The air feels heavy, and I take a deep breath. I pause for a second, not take in the crumbling remains, but to feel them. There is a strange reverence in the ruins – a reminder of difficult times when the forest was filled with fear and survival.
I can almost see soldiers preparing for battle and reading letters from their loved ones, escaping the reality of war. Then the scene suddenly shifts as a herd of impalas moves gracefully through the golden light. The songs of the birds fill the bush; it is a reminder of peaceful days. In the far northeastern parts of Namibia lies the thumb of country – the Caprivi Strip or Zambezi region. This strip is a narrow panhandle that is about 450 km long. This lush green region forms a strong contrast with the rest of the Namibian landscape. Rich in history and wildlife, this region is a sort of hidden gem. The Caprivi Strip is bordered by Botswana, Zambia and Angola.
Photo credits: Janke Murray
Historically the Caprivi Strip was part of Baroseland which was under the Lozi kingdom. But around the 1890s a German Chancellor, Leo von Caprivi, negotiated the land with the United Kingdom in exchange for Zanzibar. This allowed Germany to access the mighty Zambezi River, the route to Africa’s East Coast. The name of the Strip was in honour of the Chancellor. It also bore witness to continuous military activity and various attacks on enemy territory. Namibia has struggled for many years to gain independence from South Africa and on 26 August 1966 the South African Border War broke out between PLAN and the South African security forces.
South Africa deployed specialist counter-insurgency units such as Koevoet and 32 Battalion to the Namibian border. After the Border War in 1990, Namibia managed to gain its independence and today these military bases remain as a reminder of the country’s history. This region is rich in natural wildlife and mineral resources. Several national parks such as, Bwabwata, Mudumu and Nkasa Rupara protect the area’s wildlife. It serves as a corridor for the African elephant moving between Botswana, Namibia, Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Not only is it home to hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, elephants, lions, wild dogs, sable, sitatunga and lechwe but it is a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Photo credits: Janke Murray
With over 400 species recorded, it is one of Namibia’s premier destinations for bird lovers. Unlike the rest of Namibia, the Caprivi Strip is lush oasis with abundant water resources such as the Zambezi, Okavango, Chobe, Kwando and Linyanti rivers. The Caprivi Strip stands apart from the rest of the country and definitely deserves a spot on the bucket list! Visitors can enjoy ample activities such as boat cruises, canoeing, tiger fishing and of course game viewing! Namibia is so much more than just a desert.
Author: Janke Murray