Start: Onguna Tamboti Campsite
Destination: Nkwazi Lodge And Camping Site
Region: Kavango East
Distance: 435 km
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
Overnight Stay: Nkwazi Lodge And Camping Site
Route Profile: Gravel road, paved road
Wildlife: Antelopes, ostriches, birds, goats, sheep, cattle
Shopping: SPAR Grootfontein
Food: Muesli, bread, peanut butter, banana, snacks, spaghetti with tomato sauce

Route Details from Etosha to Nkwazi Lodge And Camping Site

One of our main goals on this trip is to explore the Caprivi Strip. This narrow region stretches northeast of Namibia and is traversed by impressive rivers such as the Okavango, Kwando, Chobe, and Zambezi. Here, in the heart of southern Africa, we expect some of the most fascinating safari experiences ever. We are particularly excited about the possibility of water safaris. Since we didn't see any big cats in Etosha National Park, we are now even more eager to see crocodiles and hippos in their natural habitat.

Our journey first takes us towards Grootfontein. In Tsumeb, we will replenish our supplies at the local Spar supermarket. From there, we will continue our drive to Rundu. As we head north, the area becomes more lively. Along the road, there are small settlements, goods being sold, chickens, goats, and dogs lounging in the midday heat, and children running around in their colorful school uniforms, laughing and waving at us. It is a bustling scene and a welcome change from the remote and lonely roads of Namibia. We thoroughly enjoy the entire drive to the north, which is marked by cheerfulness and joy.

View from the restaurant at Onguna Tamboti Campsite overlooking the waterhole.

Finally, we reach the Nkwazi Lodge and Camping Site, our first destination just before the Caprivi Strip. The lodge itself is situated right on the banks of the majestic Okavango River. The green grass and colorful blooms create a fascinating contrast to the dry landscape we have experienced so far. Our campsite is spread over a lush, green meadow that practically invites us to take a relaxing break.

Everything in color - what a contrast to Etosha National Park.

In the background, the Okavango River and Angola.

Originally, we planned to visit a nearby village to get a closer look at the local culture. However, we ended up staying at the lodge, playing badminton, enjoying the peace and beauty of the surroundings, and preparing a delicious dinner. This place is a brief stop on our journey further into the fascinating Caprivi Strip. We enjoyed the sunset and twilight at the riverbank, overlooking Angola, with a glass of Namibian wine.

Cozy evening hours at the Okavango River on the Angolan border.

As a small note, we want to mention that we decided against taking malaria prophylaxis medications. During our last trip and on this one, we did not encounter any mosquitoes. Additionally, I once spoke with a German professor who assured me that malaria is relatively rare in the Caprivi Strip. The side effects of the medications can be quite bothersome. Therefore, we opted not to take prophylactic medications. We always used a strong mosquito repellent and wore long clothing in the evenings (when possible). Ultimately, it's important to get well-informed, speak with a tropical medicine specialist, and make an individual decision about what is best for you.