Named after the people who reside there, Namibia’s Kavango region is home to incredible wildlife, natural beauty and an abundance of fresh water from the Okavango River. Based on the riverine landscapes, people and birds, the
Kavango Open Africa Route affords travellers the opportunity to venture off the beaten track to explore one of Namibia’s most pristine destinations and discover what this little piece of paradise has to offer. The Kavango Open Africa Route was developed to help attract travellers to the region to sustain livelihoods and create jobs among local people. A popular attraction with those in the know, the route stretches from Katwitwi in the west to Mohembo in the east and incorporates the remote Khaudum Game Park in the South. It’s recommended that travellers take a good few days exploring it, drinking in everything it has to offer. The Kavango Open Africa Route also provides an interesting alternative self-drive route along the banks of the Okavango River between Rundu and Divindu. While in Rundu be sure to visit the Khemo Open Market, which usually has a well-stocked and wide variety of famed Kavango woodcarvings while the thriving Rundu Market, which has been in existence for 20 years, is a great place to support local businesses touting everything from fresh fish and local fruits and veg to second-hand clothing, CDs and other souvenirs. Birders will be in their element as the Kavango region is home to more than 400 species of bird, such as the rarely-sighted Souza’s Shrike, Grey-headed Parrot and Sharp-tailed Starling amongst many more other species like African Skimmer and Carmine Bea-eater.
There are
plenty of well-maintained lodges along the river with hides erected specifically for bird-lovers to view these exquisite animals around waterholes.
Intrepid 4×4 enthusiasts can head south to the wild and unspoilt
Khaudum Game Park for an experience they won’t soon forget. The road to the park from from Katare, in the north, is extremely difficult and only experienced 4×4 travellers should attempt this. Home to some of Namibia’s most magnificent wildlife, the park is known for its predators including lion, cheetah, hyena and the elusive wild dog. The remoteness of the park means it’s hard to reach without a 4×4 and as there are no luxury camps within the park’s confines, brave visitors will sleep in unsecured camps next to their wild African neighbours.
For the less adventurous,
Mahango Game Reserve, on the border of Botswana is one of Namibia’s undiscovered gems. This pocket sized park provides fantastic opportunities for game viewing and it is not uncommon to see over 10 different species in less than an hour. The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife including Roan, Sable and Sitatunga.
Some of the Lodges alongside Okavango River:
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