Rivers in the Desert?
- sandra0271
- Jun 1
- 2 min read
Yes, Please!
When you think of Namibia, the first thing that likely comes to mind is desert — endless dunes,
dry landscapes, and that vast, golden silence. And yes, Namibia certainly has plenty of that.
But did you know… we also have rivers? Real, flowing, vibrant rivers!
Of course, some of them are shy — like the dry riverbeds that hardly see a drop of water. But if you travel up to the north, into that little arm on the map called the Caprivi Strip, you’ll find some of the most beautiful waterways: the Kavango, the Kwando, and the mighty Zambezi.
It may look like a small, unnoticed stretch of land — but trust me, it’s not. In fact, it’s one of Namibia’s best-kept secrets.
An Adventure with Dad
This time, I had the joy of traveling with my dad. Our destination? The Kavango River, now also called the Chobe — a 1,500 km-long arm of the Zambezi. And getting there was half the adventure: Three countries, three borders — Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia — all within four hours!
(And yes, we collected all three stamps proudly, like true explorers.)
We travelled by plane, safari car, and boat — definitely not your usual road trip!
The journey itself was stunning: The river shimmered under the sun, the grasses along the banks danced in the wind, and the wildlife greeted us with their usual flair.
We saw crocodiles elegantly sliding into the water, hippos rolling their ears at us, elephants bathing joyfully, and birds showing off their coats in every colour you can imagine.
Sunsets and the Circle of Life
But what stayed with me most were the sunsets. Whether from a small boat drifting along the river, or from our cozy lodge veranda, sitting quietly next to my dad — every sunset felt like the world holding its breath for a moment.
Golden skies melting into peaceful waters. Just magic.Of course, nature reminds you gently (or not so gently) that you’re still in the wild here.
Crocodiles lurking in the water, the sounds of the bush at night — it’s all part of the “circle of life” (yes, the real one, not just Disney’s version!).
Why You Should Visit
If you ever come to Namibia — and I really hope you do — promise me one thing: Go north. Visit the Caprivi. It’s a part of Namibia that feels like a completely different world — lush, vibrant, full of surprises — and absolutely unforgettable.
I can only recommend putting the Caprivi on your travel bucket list. It’s wild. It’s grounding. It’s beautiful. Just like life
itself.
Have you already visited the Caprivi? I’d love to hear your story!
Until next time,
From Sandra’s pen, Namibia
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