Situated east of the capital city of Windhoek, the area of the Kalahari North can be found in the northeastern reaches of Namibia. The expansive Kalahari Desert spans over seven countries, some of which include: South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. The Okavango River Delta forms part of the northern region of the desert creating an array of waterways and wetlands which support an abundant variety of wildlife. The northern central region is home to ancient dry riverbeds called 'omuramba'. Kalahari North is blanketed in endemic acacia- camelthorn trees, ephemeral rivers, a fossil watercourse and boasts a reasonably regular rainfall, making it the ideal habitat to support fauna and flora. Visitors can enjoy a comfortable stay at one of many lodges and guest farms dotting the area and explore the pristine landscape.
Situated in east Botswana near the border of Zimbabwe, Francistown is the second largest city in the country. Known as the gateway to Maun and Kasane in the north, it serves as an excellent stopover for tourists as it is conveniently located along the main road from Gaborone to Kasane. Dubbed the ‘Capital of the North’, Francistown was originally started as a gold rush and mining town and today it has developed into a thriving urban centre. Visitors can enjoy several attractions including: the Supa Ngwao Museum, exhibiting traditional wood carvings and local cultural displays; the Domboshaba Ruins, a series of centuries-old stone walls and enclosures; and Tachila Nature Reserve, inhabited by abundant wildlife such as hyena, warthog, leopard, kudu and much more.
Situated on the banks of the Khwai River near the famous Okavango swamp, the village of Khwai is set in the North-West District of Botswana. The village fringes the magnificent Moremi Game Reserve which is known for its incredible array of wildlife. It serves as a gateway to the reserve as it is set just outside the North Gate. of Moremi. Khwai provides an excellent base from which to explore the spectacularly scenic surrounding area. It is to be home to some of Botswana's most beautiful landscapes which feature vast grass plains, a patchwork of lagoons, shallow pans and lush woodland forests. Visitor can look forward to spotting a fantastic variety of wildlife, learning about the San community and enjoying a wide selection of ecotourism activities. Commonly spotted wildlife species include: lion, leopard, elephant, cheetah, hippo, wild dog and buffalo.
Situated 180 kilometres north of Francistown, the small village of Nata is a popular stopover between Maun and Kasane along the ‘game drive route’ (there is often a chance to catch a glimpse of wildlife along the way). The unique surrounding landscapes feature white sand, tall termite mounds, and Mokolwane palm trees. The Nata Sanctuary is a particular highlight for avid bird watchers, where lucky visitors can be rewarded with large flocks of Flamingos and Pelicans, which breed here each year. The town is also a perfect base for exploring the legendary and spectacular Makgadikgadi Pans, where quad biking and four-wheel-drive tours can be enjoyed.
Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Botswana, on the banks of the famous Chobe River, the scenic little town of Kasane rests on the doorstep of the spectacular Chobe National Park. There are no boundary fences separating the village from the park and game such as elephant and hippo are often spotted roaming around the town. If on the lookout for elusive game, pay a visit to the Sedudu Valley Road, where large dead trees provide temporary homes for leopards. Within Kasane, an ancient baobab tree stands on display, once serving as a local prison. Visitors can look forward to a multitude of activities including: enjoying a game drive through the park, taking a sunset cruise down the Chobe River, visiting a local village or jumping on a day trip to the breathtaking Victoria Falls.
Resting on the southern banks of the Zambezi River at the western end of the eponymous falls, this popular tourist town is compact enough to walk around and makes an ideal base for travellers exploring the seventh wonder of the world, the unfathomably vast Victoria Falls. About two thirds of the falls can be viewed from the Zimbabwean side and, while the falls are undoubtedly the star attraction, the area provides both adventure seekers and sightseers with plenty of opportunities to warrant a longer stay. Popular activities include scenic flights over the falls in helicopters or micro lights, bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge, white-water rafting (seasonal), and day trips to Chobe National Park. The town itself offers some excellent accommodation and restaurant options as well as an eclectic variety of African curios and authentic art sold by friendly Zimbabwean locals who are wonderfully welcoming and eager to help you enjoy your stay.
Meandering through the spectacular Caprivi Strip in northwest Namibia, the Kwando River rises from the central Angolan highlands forming the boundary between Namibia, Zambia and Angola. The area surrounding the Kwando River is known for its protected game reserves, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. It offers excellent game viewing with the perennial waters of the river attracting plentiful wildlife including large herds of elephant, hippos, crocodiles, red lechwe, turtles, zebra, impala, spotted-necked otters and over 400 species of bird. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing stay at one of the many lodges set on the banks of the river and soak up the spectacular views of wild Africa. Popular activities include: game viewing, bird watching, fishing, and camping.
Set roughly 200 kilometres east of Rundu on the southeastern banks of the great Okavango River, the small village of Divundu is a wonderful destination from which to explore the river, game parks and national reserves of the area. Visitors can enjoy fishing or bird watching boat safaris, or visit the Mahango Game Park, which is home to herds of elephant as well as hippo, buffalo, giraffes, antelope, and many other animals. The spectacular Popa Falls, a dramatic series of cascades - are a popular must-see attraction. Divundu is also the perfect base for adventures in Botswana and the Okavango Delta.
Bordering Angola, on the banks of the Okavango River in northern Namibia, the town of Rundu serves as the capital of the eastern Kavango region. Rundu is renowned for its local woodcarvers market as well as the numerous woodcarvers' huts dotting the side of the road. The town provides a great stopover to refuel for visitors heading to Katima Mulilo as well as an excellent base from which to explore the magnificent surrounding areas. Visitors to Rundu can enjoy the beautiful surrounds including the magnificent Popa Falls and Mahangu Game Reserve. Other popular activities include: great game viewing, excellent bird watching as well as kayaking on the spectacular Kavango river.
A hidden gem found in Namibia's Otjozondjupa region, Otavi is a small farming town and peaceful gateway to the beautiful Otavi Mountainlands. As it offers a selection of cosy accommodation options, including bed and breakfasts, self-catering units, hotels, guest houses and camping facilities, the town serves as a convenient stopping point to nearby tourist attractions. Approximately 35 kilometres east of Otavi is the Ghaub Cave, a fascinating underground network of rock formations, calcified waterfalls, crystal clusters and 2.5 kilometres of channels, passageways, rocky halls and a glittering underground lake. Several kilometres past the cave is the famous Hoba Meteorite – the world's largest known meteorite found to date. For further exploration, Otavi's strategic position along the three-way intersection of the B1, B8 and the C39 ensures seamless access to the Etosha National Park, the Caprivi Strip, and the "Bushmenland".
