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Namibia
Namibia is known for its contrasting landscapes. The desolate Namib Desert is said to be the oldest in the world, with its high dunes and awe-inspiring sense of space. The central plateau, with its thorn bush savannah and rugged mountains rising abruptly from the plains, gives way to the majestic Fishriver Canyon in the south. Dinosaur footprints preserved in sandstone, prehistoric rock art, the ancient fossil plant and the Welwitschia mirabilis all bare witness to the timelessness of this country.
The Caprivi Region
The Caprivi region of Namibia is named after the Caprivi Strip on which it is located. The Caprivi Strip is a strip of Namibian land that protrudes 280 miles eastwards out of the very north of the country. The strip is surrounded by Botswana, Angola, Zambia and the Okavango Region of Namibia. Multiple Africa languages are spoken throughout the area, giving it a very multi-cultural feel. Thanks to the four rivers running through the strip the area is very tropical and rich in wildlife (over 450 species) and mineral resources. Geographically the area consists of swamps, floodplains, wetland and woodland.
The regional capital of Caprivi is Katima Mulilo, which translate in English to ‘quenches the fire’ due to the rapids close to its location on the Zambezi River. Katima Mulilo came into existence in 1935 when the British colonial authority took over the area from the Germans who previously governed it.
Climate
Namibia in general receives pretty nice weather all year round; it is in fact renowned for its 300 days sunshine a year! May to October is the dry winter season, with its sunny days and cold nights. December to March it gets hot, with the average temperatures at 30°C. There are also two rainy season – the main one being from January to April with a little rainy season from October to December. The rain does not pour down constantly, you’ll find short bursts and thunder storms are the order of the day.
Caprivi itself has a tropical climate and is the wettest region in Namibia. The high temperatures and all the water make the whole area rather humid!
Free Time
For volunteers staying at the backpacker house, evenings can be spent relaxing at the hostel, watching TV, reading or socialising with other volunteers, or taking a trip to the nearby Zambezi River for dinner, or drinks at one of the safari lodges. Evenings at the safari camp are a more laid back affair and may be spent sitting around the campfire, taking a game-viewing night drive into the national parks, or studying the stars in an astronomy lesson.
Your weekends will be free to spend as you wish. During this time, there is the option to take part in nature walks, boat cruises and game drives, as the region is home to some outstanding national parks including Bwabwata, Mudumu, Mamili and Chobe. Alternatively, travel a few hours by local bus up to the mighty Victoria Falls.
Getting There
You will need to fly into Katima Mulilo in Namibia (airport code MPA), via Windhoek. This means you should fly into Windhoek Airport in Namibia on Thursday morning and then catch a connecting flight across to Katima Mulilo airport at 13.30pm on Thursday afternoon. Upon arrival, you will be met by our project representative and transferred to your programme.
You will be flying back from Katima Mulilo on the Monday flight at 16.00pm where we will arrange an overnight stay for you in Windhoek, which will be payable upon your arrival. On Tuesday, you can then arrange for a transfer to Windhoek International Airport through the backpackers or continue with your own personal travel at your own cost.
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