* An hour or two in Katima Mulilo should be planned for refuel, visiting the crafts market and do some shopping.
* However Katima Mulilo is surrounded by many attractions and travellers should plan to spend at least one night in the Caprivi.

Although small, Katima Mulilo is a fully fledged town with:
* 24 hours petrol stations
* Vehicle repair
* Banking facilities
* Several stores
* Restaurants & bars
* Airport
* Tourist Information Centre
* Streetmarket with arts & crafts


  Branch with Bureau de Change
  Zambezi Shopping Centre
  Mon - Fri: 08h30 - 15h30
  Sat:  08h30 - 12h00
  Hours may vary.

Itinerary
From Katima Mulilo, travellers can enter Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Possible routes include:
* From Katima Mulilo through Botswana back to Windhoek (a minimum of 5 days should be planned for such a trip)
* From Katima Mulilo to Victoria Falls or Livingstone and fly out from there.
* Fly to Windhoek from Katima Mulilo

Malaria
Katima Mulilo falls in the malaria area. Travellers should read the basic Malaria precautions and guidelines

Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls
Zimbabwe is currently a 'difficult' destination, and many car rental companies will not allow their vehicles to enter Zimbabwe. In Zimbabwe, holding foreign currency is not allowed, nor will travellers be allowed to take foreign or Zimbabwean currency out of country. Foreign currency deals outside of official channels are illegal. If the traveller wishes to see the Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwe side, and not from Livingstone in Zambia, it is advisable to pre-book activity with an operator in Zimbabwe rather than visit Zimbabwe on their own.
Please also see Zambia visa requirements

Photographing the Zambesi bridge
Travellers should be advised not to take photos of the Zambesi bridge, as they may be stopped by security patrols and asked to erase the photos.

Onward travel to Botswana
Travellers should be advised that meat or dairy products are not allowed into Botswana, and should not pack any meat or dairy into the coolbox unless they plan to eat these before crossing the border.
Please also see Botswana visa requirements

The rainy season
During the rainy season, normally December to April, the Zambezi regularly overflows its banks, so travellers should call and enquire about the road conditions in advance and, if necessary, request a transfer to the lodge. Switch to a 4x4 vehicle with excellent ground clearance and read the basic advice on driving in mud and swamps is also advicable.

Tiger fishing
While the river is in flow, large amounts of sediments make the tiger fish lethargic, and they may be difficult to find. The best time for tigerfishing is normally when the water levels are low. This is normally from September to October.

Safety by the rivers
The rivers of Caprivi are home to crocodiles and hippos. Travellers should approach river banks, particularly those with reeds, cautiously, and should not approach to close to the banks of rivers. Most lodges have safe viewing decks with views over the river. Read the guidelines on safety by rivers. Travellers should not swim in standing water, as there is a danger of contracting bilharzia. Travellers should be advised that the best way to see the river, with the best chance of seeing local wildlife is on an activity with an experienced local operator.

In Katima Mulilo
* Located on the banks of the Zambezi River
* Streetmarket with arts & crafts

Outside Katima Mulilo
* Wildlife not normally seen in the rest of Namibia
* Exceptional birdwatching
* Tiger fishing
* Mamili National Park
* Mudumu National Park
* Bwabwata National Park
* Impalila Island
* Lake Liambezi
* Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe and Zambia)
* Chobe National Park in Botswana

There is a large streetmarket in the centre of Katima Mulilo where a range of local crafts are on offer, including woven baskets, carvings and clay pots. Other crafts are brought across the borders from Zambia and Zimbabwe. Local dishes and beverages are also on offer.

As the Caprivi lies in the subtropics, the scenery and environment of the Caprivi is unlike that of the rest of Namibia.

The Caprivi is extremely flat without a single hill, and only small variations in contours along rivers. The extensive Kalahari sands and the numerous rivers with the associated flood plains are the two major features that shape the landscape. There are six major land types in the Caprivi:

* The Kavango, Kwando, Zambezi, Linyanti and Chobe rivers make up areas of open water.
* The floodplains associated with these rivers are dominated by grasslands.
* Riverine woodlands in the Kavango, Zambezi and Kwando river valleys are characterised by a high diversity of tall trees.
* The old river drainage areas are characterized by Mopane woodlands.
* The Kalahari woodlands of the Mukwe area, Caprivi strip and eastern Caprivi are dominated by low sand dunes and inter-dune vegetation.
* Impalila Island unlike the rest of the Caprivi does not have a wind blown sand deposit but a base of basalt rock, giving rise to the Impalila woodlands.

