| The Caprivi's lush, green environment fed by a | | | | Delta and the Chobe National Park. On day three we |
| number of converging river systems gives rise to a | | | | travelled to the most eastern tip of Namibia called |
| myriad of animal, bird and fish species many of which | | | | the Impalila Island. |
| are not found in the drier areas of Namibia. | | | | The tip is indeed so remote and isolated from the |
| The landscape here is more reminiscent of | | | | rest of Namibia that it can be accessed only via |
| Botswana's Okavango Delta than the Namib Desert! | | | | Botswana. The Island is also the only place in |
| Why not take a Namibia self-drive safari to visit this | | | | Southern Africa were four countries meet; namely |
| spectacular area and perhaps explore Hakusembe | | | | Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. |
| Lodge near Rundu, Ndhovu Lodge near Mahangu | | | | We stayed at the Ichingo Chobe River Lodge on the |
| Game Reserve, Namushasha Lodge near Mudumu | | | | island about 8km downstream of where the Chobe |
| National Park & Mamili National Park, Lianshulu | | | | River meets the mighty Zambezi River. Activities on |
| Lodge, Impalila Island Lodge, Ichingo Lodge or maybe | | | | offer at the lodge include boat cruises into the Chobe |
| even the Ichobezi Houseboat moored on the Chobe | | | | National Park, fishing trips and guided walks on the |
| River! | | | | island. |
| I recently went on a familiarization trip to the north | | | | This area is a definite must for all bird watchers and |
| eastern section of Namibia also known as the Caprivi | | | | elephant enthusiasts. The Chobe National Park boasts |
| Strip. The Caprivi Strip is a largely unexplored part of | | | | the largest elephant population in sub-Saharan Africa. |
| Namibia and fairly unfamiliar to tourists. | | | | Having been to the eastern most tip of Namibia we |
| Your average tourist visiting Namibia will concentrate | | | | turned back and headed back west towards Rundu. |
| on the more well known highlights such as the Etosha | | | | We spend the night at Ndovu Lodge a very well |
| National Park, the red dunes at Sossusvlei and | | | | kept Tented Lodge with a rustic feel to it. |
| Sesriem and the Namib Naukluft Park with the ancient | | | | The whole lodge reminds me of the old style lodge |
| Welwitschia plant. | | | | building as it was built about 10 years ago. The lodge |
| We started our trip in Windhoek and drove to the | | | | stays true to the genuine African experience with its |
| Hakusembe River Lodge near Rundu. The Lodge is | | | | closeness to nature. |
| located on the banks of the mighty Okavango River | | | | Located directly on the bank of the Okavango River |
| which has its catchment area in the highlands of | | | | you have the occasional visitor (Hippo or Elephant) to |
| Angola and flows out into the well known Okavango | | | | the Lodge. The Mahango Game Park is a mere 4 km |
| Delta in Botswana. | | | | away from the lodge, making this an ideal stopover |
| We spent only one night here but with all the | | | | for guests visiting this wildlife rich sanctuary. |
| activities on offer one can easily spend 2 or 3 nights | | | | Our last night's accommodation, before returning to |
| here. The enthusiastic bird watcher will enjoy the | | | | Windhoek was spent at the largely unknown Ohange |
| boat cruise. Making our way deeper into the Caprivi | | | | Namibia Lodge. |
| Strip we spent the next night at Namushasha Lodge. | | | | This place is a real gem of a lodge and deserves a |
| This Lodge is located on the banks of the Kwando | | | | whole article on its own. Read more about the lodge |
| River which also has its origin in the highlands of | | | | in my next text! |
| Angola. The lodge is ideally situated for guests to do | | | | When planning your next trip to Namibia include the |
| day trips either with the lodge or on their own into | | | | Caprivi region and witness the hidden treasures this |
| the Mudumu and Mamili National Parks. | | | | mostly undiscovered corner of Africa holds. |
| Vegetation here resembles that of the Okavango | | | | |