What narrow region of Namibia extends eastward toward Zambia and Zimbabwe?

The Caprivi Strip is the narrow region of Namibia that extends eastward toward Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Today, the area is commonly called the Caprivi Strip or simply Caprivi. It is a geographic salient in northeastern Namibia, bordered by Botswana to the south and Angola and Zambia to the north. Its eastern tip approaches Zimbabwe so closely that the area nearly forms a four-country meeting point.

Germany acquired the territory for German South West Africa in 1890 through the Heligoland–Zanzibar Treaty. The goal was to create an overland route to the Zambezi River and, in theory, connect German possessions in southwestern and eastern Africa. The plan proved impractical because Victoria Falls and other major obstacles prevented useful navigation toward the east coast.

The strip is now divided between Namibia’s Kavango East and Zambezi regions. Katima Mulilo is its largest settlement, and the region contains major protected areas including Bwabwata, Mudumu and Nkasa Rupara national parks. “Caprivi” is geographical, not a separate country or an independent Namibian province.