OKAVANGO RIVER
Things to see and do? The Okavango (known as the Kavango River in Namibia) forms the northern border between Namibia and Angola for more than 350 km before it cuts through the Caprivi Strip for 50 km to get to Botswana and the Okavango Delta.
Just south of Divundu the river tumbles down Popa Falls in a series of rapids. If you’re a history buff you can explore the ruins of the 32 Battalion base – it’s on the eastern bank of the river. Further downstream there is also an overgrown cemetery.
Will I see game? Don’t underestimate Mahango Game Reserve. It might be relatively small and your chance of seeing a lion is slim, but you can bank on elephants, roan antelope and red lechwe. The game-viewing route near the river – where you’ll see the most animals – can almost always be driven in a 4x2, but the other route, which takes you to the remote Thingwerengwere waterhole, is very sandy and only accessible in a 4x4.
Bwabwata National Park is on the eastern bank of the river. You need a 4x4 to drive the sandy roads, but you might see a sable antelope or a leopard. It’s not unusual to see large herds of elephant. The river in Bwabwata widens into a large floodplain that looks a lot like the Okavango Delta.
How will it fit into my itinerary? If you’ve been to Etosha and now you want some river views, Rundu is a four-hour drive away. That’s where Okavango activities like fishing and sunset cruises begin.
Best places to stay? Directly south of Divundu. Our pick is Ngepi Camp (see p 122). Fuel? In Divundu.
FIND YOUR WAY
Popa Falls: GPS S18.12445 E21.58330 32 Battalion base: GPS S18.10946 E21.67086 Cemetery: GPS S18.16059 E21.73043 Thingwerengwere waterhole: GPS S18.21392 E21.60713