Three adventures to embark on in the Zambezi Region

Three adventures to embark on in the

ZAMBEZI REGION

Whenever explaining travels, destinations, and the roads leading to adventure in Namibia, my right hand comes out. Palm facing down, index finger folded and thumb stretched out, the back of my hand instantly becomes a map. The shape of Namibia can be indicated with a single hand, and the Zambezi region is the thumb. No coincidence then that this corner of the land, often overlooked or left off visitor itineraries for being so far- flung, can be summarised by “an indication of satisfaction or approval” (a.k.a. “thumbs up”).

Text   Charene Labuschagne   |   Photographs   Charene Labuschagne

From the Spring 2022 issue

If you are in search of adventure, the wet and wonderful Zambezi region is destined to shake your soul, get your adrenaline pumping and make for unforgettable memories. And despite being less popular than destinations like Etosha and Sossusvlei, the tourist accommodation and activities here are comfortably on par with both the aforementioned. While game drives dominate inland activities, the Zambezi allows for another avenue of adventure – exploring the area via the water ways. The mighty rivers that run the region’s borders (Zambezi, Chobe and Kwando Rivers) are the nucleus of life around here, for both animals, locals and adventure-seeking visitors.

NUMBER ONE: FISHING, NATURALLY, AND NAVIGATING THE WATERS

Everything up here revolves around the rivers. The local diet consists of equal parts free-roaming beef, chicken and fresh fish caught daily. Bream, as I have come to know on my recent visit, is the Zambezi’s equivalent to cob. It is always the catch of the day, always prepared and served with the head attached, and tastes delicious. While you are likely to enjoy a fillet of bream for dinner, it is the elusive tiger fish that has fishing aficionados traversing the hefty drive to the thumb of Namibia. Few things truly say “holiday” like sitting on a folding chair, cold beer in hand, drifting on a majestic river while trying your luck with the fishing rod.

Renting a houseboat with a group of friends is some of the best-spent money, not only because splitting costs makes the whole thing more affordable, but also because here fishing, when done without the primary incentive of sustenance, is a social sport. Catch and release is the name of the game, and if you are by no means a fan of fishing, but your friends are, rest assured there’s room on the boat to catch a tan.

NUMBER TWO: GAME VIEWING, ON STEROIDS

Even the standard game drive becomes an adventure in the Zambezi. With the added appeal of spotting hippos, crocodiles, as well as elephants and antelope, wildlife experiences here are unparalleled. My personal favourite asset from the region is its abundant birdlife. The African Fish Eagle’s cry echoes through dense bushveld – how magical when you finally spot one after keeping your eyes peeled to the treetops. The Lilac-breasted Roller swoops around, showing off his brilliant colours and tailfeathers. I could spend hours watching the Pied Kingfisher as he hovers, dips, hovers, and dips again. During the heat of the day, or whenever larger species seem scarce, I would urge anyone to look intentionally at the treetops. Staying longer, looking harder, and finally spotting them is an adventure also!

NUMBER THREE: LIFE ALONG THE ROADSIDE, NO LESS EXCITING AS THE ADRENALINE ADVENTURES

While life around here revolves around the water, equal – if not greater – adventure can be had in a vehicle. For most travellers, venturing to the thumb of Namibia involves a lot of time in a car just getting there. Once you make it to the thumb, a slower pace is recommended. Between small towns and villages (which are scattered throughout the region in all shapes and sizes) traffic is common. Haste is non-existent, except for the odd free-range chicken dashing across the road. Look out the window, get out of the air-conditioned car, and engage with the quaint shops, shebeens and people with centuries worth of stories to tell.

This is the greatest adventure: not necessarily going further, higher, more extreme, fast paced; but slower, thoroughly, looking closer, really becoming present in the thrill. That of being close to a killer crocodile which, despite being the uncontested alpha, still scurries into the water when we approach. Seeing hippos bob up from under the water, where there was nothing a second ago, and the sheer size of their jaws when they yawn. Paying attention to the evolutionary wonder of birds, their endless variations, calls and colours. But also the people who live alongside these rivers, whose daily adventures on the banks of the Kwando, Chobe and Zambezi are a rare privilege to witness. TNN

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