Katima Mulilo, Eastern Caprivi

Katima Mulilo, which means, "dim the fire", is the capital centre of the Caprivi and is situated about 500 km east of Rundu. About 400 species have been recorded in the area. A two-day stay is normally adequate to cover the available birding habitats.

Specials
Specials in the area are Schalow's Turaco, White-crowned Lapwing, Rock Pratincole, African Skimmer, Purple-banded Sunbird, African Emerald Cuckoo, Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, Böhm's Spinetail (very rare), Pennant-winged Nightjar, African Finfoot and Rufous-bellied Heron. Other species are Grey-headed Bush-Shrike, Bradfield's Hornbill, Crowned Hornbill, Trumpeter Hornbill, Grey-headed Parrot, Western Banded Snake-Eagle, Black Coucal, Rosy-throated Longclaw and Copper Sunbird. Shelley's Sunbird has been reported nearby and Bat Hawk are regularly seen over the river.

Habitat
The habitat includes riverine woodland, mixed woodland, dense acacia thickets and mixed bush with mopane woodland and scattered baobabs.

Birding
1. Zambezi Lodge and Caprivi Cabins are good spots for Schalow's Turaco and Copper Sunbird. The golf course has now fallen into disrepair but is still good for birding. Probably the best woodland birding in this area is the patch of riparian forest between the Ministry of Environment and Tourism offices (about 3 km east of the town) and the old golf course. eastern Bearded Scrub-Robin, Eastern Nicator, Half-collared Kingfisher and Copper Sunbird are all regularly seen here. Bat Hawk are seen over the river in the evenings.

2. The mopane woodlands to the south of the town are excellent for Racket-tailed Roller and Arnot's Chat. Travel south of town and take the surfaced road west opposite the Kalambeza turnoff.

3. The sewage works on the outskirts of town is normally very productive, with species such as Rufous-bellied Heron being recorded. The sewerage works have not been well maintained in recent years and the run-off is no longer channeled into small ponds and wetlands. It is still worth a visit but not as productive as it has been in the past.

4. The small area of mixed woodlands to the West of Katima Mulilo is excellent for Racket-tailed Roller and Arnot's Chat. Travel West on the B8 going past the Linyanti turnoff (south) and take the first road after this to the North. Park along the side of this road (it leads to a large quarry and road materials borrow pit) and walk east into the forest. Black-eared Seedeater was first recorded for Namibia in this area. Ayres's Hawk-Eagle is resident.

5. A boat trip along sections of the Zambezi is a good idea as many species are observed more easily from the river. Contact “Piesang” Pretorius of Chobezi river Cruises (081-1273544) for reasonably priced boat rentals. Dick and Katy Sharpe (066-253453) also do boat cruises on request.

General
A good tar road exists from Windhoek. Some of the surface is very poor between Kongola (Kwando) and Katima Mulilo and caution is suggested when travelling this section.

The best accommodation currently available is Caprivi Cabins on the eastern side of Katima. African Finfoot, Schalow's Turaco and African Wood-Owl are all garden birds here. Other accommodation includes Zambezi Lodge and Hippo Lodges.

Those more budget-conscious can contact Katy Sharpe (066-253453) to rent reasonably priced serviced accommodation at the Zambezi Fish Farm to the West of Katima on the Zambia road. Katy also guides birders in the area and is willing to transport and guide birders into the less well known areas of the eastern Caprivi (Mamili Nat. Park, eastern floodplains, Lake Liambezi and the Chobe river.

Chris Hines and Steve Brain 2002.
The Namibian Naturalist
Tel: +264-(0)-61-227077
Fax: +264-(0)-61-227088
E-mail: rockrun@iafrica.com.na