- The stretch of land was granted to what was then German South West Africa in 1890 as part of the Heligoland–Zanzibar Treaty. The aim was to give the colony access to a river route eastward via the big rivers flowing through Caprivi.
- Before that, local people lived in what was then called Itenge — under rule of kingdoms such as those of the Lozi people.
- Under colonial rule and later under mandate/administration by South Africa, the region had a different status than much of Namibia because of its isolation and geography.
- After Namibia gained independence and administrative reorganisations, the name changed in 2013 from Caprivi Region to Zambezi Region — a move to remove colonial‑era names.
- The region holds a mix of indigenous cultures — Bantu‑speaking communities such as Subiya, Mbukushu, Mafwe, Totela, and others. Some smaller groups from Khoisan origin live in parts of the western strips. The region speaks many languages; a lingua franca is Silozi language in parts.
- Caprivi is a long narrow corridor in the northeast of Namibia. Its length is about 450 km, and width varies between roughly 32 to 105 km.
- It lies between Angola to the north, Botswana to the south, Zambia to the east, and includes rivers such as the Okavango, Kwando, Linyanti/Chobe, and Zambezi.
- The terrain is flat plains on a swampy northern margin of the greater Kalahari basin. Wetlands, rivers, floodplains, reed‑beds, marshes and forests dominate much of the area.
- Within Caprivi are protected zones and conservation areas, including Bwabwata National Park (which includes former reserves like Mahango Game Park), and other wetlands / game areas along rivers.
- The period from May to October — the dry season — is often the best time. Water levels drop a little and animals gather around rivers and waterholes. That makes wildlife easier to spot. Roads and trails are more navigable too.
- Rainy season (roughly November to April) brings lush scenery, swollen rivers and wetlands. That works if you enjoy birding, water, fishing or a green landscape — but roads may flood and access becomes harder.
- For bird‑watchers, wet season brings migratory and aquatic bird species — a perk if you’re into ornithology.
- For classic safari game‑viewing, the dry months (particularly June to September) tend to hit the sweet spot — good weather, accessible parks, concentrated wildlife.
- Boat or canoe safaris on rivers like the Kwando, Chobe or Zambezi. These water‑based excursions let you see hippos, elephants, buffalo, crocodiles and waterbirds from a different angle than land drives.
- Game drives in protected areas such as Bwabwata, Mahango, Mudumu or Nkasa Rupara. These reserves give access to savannah, floodplain, wetlands and woodland — good for spotting antelope, elephants, buffalo, predators and more.
- Bird‑watching. Caprivi supports many bird species — residents and migrants. For a bird lover, there are wetland birds, raptors, aquatic birds, forest and savannah birds.
- Fishing and fishing safaris. The rivers hold species like tiger fish and others. Fishing — whether sport‑fishing or local style — is part of the water‑based activity mix.
- Cultural interaction. The people living there — from Bantu‑speaking communities — live along rivers and in villages. Visiting local communities gives a chance to understand traditional lifestyle, agriculture, fishing and river‑based living.
- Caprivi is home to large mammals seldom seen elsewhere in Namibia. Elephants move through as a corridor between countries. Buffalo, hippos, giraffes, various antelope such as sable and roan, plus smaller species — all are part of the fauna.
- Predators roam there too: lions, leopards, wild dogs, hyenas — though sightings are never guaranteed, as animals roam widely in wetlands and forests.
- Aquatic and semi‑aquatic species including crocodiles and hippos live in rivers and marshes. Rivers allow habitat variety that supports such life.
- Birdlife is extensive. The wetlands, floodplains, rivers and forest patches attract waterbirds, migratory species, raptors, and more — offering one of the richest bird‑watching opportunities in Namibia.
- Vegetation: the riverine and wetland zones have reeds, floodplain grasses, woodland, tropical‑savanna plants. The presence of permanent water supports green growth uncommon in dryer Namibian zones.
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