The parks and environments around Katima Mulilo and in the Caprivi offer travellers an excellent opportunity to see animals that are not seen or not easily seen in the rest of Namibia.

* Water-adapted antelopes include the puku and Sitatunga
* Other antelopes include impala, duiker, tsessebe, lechwe, sable, roan and reedbuck.
* Preditors include lion, leopard, hyena, cheetah and the extremely rare wild dog.
* Other notable wildlife includes hippo, elephant, Cape buffalo and crocodile.

With over 450 recorded bird species and a large variety of habitets ranging from savanah, river, riverine forests, floodplains, grasslands and mopanie forest the Caprivi is regarded as one of the best birding spots on the African continent.

Below just some of the brid species that have been recorded

• African-fish eagle
• African Pygmy-Goose
• African Skimmer
• Lesser Jacana
• Lesser Moorhen
• Long-toed Lapwing
• Osprey
• Red-headed Quelea
• Rock Pratincole
• Rufous-bellied Heron
• Slaty Egret
• Southern Carmine Bee-eater
• White-crowned Lapwing

• African Mourning Dove
• Blue-cheeked Bee-eater
• Chirping Cisticola
• Coppery-tailed Coucal
• Hartlaub's Babbler
• Pennant-winged Nightjar hawk
• Rosy-throated Longclaw
• Southern Brown-throated Weaver
• Swamp Boubou
• Swamp Nightjar
• Swamp Warbler
• Tropical Boubou
• White-browed Coucal

• African Finfoot
• Half-collared Kingfisher
• Little Bittern
• Pel's Fishing-Owl
• Western Banded Snake-Eagle
• White-backed Night-Heron

• Broad-tailed Paradise-Whydah
• Green-backed Honeybird
• Meyer's Parrot
• Orange-winged Pytilia
• Thrush Nightingale

The tiger fish, an extremely aggressive predator, is found in the waters around the Caprivi. Although not well known, it is regarded as one of the most challenging and exciting fish for fresh water anglers.
Catches of 1 - 5 lb are common, but catches of up to 16 lb have been recorded. Most accommodation establishments in the area offer tiger fishing as a part of their activities.

* The main roads between Rundu and Katima Mulilo and between Victoria Falls and Katima Mulilo are tarred.
* The areas surrounding Katima Mulilo, particularly Mudumu and Mamili, may require a 4x4 vehicle with high ground clearance, especially in the rainy season.
* It is advisable to book trips into the remoter parts of the Caprivi using experienced local activity operators or accommodation establishments.

* Mudumu National Park
* Mamili National Park
* Impalila Island
* Bwabwata National Park
* Popa Falls
* Mahango Game Park
* Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
* Livingstone (Zambia)
* Chobe National Park (Botswana)

Mudumu National Park
Mudumu National Park to Katima Mulilo is approx. 135 km
* From Mudumu drive north on the C49 to Kongola (approx. 45 km)
* From Kongola drive east on the B8 to Katima Mulilo (approx. 90 km)
The C49 is gravel road and the B8 is tar road.

Mudumu National Park scenic route
Mudumu National Park scenic route to Katima Mulilo is approx. 140 km
* From Mudumu drive south east on the C49 to the B8 turn off (approx. 132 km)
* Turn right onto the B8 and drive to Katima Mulilo (approx. 8 km)
The C49 is gravel road and the B8 is tar road.
Note: During rainy season, ask about the condition of the C49 before taking the scenic route.

Popa Falls through Bwabwata National Park
Popa Falls through Bwabwata National Park to Katima Mulilo is approx. 343  km
* From Popa Falls drive north on the C48 to the B8 turn off (approx. 6 km)
* Turn right onto the B8 and drive to Kongola (approx. 247 km)
* From Kongola continue on the B8 to Katima Mulilo (approx. 90 km)
The C48 is gravel road and the B8 is tar road.

Impalila Island

Note: Although Impalila Island is in Namibia, access to the island is from Kasane in Botswana. Guests are transfered by boat from Kasane to Impalila Island.

Impalila Island to Katima Mulilo is approx. 122 km
* After your boat transfer from Impalila Island to Kasane and completion of the border crossing formalities drive west to the Ngoma border crossing (approx. 56 km)
* After completion of the border crossing formalities drive on the B8 to Katima Mulilo (approx. 66 km)
The entrie route is on tar road.

