The Storied History of the Zambezi Region and Bwabwata National Park
Nestled in the heart of Africa, where nature’s majesty meets the echoes of history, lies the Zambezi Region – a land once known as the Caprivi Strip. Today, it is a peaceful haven, even though when we look back into its past, there’s a history of conflict and intrigue. Nevertheless, all of this has shaped it into one of the continent’s most beautiful landscapes.
From Itenga to Caprivi – a shifting landscape
Long ago, the Zambezi Region, then called Itenga, was ruled by the mighty Lozi kings of Zambia. It was a time when the region was already bustling with life, its rivers and forests home to stories untold. But the region’s fate took a dramatic turn when, in the Berlin Conference of 1880, the United Kingdom and the German Empire swapped territories – Germany gave up Zanzibar in exchange for Itenga.
This newly acquired land was renamed the Caprivi Strip, after Count Georg Leo von Caprivi, the German chancellor who brokered the deal. His vision was clear: Germany hoped to link its colonies in South West Africa and East Africa, connecting them through the Zambezi River and Lake Tanganyika.
The administration of this new land was centred in Schuckmannsburg, today known as Luhonono, until 1933, when it was moved to Katima Mulilo. The region’s control was passed back and forth like a chess piece during the years, and after the First World War, South Africa took control of the land until Namibia’s independence in 1990.
Today, Katima Mulilo, meaning “put out the fire,” has blossomed into a vibrant tourist hub, welcoming travellers from across the globe to visit the majestic Victoria Falls and the Chobe National Park.
The strategic Caprivi Strip
The Caprivi Strip is at the crossroads of four nations – Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana – and for decades, it played a strategic role in the conflicts that raged across southern Africa. From the 1970s until the end of the Angolan civil war in 2002, armed forces used this land as a passageway to opposing territories. It was a place of unrest, but today, it is a peaceful region, secure under Namibia’s stable democracy.
Echoes of the past: Fort Doppies and Omega Base
Scattered throughout the Zambezi Region are remnants of the military presence that once defined this land. Fort Doppies, perched on the Kwando River, was named after a mischievous vervet monkey that would steal spent cartridge cases from the base – a playful reminder of the camp’s lighter moments amidst its serious purpose. The camp, established in the 1970s, remained in operation until 1990 when South African forces withdrew. Its mascot, Teddy the Lion, roamed the camp freely, growing up with the soldiers as if he were one of them, playing soccer and swimming in the river.
Nearby, Omega Base, headquarters for the South African Army’s 31 Battalion, became home to thousands of San people, including the !Xun and Khwe groups, who were known for their remarkable bushcraft skills. Their expertise was utilised for military operations, but today, these same skills are being used to aid in wildlife conservation. The base, now a forgotten settlement in Bwabwata National Park, remains a symbol of resilience and change.
A new era in Bwabwata National Park
In 2007, a new chapter began for this region. The former Caprivi Game Park was incorporated into the 6,100 km² Bwabwata National Park, one of Namibia’s most significant conservation areas. The park which encompasses the Golden Triangle west of the Kwando River, was designed to protect the environment as well as generate income for the country – a new model for sustainable tourism and wildlife protection.
Its name, “Bwabwata,” comes from a village within the park, and it is said to represent the sound of bubbling water – a fitting metaphor for the life-giving force that flows through this land.
Today, the Zambezi Region stands as part of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA), one of the largest wildlife conservation areas in the world. Here, the Okavango and Kwando rivers carve their paths through lush floodplains, creating habitats for a wealth of wildlife, including jackalberry trees, wild date palms, and an abundance of birds.
The Horseshoe: a hidden gem
In the heart of Bwabwata lies one of the park’s most enchanting secrets – the Horseshoe, a perennial oxbow lake within the Kwando River system. This tranquil spot is a prime location for wildlife viewing, where elephants, sable, buffalo, lions, and more gather to drink from the shimmering waters. Ancient leadwood trees create a sanctuary for both wildlife and visitors who are drawn to its peaceful serenity.
The Horseshoe is one of those rare places where time slows down and visitors can connect with nature in its purest form. It’s a place without fences, where animals roam freely, and where the echoes of history fade into the background.
At African Monarch Lodges’ Nambwa Tented Lodge and Kazile Island Lodge, the only accommodations near Horseshoe Bend, guests can experience this magical place in comfort and style, all while immersing themselves in the history of the area. The safari lounge at Nambwa, adorned with vintage artifacts and relics from the military past, is a reminder of the region’s layered history.
Transformation happens here
The Zambezi Region and Bwabwata National Park offer more than just wildlife and natural beauty – they offer a journey through time. From the ancient kings of Itenga to the modern-day conservation efforts that protect this extraordinary land, the Zambezi Region has witnessed it all. Whether you’re here to witness the raw beauty of nature or to uncover the stories hidden in the land, the Zambezi Region is ready to awaken your senses.
Download the factsheets for Nambwa Tented Lodge and Kazile Island Lodge to discover more about this incredible region and its soulful accommodation.
