A History of the Caprivi Region

The Caprivi Region has a unique History. Unlike other Regions in Namibia the Caprivi is something different. Until the end of the 19th century it was known as Intenga and under rule of the Lozi Kings, but later forming part of the British Bechuanaland Protectorate (known as Botswana to day). In 1890 Germany laid claim to the British Administered Island of Zanzibar, but the British objected. This was then settled at the Berlin Conference in 1890 when Queen Victoria acquired Zanzibar and Germany acquired the territory which is now known as the Caprivi Strip. The Caprivi Strip named after the German Chancellor General Count Georg Leo von Caprivi di Caprara di Montecuccoli. The reason behind the swap was to acquire a strip of land that would be added to German South West Africa, linking the Zambezi River, Lake Tanganyika and Indian Ocean via another German colony Tanzania (German East Africa).

The Capital of the Caprivi was at Schuckmansburg until around 1933, when it was moved to Katima Mulilo. It was then administered by South Africa from Pretoria and from 1981 to 1990 was ruled by the Administration for the Caprivians as part of South West Africa. From 1990 to 1992 was the transitional period following Namibian Independence in March 1990. In 1992 the Caprivi became one of the 13 political regions in Namibia with its own Regional Governor and six councillors. Today still the Caprivi has a Governor who governs the Region with six constituencies headed by councillors. There are also Traditional Leaders who govern in the old traditional method with a chief, and all his tribal leaders. Each area is under control of an Induna and the Indunas form the governing body or council.

Eastern Caprivi forms the hand of the extended arm on the north eastern corner of Namibia. This water-rich area is approximately 1.1 million hectares in size. The rivers, as well as the large number of inland waters, offer excellent angling with 93 different species of fish and over 430 recorded birds, with some rare birds being sighted such as Shellysun bird, African Skimmers, Souza Shrike, while the beautiful surroundings offer hours of unequalled pleasure for those who want to venture here.

Katima Mulilo meaning "Put out the Fire" is the capital of the Caprivi and is a fast growing town, with banks, post office, restaurants, hospital, supermarkets, butchery, craft centre and a market to visit. Katima has affordable accommodation, with camping sites, self catering units, fishing, boating and birding trips on offer.

Not far away are the Mudumu- and Mamili National Parks, where only 4x4 vehicles are necessary, permits are available from either the parks themselves, or at the local Ministry of Environment and Tourism office in Katima. There are park fees as well now.

There are a couple of camping areas in the park, but there are no facilities and visitors to these areas must take all their own, water, firewood, etc. Within this area there are also three community campsites, four upmarket lodges, a craft market and a traditional village. The Mamili National Park is a watery wonderland of wildlife, islands, river channels and wetlands. The two large Islands are Nkasa and Lupala and are on the Kwando/Linyanti Rivers. During dry season the Islands can be reached by road, but after the rains 90% of the area becomes flooded, cutting them off from the mainland. Muduma National Park is approximately 100000 hectares of dense savannah and Mopane woodlands with the Kwando River as its western boundary and Botswana on the other side. The Kwando stems from Angola and changes its name as it goes along, ending in the Chobe, which then enters into the Zambezi. The Chobe at Ngoma Border flows both ways, the reason for this is that the Zambezi when in flood pushes the Chobe water back along the banks of Namibia and Botswana.

Katima Mulilo is situated along the banks of the Zambezi River. The Zambezi River has its own history. A few kilometres north of the Zambezi source in the Katanga Province are the headwaters of the Congo River. In the Luakwa Hills which rises to an altitude of some 1500 metres, forms the backbone of this central part of Southern African Plateau. They create the barely perceptible divide between these two great rivers, The Congo and the Zambezi. The Zambezi trickles between mazes of moss-covered tree roots where the sparkling waters of the Zambezi begin.

The Zambezi winds its way through Angola, the Province of Molwezi, the river then re-enters Zambia, from there it meanders through the Luena Flats into the Barotse Flood Plains, and then into Namibia. On one side of the river is Zambia on the other Namibia until it comes to where the four countries (Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana) meet. After that it continues into Botswana and Zambia, followed by Zambia and Zimbabwe, as it slowly meanders to the Victoria Falls, from there into Lake Kariba then entering Mozambique and finally into the Indian Ocean, covering approximately 3000 km from beginning to the end.

Chobe National Park, Livingstone and Victoria Falls are great attractions and they are only two and three hour drives from the Caprivi, The Mainliner/Intercape luxury busses also travel to these destinations, trips are also offered by different establishments in the Caprivi. Air Namibia flies to Katima Mulilo and Victoria Falls, South African Airlines and Nationwide Airlines fly only from SA to Livingstone.



Road Conditions



The road from Rundu to Ngoma Bridge passing Divudu, Kongola and Katima Mulilo is now fully tarred, the new bridge over the Zambezi at Katima Mulilo has been opened for a year now and is approximately two hours drive to Livingstone in Zambia, The road to Lusaka and Kariba Dam is also in good condition, and most of the roads in Zimbabwe and Botswana are in good condition.

The new Bridge across the Zambezi River to Sesheke in Zambia was built on the Katima Mulilo Rapids. The Bridge is in fact situated in Zambia and not Namibia. This bridge also has a history, and is a one of the most remarkable engineering structures in the entire Southern Africa.



Fees:



- For entering Botswana from either RSA or Namibia and planning to go back into Botswana makes a double entry necessary, which costs Pula 90, a one-way entry costs Pula 50, plus Pula 20 for insurance for the year.

- Namibia is still N$ 120 per vehicle one-way. All car rental vehicles with Namibian registration must have a police clearance and a letter of authority.

- To enter Zimbabwe and Zambia visitors must buy a CVG (commercial vehicle clearance, amount payable in Rand (R150) and additional insurance for R250 and carbon tax R140 all valid for one month.SADC passport holders pay no visa fees, but others have to. They can pay in any of the foreign monies at the border (US$ 30, Euro 25, R210, Pula 180). British Passport holders are charged the following: U$ 55, Euro 55. Passports that require VISA for Botswana and Namibia must be obtained before entering these two countries as they are not available at these countries borders. When Tourists wish to go from Zimbabwe to Zambia they must ask for a double entry, otherwise they will have to pay again. If they just go for the day from Zimbabwe to Zambia and do not stay over they can go on their single entry.

- All foreign registered vehicles entering Namibia must pay Cross Border Charges, N$ 120 for the vehicle and N$ 80 for a trailer.

- To enter Zambia R150 for insurance and R 60 for road tax have to be paid. The above prices could change at any time. To enter Zambia make sure that you have red triangles, otherwise they fine you on the spot. Make sure that you have all your vehicle papers and for Namibia registered vehicles you must have a police clearance certificate to leave Namibia.

- All persons travelling not only to Namibia but Africa must have at least two empty pages in the back of their passports, otherwise they could be sent back home, and your passport should be valid for at least six months on entering these countries.



If anybody would like more up to date information or would like to visit our unique Region the Caprivi they can call us at + 264 (0) 66 - 686802/3 or email [email protected]



Information is compiled by Val Sparg August 2005