The Caprivi strip

The Caprivi strip is an intriguing part of Namibia. A strip of land wedged between Angola and Botswana, only 30 kilometers wide on the narrow part, and ending after 450 km near Zimbabwe and Zambia. Written in pencil on the map by German and English settlers at the end of the 19^de Africa together. The strip was important for Germany for trading with Zimbabwe and Zambia. The area is still prosperous, thanks to General Caprivi's foresight. You can also notice this at the supermarket in Katima Mulilo, which offers a wide range of luxury and branded products that can compete with our Albert Heijn. History states that we can postpone saying goodbye to Namibia for a little longer.

Just wallowing in luxury
At the beginning of the strip we stay overnight at a Lodge & Camping hidden behind huts, right on the river. We only discover the latter when we have an espresso and carrot cake in the restaurant in the morning before departure. Behind it is a carefully landscaped and maintained garden, with even ferns in this arid area. Several terraces have a view of the water. The idyllic and peaceful picture is disturbed by warning signs alerting you to hippos. It is such a relaxed place that we spontaneously decide to stay another day. We think it is one of the most beautiful campsites in Namibia. Our camping pitch has its own garden with a large Baobab and is enclosed with a bamboo fence. This place, with its own kitchen and washing facilities, beckons for a long-term stay.

Surprising encounters
That afternoon we get new neighbors, Esther and Marinus, from the Netherlands. Also avid 4 × 4 drivers with their own off-road vehicle. It's a small world, it turns out.
We have traveled with people in the past, with whom they have also made trips, only the destinations and the year were different. We have so much to tell each other that we spontaneously decide to end the evening with a nice dinner in the restaurant.
That night we wake up with footsteps and hear a grunting and tugging on the grass. Another big kudu? The quickly trimmed lamp projects a huge black spot against the fence. There is a lost hippo in our garden. Lying at great heights in a rooftop tent we imagine ourselves safe and continue to sleep wonderfully with the calming grazing in the background.

On the way to Botswana
The next day the last kilometers of Namibia come into view. We say goodbye with sadness. Impressed by the varied nature and culture. We have experienced unique moments, had setbacks and conquered. We will certainly miss the luxury and safe campsites in the rest of Africa.
The border formalities to leave the country are efficient, the employees are well-suited to their duties. Before we know it, we drive across a river on a bridge in no man's land. On the way to Botswana. The fridge filled with food for the coming days. We did not find clear guidelines on taking animal products. The sign with icons at the border is clear; the refrigerator contains prohibited items. The border office on this side of the river also works quickly. After we have paid the road tax and insurance, we can proceed to customs. We cheerfully try to defrost the distant, formal lady. "It's a national holiday today," she says with a smile. Then she wants to see the fridge. To be sure, Onno has placed the entire supply of beer on top of the meat. "Do you have meat?" The woman asks, small in stature. We invite her to see for herself. She cannot see more than cans of beer, standing on tiptoe, in the high-ranking refrigerator with a top cover. Talking about the holiday, the office worker continues, sending the conversation to beer. Botswana's independence on 30 September We want to celebrate 1966 generously with her and give her a cold beer. Suddenly she doesn't have to see anything of the luggage anymore and we can continue.

A warm welcome
We are in Botswana. And are directly in front of the entrance of the Chobe National Park. After a few meters we are welcomed by elephants who cross the sandy path a stone's throw away. The first introduction to the new country is very promising.