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A complex network of rivers and relatively high summer rainfall have created a fertile wilderness of riverine forests, flood plains, swamps and open woodland in the Kavango and Caprivi. For freshwater angling enthusiasts, canoeists and whiteriver rafters, the far north east offers much excitement and challenge.
The major centre in Caprivi, the gateway to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and the Chobe National Park in Botswana, is Katima Mulilo. The proximity of the region to Angola, Botswana and Zambia with their active craft industries, gives impetus to Caprivian artists and craftspeople. Caprivi pots and baskets are noted for their distinctive beauty and symmetry.
The Caprivians' fine workmanship can be seen and purchased at the Caprivi Art Centre, situated next to the hospital in Katima Mulilo, the Ngoma Crafts Centre near the Ngoma border post where travellers cross into Botswana, the Mashi Crafts Centre at Kongola in East Caprivi and at the Lizauli Traditional Village, where a program of traditional music and dance gives visitors an insight into Caprivian culture.
There are a number of excellent lodges in Caprivi. Lianshulu Lodge & Bush Lodge, situated in the Mudumu National Park on the banks of the Kwando River, has a lounge and pub area that opens onto spacious wooden decks, affording uninterrupted views of the Kwando River and its riverine forests. A
Impalila Island Lodge, centred round two baobab trees on Impalila Island at the confluence of the Zambezi and Chobe rivers, offers excellent opportunities for tiger fishing and bird watching. Another lodge offering its guests a truly African experience in pristine surroundings is Susuwe Island Lodge, on the banks of the Kwando River.
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