Private 8-Day Caprivi Birdwatching Journey with Heuningland Tours
An eight-day private group journey combining birding and game safari experiences across Namibia’s Zambezi Region and the Chobe river system.
About this tour
Follow the rivers and floodplains of northeastern Namibia on an eight-day journey that combines focused birding with a game safari experience. Heuningland Tours links the Zambezi Region around Katima Mulilo with Nkasa Rupara National Park and the Chobe river system, using a resident bird guide and a mix of land and water-based observation.
This is arranged for an existing private group of four to eight guests. Heuningland does not assemble individual travelers into a shared departure. The route moves through riverside woodland, seasonal floodplain and the forests along the Linyanti. Birding takes place on foot where conditions are safe, from safari vehicles and during boat cruises. Yellow-throated Leaflove, Schalow’s Turaco, Rosy-throated Longclaw, African Finfoot, Broad-billed Roller and Southern Carmine Bee-eater are among the regional specialties highlighted for the journey. Wildlife encounters may add to the experience, but all sightings depend on natural activity.
The program begins with a transfer from Kasane to Katima Mulilo and an evening visit near the Carmine Bee-eater nesting area. It then continues to Nkasa Rupara for lodge-based birding and game drives, followed by two nights using houseboats on the Zambezi and Chobe rivers. The final two nights are based at Serondela Lodge before returning to Kasane.
Accommodation, meals, guiding, park fees, game drives and boat cruises are included as described in the itinerary. Dates and the final price are arranged on request. BirdWatch.info will confirm the exact program, availability and any route adjustments with Heuningland Tours before booking.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Namibia.
Itinerary
Day 1
Kasane to Katima Mulilo
Meet in Kasane and transfer across the border to Katima Mulilo. Settle into a lodge beside the Zambezi, then visit the Carmine Bee-eater nesting area around sunset for the first focused birding session.
Day 2
Birding toward Nkasa Rupara
Begin with morning birding near Katima Mulilo, then travel for about two hours to the Nkasa Rupara area. Continue with lodge-based observation or a game drive according to arrival time and conditions.
Day 3
Nkasa Rupara floodplains and woodland
Explore floodplain and forest habitat along the Linyanti through a combination of game drive and boat cruise. A mokoro outing or guided walk may be possible when water levels and safety conditions allow.
Day 4
Return to the Zambezi and board the houseboat
Travel back toward Katima Mulilo and board the houseboat. Bird from the river and spend the night beside the Zambezi, using rooftop-tent accommodation and the boat’s portable facilities.
Day 5
Zambezi to Chobe by houseboat
Continue along the river system with repeated birding stops from the boat. The second houseboat night is spent beside the Chobe, with meals around the campfire when conditions permit.
Day 6
Floodplain birding and Serondela Lodge
Leave the houseboat and continue toward Serondela Lodge. A village walk and floodplain birding introduce local habitats before an evening at the lodge.
Day 7
Chobe birding and sunset cruise
Spend the day exploring the Chobe river environment, with time for lodge-based observation and a sunset cruise focused on waterbirds, river-edge species and other wildlife.
Day 8
Return to Kasane
Return to Kasane for the onward journey. If flight timing and current access allow, a short final game drive in Chobe National Park may be added before the airport transfer.
Locations & map
- Katima Mulilo and Zambezi River - Zambezi Region Namibia (River-edge woodland and floodplain habitats with seasonal changes in water level and access.)
- Nkasa Rupara National Park - Zambezi Region Namibia (Floodplain, woodland and Linyanti river habitats visited by vehicle, boat and on foot where safe.)
- Chobe River - Chobe District Botswana (River and floodplain birding from houseboat and small craft.)
3 stops in itinerary order. Select a marker for its name.
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Dates are arranged on request and the itinerary is customized for current river, access and birding conditions.
Price: Price on request
Included
- Kasane airport transfers - Arrival and departure transfers for the confirmed itinerary.
- Seven nights of accommodation - Lodges and houseboat arrangements described in the program, with bedding and towels.
- Three meals daily - From dinner on day one through breakfast on day eight.
- Resident bird guide and tour host - Field guidance throughout the journey.
- Park fees, game drives and boat cruises - Activities specified in the confirmed itinerary.
Not included
- Flights to and from Kasane - International and domestic flights are arranged separately.
- Beverages and snacks - Unless specifically included in the final written proposal.
- Airport taxes and visa costs - Travel documents and border requirements remain the traveler’s responsibility.
Transport & stays
- Road vehicle, safari vehicle and boat The route combines cross-border road travel, game drives, houseboat travel and boat cruises. | Meet: Kasane International Airport or confirmed Kasane meeting point. | Pickup: Kasane airport transfers are included for the agreed itinerary.
Accommodations
- Katima Mulilo riverside lodge
- Nkasa Rupara area lodge
- Zambezi and Chobe houseboat
- Serondela Lodge
Policies & FAQ
Insurance & Safety
How many people join the trip?
The trip is arranged for an existing private group of four to eight guests. Heuningland does not combine individual travelers to fill a departure.
Are dates and prices fixed?
No. Dates are arranged on request and the final price is confirmed for the chosen departure, group and accommodation plan. A single supplement is listed at 30 percent.
Does the route include Botswana?
Yes. The itinerary starts and ends in Kasane and includes the Chobe river system, with cross-border travel coordinated as part of the confirmed program.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.