Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
NORTHERN NAMIBIA
The country's most densely populated region, and undeniably its cultural heartland, north-
ern Namibia is a place for some serious African adventure. It is where endless skies meet
distant horizons in an expanse that will make you truly wonder if this could be your
greatest road trip of all time. There is space out here to think, and you may just find your-
self belting down a dirt road hunched over the steering wheel, pondering in detail
whatever's on your mind…for many hours. Northern Namibia is the place for serious prob-
lem solving, all induced by that unforgettable landscape.
Northern Namibia takes form and identity from the Caprivi Strip, where, alongside tradi-
tional villages, a collection of national parks are being repopulated with wildlife after many
decades of war and conflict. At the time of independence, these parks had been virtually
depleted by poachers, though years of progressive wildlife management have firmly placed
the region back on the safari circuit.
Geography
Known as the Land of Rivers, Northern Namibia is bounded by the Kunene and Okavango
Rivers along the Angolan border, and in the east by the Zambezi and the Kwando/Mashe/
Linyanti/Chobe river systems. In the northeast, the gently rolling Kavango region is domin-
ated by the Okavango River. East of Kavango is the spindly Caprivi Strip, a flat, unexcep-
tional landscape that is characterised by expanses of acacia forest. Along the border with
Botswana is the Otjozondjupa region, a wild and thinly populated strip of scrub forest that
is home to several scattered San villages.
Getting Around
As a major population centre, Owamboland is comparatively well served by combis
(minibuses), and hitching here is fairly easy due to the higher density of people. The C46
and B1 are both sealed and in good condition, but off these routes road maintenance is
poor, and a 4WD is required in places, especially after the rain. Petrol is available at
Oshakati, Ondangwa, Oshikango and Uutapi (Ombalantu).
If you're transiting the Caprivi Strip en route to Victoria Falls, Intercape Mainliner con-
nects Livingstone (Zambia) to Windhoek. This route is sealed in its entirety and suitable for
all 2WD vehicles. However, a high-clearance vehicle, preferably with 4WD, is necessary
for visiting any of the national parks.
