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1 / 3Elevation
1,020 m
Ideal stay
4 days
Nearest airport
Katima Mulilo International Airport (OMD), within town; regional airports include Livingstone International Airport (LIV), Zambia, 120 km; Kasane Airport (BBK), Botswana, 60 km; Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA), Zimbabwe, 150 km
Nearest town: Katima Mulilo itself is the regional hub. Kongola, 60 km west on the B8 highway, is a small settlement offering fuel and basic services. Rundu, 280 km west, is the second-largest town in the Caprivi. Livingstone, Zambia, 120 km northeast, offers international flights and accommodation.
Daily costs range from $150–$400+ per person depending on accommodation and activities. Budget lodges with camping cost $30–$80/night; mid-range riverside lodges run $100–$200/night. Park entry fees and guided game drives add $50–$100/day. Multi-day safari packages through verified operators on SafariFind typically include accommodation, meals, and activities, offering better value than booking separately.
April to October (dry season) is optimal for game viewing, with concentrated wildlife along rivers and reliable road access. June to August offers peak conditions with cooler temperatures and lowest rainfall. September to October sees increased predator activity. December to March is flood season—spectacular for boat-based birding but not recommended for self-drive visitors as up to 80% of Mamili National Park becomes inaccessible by road. Peak tourism is July to September; shoulder months (April–June, October) offer better value.
The Zambezi Region is home to elephants, Cape buffalo, red lechwe, hippopotamus, Nile crocodiles, lions, leopards, and spotted hyenas. Over 500 bird species inhabit the region, including the spectacular Carmine Bee-eater colonies along the Zambezi River. Rare species include sitatunga (swamp antelope) and roan antelope. Dry-season game drives (April–October) concentrate wildlife along riverbanks; flood season (December–March) concentrates birds and lechwe on islands accessible by boat.
Fly into Katima Mulilo International Airport (OMD) via connections through Windhoek's Eros Airport, or use regional hubs: Livingstone International Airport (LIV), Zambia, 120 km; Kasane Airport (BBK), Botswana, 60 km; or Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA), Zimbabwe, 150 km. FlyNamibia operates domestic flights from Windhoek to Katima Mulilo. The B8 paved highway connects Rundu (280 km west) and Livingstone (120 km northeast). Most safari operators arrange airport transfers and transport to lodges.
Yes, Katima Mulilo is family-friendly with several considerations. Many lodges offer family suites and child-appropriate activities like guided boat cruises and village visits. Children under 10 may be restricted from early-morning game drives on safety grounds. Malaria precautions are essential—ensure all children take prophylaxis and use insect repellent. Riverside lodges with swimming pools are popular with families. Consult your safari operator about age-specific itineraries and safety protocols.
A minimum of 3–4 days allows exploration of one park (Mamili, Mudumu, or Bwabwata) with game drives and river activities. Five to seven days enables multi-park itineraries, combining Bwabwata and Mamili with day trips to Victoria Falls or Chobe National Park. Longer stays (8+ days) support immersive experiences including flood-season boat safaris, cultural visits, and fishing expeditions. Dry-season visits (April–October) maximize wildlife viewing; flood-season stays (December–March) require boat-based itineraries.
Zambezi River Lodge is the town's flagship property, offering 26 bedrooms on prime riverfront with a floating bar, restaurant, and access to cruises and fishing. Budget options include camping facilities at the lodge and independent campsites. Lodges along the Kwando River (e.g., Kwando Safaris) offer all-inclusive packages with game drives and meals. Upmarket properties operate along the Chobe River near Kasane (60 km). Most lodges include park access, guides, and meals in package rates.
Yes. Katima Mulilo uniquely combines river-based safaris, flood-season wildlife spectacles, and access to three national parks within a single hub. Unlike Etosha or Sossusvlei, the Caprivi offers boat safaris, dramatic seasonal transformations, and authentic cultural immersion in a less-crowded setting. The region's role as a transboundary wildlife corridor creates diverse game viewing and excellent birding (500+ species). Proximity to Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park enables multi-country itineraries. It's ideal for travelers seeking river ecosystems and seasonal variation over traditional game reserve experiences.
Guides are highly recommended and required in Bwabwata National Park for off-road travel. Knowledgeable guides provide species identification, predator tracking, and safety expertise critical in remote areas. Self-drive is possible on the B8 highway and designated park roads, but guided game drives maximize wildlife sightings and cultural context. Boat-based activities (river cruises, flood-season safaris) are guide-led. Most safari packages include professional guides; independent travelers can hire local guides through lodges.
Compare safari packages, read verified traveler reviews, and book through trusted operators on SafariFind.com. This lets you compare prices across lodges, multi-park itineraries, and activity combinations to find the best fit for your budget and interests. SafariFind partners with verified operators like Gondwana Travel, Tutwa Travel, and Nature Travel Africa, all offering Katima Mulilo packages with transparent pricing. Book 6–8 weeks in advance for peak season (July–September) to secure preferred dates and lodges.
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