Livingstone (Zambia)
Livingstone (Zambia) to Katima Nulilo is approx. 197 km
* From Livingstone drive to the Sesheke border post (approx. 193 km)
* After completion of the border crossing formalities drive south to Katima Mulilo (approx. 4 km)
Note: Although the road from Livingstone to Sesheke is tarred the trip can take up to 4 hours as the road can be in a disastrous state. In the rainy season a 4x4 is advicable.

Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) to Katima Mulilo is approx. 197 km
* From Victoria Falls drive through the Zambezi National Park to the Kazangula border crossing (approx. 60 km)
* After completion of the border crossing formalities drive to Ngoma border crossing (approx. 71 km).
* After completion of the border crossing formalities drive on the B8 to Katima Mulilo (approx. 66 km)
The entrie route is on tar road.
Note: Be prepared for long waiting times at the Kazangula border crossing. If travelling from Katima Mulilo to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe insure that you have enough fuel and that the car rental company permits the vehicle to enter Zimbabwe.

The Zambezi Bridge or Bridge 508 crosses the Zambezi River from Katima Mulilo to Sesheke in Zambia. The bridge is considered one of the most remarkable engineering structures in southern Africa. The structure is also the corner stone and end point of the Trans-Caprivi Highway from Walvis Bay to Ndola and a corner stone of Namibia's economic development. Before independence Namibia's transportation network was limited to a connection to South Africa. This one-sided transport situation made Namibia economically dependent on South Africa and was a major restrained on Namibia's economic development. The Trans-Caprivi Highway with Bridge 508 opened Namibia up to trade and further economic development and to a degree has reduced Namibia's dependence on South Africa.

Note: Travellers should not take photos of the bridge.

Katima Mulilo Airstrip (FYKM)
South: 17 degrees 38’ 00”
East: 24 degrees 11’ 00"
Elevation: 3,230 feet
Length: 1,981 meters
Width: 39 meters
Direction: 09/27
Surface: Aspalt
Note: For ATS and Customs & Immigration please contact Namibian Airport Company AD administration at Tel.: ++ 264 - (0)66 - 250 211

Information provided by Red Sky Ventures

At the heart of the far eastern Caprivi, surrounded by subtropical forests and swamps, Katima Mulilo offers travellers the best of the Caprivi. Travellers can explore the rivers and their banks from motor launches or dugout canoes, enjoy exceptional bird watching in a wetland of international importance, take excursions to find hippo, elephants, buffalo, crocodile, and rare antelopes, or set off with a rod and real in search of the ferocious tiger fish.

At the heart of the far eastern Caprivi, surrounded by subtropical forests and swamps, Katima Mulilo offers travellers the best of the Caprivi. Starting with a warm welcome and genuine hospitality, travellers can explore the rivers and their banks from motor launches or dugout canoes, take excursions to find hippo, elephants, buffalo and crocodile, or set off with a rod and real in search of the ferocious tiger fish.

Some of the parks which can be visited with experienced operators include Mamili and Mudumu. In the rugged terrain of these protected wilderness areas, travellers may be lucky enough to catch a rare glimpse of  lechwe, sitatunga and tsessebe antelopes.

The area around Katima Mulilo is particularly rewarding for birdwatchers with over 450 species of birds including wetland and tropical (passerine) species. In fact, so abundant is the birdlife of the area that it is regarded as one of the best birding spots in Africa and a wetland of international importance.

The name Katima Mulilo is derived from the Lozi language and means ‘quenches the fire’. This refers to nearby rapids.

Katima Mulilo falls in the subtropical climate zone. Its weather is hot and humid, particularly in the rainy season from October to March.

Before Namibia was colonised by the Germans, the Caprivi Strip was called Itenge, and ruled by the Lozi Kings. When the British arrived in the area in the late 1800s, Itenge was incorporated into British territory of Bechuanaland.

In July 1890, at a conference between colonial powers, held in Berlin, Count Georg Leo von Caprivi di Caprara di Montecuccoli, then Chancellor of Germany, obtained the Caprivi in terms of the Zanzibar Treaty.

George Leo's administration was marked by an emphasis on trade, and the Caprivi Strip was a perfect example of how he translated his emphasis into practice. The Caprivi Strip gave the Germans access to the Zambezi River, Lake Tanganyika and the Indian Ocean via German East Africa (Tanzania). It also gave them access to four territories: Bechuanaland (Botswana), Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), Northern Rhodesia (Zambia) and Benguela (Angola).

