Five countries, one wild corridor of rivers, wildlife and culture.
There’s a place in Southern Africa where five countries come together in a patchwork of wild rivers, endless plains, and some of the richest wildlife habitats on the continent. This is the Kavango Zambezi region—or “KAZA” for short.
For anyone with a passion for wild places, photographic safaris, and authentic conservation experiences, this is the dreamscape that will make you want to pack your bags a head out to explore it immediately!
KAZA stretches across parts of Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, uniting them through a remarkable commitment to wildlife conservation and eco-conscious tourism. The region is a crossroads not just for countries, but for ancient migration routes, vibrant cultures, and a staggering diversity of ecosystems.
I’ve travelled Southern Africa quite extensively, but the Caprivi and many parts of the KAZA region has eluded me so far, so I was thrilled to be a part of a trip covering this incredible area! Aside from the routing, activities and adventure on offer, I was also very happy to be expertly guided by Nomad, one of our top partners here in Africa.
The thing that sets this trip apart, though, is the route itself. It’s a somewhat unorthodox counterclockwise meander tracing its way through Namibia’s Caprivi Strip (Zambezi Region), down along the Cubango/Kavango River into the lush Okavango Delta. From here you travel on through the parched Northern reaches of the Kalahari Desert and onwards to Kasane, gateway to the Chobe National Park with its floodplains and countless pachyderms milling like ants as far as the eye can see. Finally finishing up with a spot of adventure around Victoria Falls – surely one of the greatest natural wonders of the world! It’s an interesting mix of must-see tourist destinations and hidden gems too.
The Allure of the Kavango Zambezi
The Kavango Zambezi area stands out as a premier tourism destination thanks to its extraordinary variety. Within KAZA’s bounds, you’ll discover the bustling Chobe National Park, the tranquil Okavango Delta, the ancient Tsodilo Hills with their rock art, and the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls—one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
More than just famous attractions, KAZA is a living mosaic. Here, wildlife and people coexist seamlessly across borders. Collaborative conservation projects ensure that animals follow natural migration routes without barriers, offering travelers a chance to witness Southern Africa as a vast, borderless wilderness.
Rivers and Landscapes
The rivers that shape the land:
The Chobe, Zambezi, and Kavango (Okavango) Rivers are KAZA’s lifeblood, carving floodplains, nurturing forests, and sustaining immense elephant herds. A Zambezi River safari delivers unique tranquillity: glide past basking crocodiles, watch hippos at sunset, and glimpse rare birds.
From Desert to Delta:
The regions landscapes shift dramatically, from dry Kalahari scrub to lush floodplains, the green Caprivi Strip to the thunderous Victoria Falls. The Caprivi Strip (now Namibia’s Zambezi Region) is a narrow, wildlife-rich corridor with prolific game viewing and birdwatching along Popa Falls and riverbanks.
Southward, the vast Kalahari desert dominates until the miracle of the Okavango Delta emerges with palm-dotted islands and crystal-clear channels alive with wildlife. Further east lie sprawling salt pans near Nata and remote, untamed wilderness.
Signature wildlife areas
If a Southern Africa safari is your dream, KAZA offers fantastic game viewing.
Throughout KAZA, respectful wildlife safaris abound—guided walks, classic game drives, and sundowner cruises ensure intimate, uncrowded encounters, especially on small group or guided tours with expert local guides. Chobe may be the exception here due to its popularity, but being such a large park with an abundance of wildlife you rarely feel cramped or struggle to get good sightings and photos.
Chobe National Park, hosts Africa’s largest elephant population, with herds stretching endlessly. Lions, leopards, zebras, buffalo, and diverse birds accompany both land and river safaris.
The Okavango Delta’s water-grass mosaic forms one of the world’s richest wildlife sanctuaries. Explore quietly by mokoro or boat, spotting antelope, giraffe, hippos, and tawny eagles. An early morning scenic flight reveals this vibrant oasis from above. This is definitely a highlight of many travellers exploring the area!
Mahangu National Park
Namibia’s Mahangu National Park, less traveled, offers rare sable and roan antelope sightings—a paradise for wildlife photographers seeking solitude.
Bwabwata National Park
Bwabwata National Park blends local culture with wildlife viewing in a unique African park experience.
Conservation at the Heart
KAZA’s defining feature is its commitment to conservation. This vast transfrontier conservation area connects migratory corridors for elephants, big cats, and endangered wild dogs. Traveling here means joining a broader conservation journey, with many lodges providing rich “conservation experiences,” where guests learn about wildlife protection and community-driven tourism.
Eco-lodges and sustainable tours abound, supporting vital projects through low-impact camps, wildlife monitoring, and community visits. Choosing KAZA means your safari dollars help preserve Africa’s wild future.
Culture and History
The wild landscapes here hold deep human history. The Tsodilo Hills in Botswana, dubbed the ‘Louvre of the Desert’ – are covered in ancient rock paintings. Walking these hills, surrounded by artwork millennia old, connects you to a spiritual past.
Engage with local communities by meeting the San people, learning ancient skills, visiting markets, or immersing in riverside village life. Cultural immersion here is natural and respectful, enhanced by eco tours that give back to the communities.
Where to Stay - Comfort in the Wild
After a dusty game drive, there’s nothing like a cold drink on a shaded verandah, sharing stories as the sun sets. Accommodations range from riverside lodges and luxury tented camps in Namibia and Botswana to rustic, well-equipped fly camps that bring you close to the wild. Remote camps like Khwai Tented Camp offer exclusive, unfenced wilderness experiences.
At Elephant Sands near the Makgadikgadi pans, elephants may drink just meters from your porch—classic moments that remain etched in memory. Even stays in bustling hubs like Maun or Kasane bring wildlife to your doorstep, paired with warm hospitality and flavorful meals.
Things to do (beyond game drives)
Adventure at every turn, KAZA offers kayaking, walking safaris, fishing, birding, and adrenaline thrills at Victoria Falls—bungee jumping, white-water rafting, helicopter flights. Whether watching “The Smoke That Thunders” or sipping sunrise coffee over tranquil lagoons, adventure awaits.
The Grand Finale: Victoria Falls
Many KAZA journeys either start or end at Victoria Falls. Known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke That Thunders”), this spectacle is one to behold with it’s incredible scenery and raw power. Explore both Zimbabwean and Zambian sides or amp up excitement with a historic bridge walk, sunrise helicopter flight, or leisurely brunch at the Lookout Café overlooking the falls.
Why KAZA Belongs on Every Traveler’s Bucket List
In the Kavango Zambezi, each day surprises with wonder—from ancient petroglyphs to prowling leopards, river feasts to desert sunsets, all surrounded by vibrant wildlife. Combining stunning landscapes, active conservation, and warm hospitality, KAZA is more than a region—it’s a call to experience Africa’s authentic, living wild.
For those seeking an Africa where tourism and conservation thrive hand in hand, KAZA tops the list—not just for its sights, but for its story. Here, the wild is still unfolding, and for a few precious moments, you become part of it.
