females or calves with territories defended by adult males in solitary or bachelor groups. When alarmed, the puku emits a shrill, repeated whistle. Predators include lion, leopard and hyena.
Distribution: Far eastern regions of the Caprivi Strip such as the Kwando River, Chobe River and Linyanti Swamps. Also on the eastern banks of the Chobe River in Namibia on the Puku Flats at Chobe Savannah Lodge
Diet: Predominately grazers of floodplain grasses, normally feeding in the early morning or late afternoon. Also eats seeds of the winter thorn and Kigelia flowers.
Colouring: It's coarse coat is a uniform golden brown in colour with paler underparts, including the underside of the tail. The forehead area is generally darker than the body and there are white patches around the eyes.
Breeding: Females calve in their second year after a gestation period of 8 months. Calves are hidden in vegetation and are born throughout the year, but mainly in the wet season.
Size: Males 0.9m and females 0.84m at the shoulder. Weight: Males 77kg. Females 61kg. The strongly ridged horns are found only in males and grow between 45-53cm.
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.
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