On 7 February 1909, a German administrator by the name of Kurt Streitwolf  proclaimed a German imperial residence in the territory, and named it Schuckmannsburg after the Governor of the time, Bruno Helmut von Schuckmann.

However World War One broke out, and in 1915, the Caprivi Strip, and the rest of the colony surrendered to Union forces, on the side of Britain.

Subsequent to the Treaty of Versailles after World War One, Germany lost its colonial possessions, and the British took control of South West Africa. As the strip was surrounded mainly by British colonies, Shuckmannsburg was no longer an important point of presence and the town was abandoned by 1937, when the regional administration was shifted to Katima Mulilo.

In 1972, under the South African regime, the Caprivi was set up as a self-governing homeland for the Lozi. Self-government was granted in 1976. However in May 1989, prior to Namibia's independence, the notionally independent territory was reincorporated into Namibia.

After Namibia's Independence, the territory became one of Namibia's 13 regions, with its own regional government.

In 1896, a German administrator by the name of Kurt Streitwolf arrived in the territory. He first served as district commissioner in Okahandja and Gobabis before being transferred to the Caprivi. On 7 February 1909, he proclaimed a German imperial residence in the territory, and named it Schuckmannsburg after the Governor of the time, Bruno Helmut von Schuckmann.

His purpose in proclaiming Schuckmannsburg was to assert Germany’s control over the Caprivi Strip. The territory was excellently situated, and gave gave Germany access to the Zambezi River, Lake Tanganyika and the Indian Ocean via German East Africa (Tanzania). It also gave them access to four territories: Bechuanaland (Botswana), Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), Northern Rhodesia (Zambia) and Benguela (Angola).

Subsequent to the Treaty of Versailles after World War One, Germany lost its colonial possessions, and the British took control of South West Africa. As the strip was surrounded mainly by British colonies, Shuckmannsburg was no longer an important point of presence. In 1935, the town of Katima Mulilo was proclaimed, and by 1937, Shuckmannsburg was abandoned.

The Caprivi Strip is named after the man who succeeded Otto von Bismarck as Chancellor of Germany, Count George Leo of Caprivi, Caprara, and Montecuccoli. His full and properly spelled name was Georg Leo Graf von Caprivi de Caprara de Montecuccoli.

George Leo was born in February 1831 in Charlottenburg, to a family with Italian origins. He joined the army in 1849 and went on to serve in the  Austro-Prussian War in 1866. His record of promotions indicates a good officer. During the 1870 Franco-Prussian War, he held the rank of a corps Chief of Staff. He went on to serve as Chief of the Imperial Admiralty from 1883 to 1888. He then commanded the Tenth Army Corps. In February 1890, he was called to Berlin by Kaiser Wilhelm 2, where the Kaiser told him that he would succeed Bismarck resisted changes to the government, proposed by the Kaiser.

Bismarck proved stubborn and, in March 1890, George Leo was appointed Chancellor.

In his capacity as Chancellor, George Leo did much to form Germany's colonial policy. In July 1890, he concluded the Zanzibar Treaty. This gave possession of Zanzibar to the British, but gained Germany the island of Heligoland, as well as the strip of land known as the Caprivi Strip.

George Leo's administration was marked by an emphasis on trade, and the Caprivi Strip was a perfect example of how he translated his emphasis into practice. The Caprivi Strip gave the Germans access to the Zambezi River, Lake Tanganyika and the Indian Ocean via German East Africa (Tanzania). It also gave them access to four territories: Bechuanaland (Botswana), Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), Northern Rhodesia (Zambia) and Benguela (Angola).

During his administration, George Leo held two positions. He was President-Minister of Prussia, as well as Chancellor of Germany. This was accepted as natural, given the power  of Prussia within the hegemony of German states. However in 1892, he suffered a defeat in the Prussian legislature, over an educational bill, and resigned. This made it difficult for him to continue as the German Chancellor as well, and so in October 1894 he was dismissed as Chancellor of Germany, and the Prussian President Minister was dismissed as well. They were succeeded by Prince Chlodwig of Hohenlohe-Schillingsfürst.

Count George Leo of Caprivi, Caprara, and Montecuccoli died on 6 February 1899. Although his approach of opening Germany to the world had little impact on the course of history, and did not prevent the two World Wars, his acquisition of the Caprivi Strip has been an enduring legacy for Namibia.