THE RIVERINE PARADISE of the North-East

Namibia is perhaps better known for its rolling dunes, the sun-blackened dead camel thorn trees of Deadvlei, desertadapted animals and the rich wildlife found around the extensive salt pan of Etosha National Park than for the extreme northeast where you’ll find a landscape not typically associated with the country. From the eastern bank of the Okavango River, the Zambezi Region stretches out like a finger until it reaches

Impalila Island where Namibia borders Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. This region contains two of the five perennial rivers and is known for large populations of elephant and buffalo which congregate along these waterways during the dry winter months. Furthermore, it is rich in other wildlife thanks to the varied habitats that include broad-leafed and acacia woodlands, mopane forests, riverine forests, grasslands and floodplains.

A riverine paradise filled with lush vegetation and tropical birds is found along the banks of the Zambezi.

The Namibian Wetlands Route is a private initiative aimed at promoting this exceptional region as one of Namibia’s top destinations through joint-marketing and branding. Besides luring tourists to stay at some of the top-class accommodation provided by its members, the route also strives to support conservation and sustainable tourism as well as generating revenue for the region and promoting the local culture and history.

The Zambezi Region shares its name with the mighty river that forms the border between Namibia and Zambia when it reaches Katima Mulilo. From here it flows down the tip of Namibia where it borders Zimbabwe. A riverine paradise filled with lush vegetation and tropical birds is found along the banks of the Zambezi.

The Cuando River, originating from the slopes of Mount Tembo in Angola, is known as the Kwando in Namibia where it initially flows in a southerly direction before heading east. On reaching the Linyanti Fault, the river creates a substantial marshy area and becomes known as the Linyanti before turning into the Chobe River and flowing into the Zambezi. Interestingly the Chobe is one of the few rivers in the world that can flow in the reverse direction. That happens during periods when the Zambezi is in full flood.

There are three national parks within the Namibian Wetlands Route. Bwabwata is situated on the western bank of the Kwando and continues for more than 150 km until it reaches the Okavango River. Mudumu is further south, on the eastern bank, and is popular due to the riverine habitat created by the channels of the Kwando. The largest wetland area with conservation status in Namibia lies within Nkasa-Rupara National Park. It is an important corridor for elephants moving from Botswana to Angola and Zambia and it houses the largest concentration of buffaloes in the country. Needless to say, these riverine areas also create the perfect habitat for a broad spectrum of birdlife: they contain more than 400 species.

For more information on the Namibian Wetlands Route and accommodation provided by its members visit www.namibiawetland.com.

Le Roux van Schalkwyk