6 minute read
Eat, sleep, experience Rundu
Rundu is the sprawling capital of the Kavango Region. It is a bustling town brimming with cool places to stay, lekker eateries and bars and fun stuff to do. Whether you are visiting for business, connecting with family, or simply stopping over on your way elsewhere, check out these places for a memorable experience in the jewel of the Kavango.
WHERE TO STAY
Taranga Safari Lodge
35 kilometres west of town.
The lodge is situated on a side stream of the Okavango River and boasts timeless safari-esque decor, a large deck overlooking the river, a swimming pool and a floating bar. Taranga has three types of accommodation: two deluxe chalets, six classic luxury tented chalets as well as camping facilities. Activities include cultural walks, drives, river cruises and fishing excursions.
Taranga’s kitchen serves breakfast, light lunches and dinner.
Tambuti Lodge
Located in town near Rundu Beach.
Tambuti is conveniently located within a 4-minute drive from the centre of town. It overlooks the river and floodplain. It’s a quaint lodge with great character and lots of greenery, offering five family rooms and three double/single rooms. The restaurant specialises in traditional cuisine, like roasted manketti nuts and millet pancakes, but equally caters to other appetites.
Activities include visits to the Mbunza Living Museum, kayaking on the river or embarking on a slow cruise on a motorised boat.
Mukuku Rest Camp
65 kilometres eastwards out of town.
Mukuku is a small, charming establishment run by a friendly and accommodating husband and wife team, Ansie and Hannes Pool. It is tucked away nicely, further away from neighbouring villages and therefore very tranquil. There are three self-catering chalets, one B&B chalet and three camping spots with private ablution facilities. Ansie cooks all the meals served at Mukuku, which are generous and tasty.
While boat cruises and cultural activities are offered, this is a place to sit back and read a book, watch birds and really relax.
WHERE TO EAT/DRINK
Culture Café
Recently opened, this coffee shop is beautifully decorated in a bohemian style. There is a fish pond at the entrance, a shelf filled with homemade jams and rusks, and the seating is ample both indoor and outdoor. Culture Café’s menu features hearty classics like fried breakfasts, burgers, toasties and schnitzel as well as an extensive pizza range. The service is great and the food is delicious, definitely a must when in Rundu.
Grill Masters
In the centre of town, along the bustling main street you’ll find Grill Masters. The restaurant space offers indoor and outdoor seating, as well as takeaways. Chicken wings, basted ribs, chops and burgers are their specialty, but they also do catering and take orders for party platters. Decadent milkshakes topped with cookies and cream round off the offering.
Traditional at the Open Market
There are a bunch of spots around town that offer rustic, local cuisine in a restaurant setting, but the Open Market is definitely the most authentic experience. Meats are grilled on open fires and spiced to perfection. Expect sides like pap and relish and perhaps some sauce. At the Open Market you can simply follow your noses to the back, where a handful of vendors sell meals daily.
WHAT TO EXPERIENCE
Rundu Beach and lookout point
These two spots are cornerstones of local culture in Rundu. The “beach” is a bank of the Okavango River that boasts soft white sand and the water is super clear. Swimming is not advisable, though, because crocodiles monitor these waters. The lookout point is on the edge of town, around the corner from the beach. From there you get a gorgeous view of the Okavango floodplains, particularly as the sun sets on the horizon. Both these places are ideal for a picnic.
Wood carvers and clay pottery
Crafts like wood carving and pottery have been practised in this part of the country for centuries. Visit Mbangura Wood Carving in the centre of town for beautiful and practical items ranging from bowls and walking sticks to even furniture. This wood carving establishment supports multiple crafters and their handiwork is truly remarkable.
Pots are made from clay found in the area, which is painstakingly constructed into woodburning stoves, plant pots, urns and bowls. The creativity and craftsmanship that go into moulding these pots is unparalleled. You can find a bunch of roadside shops selling traditional clay pots on the way out of Rundu, en route to Grootfontein.
Open Market
Most of the larger towns in the north boast an Open Market. This is the place where locals go to shop and socialise, but it is also a great starting point for visitors. Vendors at those markets can repair your phone while you shop the selection of dresses hand-made on-site, intricately crafted smoking pipes and spears, or brick-making apparatus and hair oils. There are a bunch of butcheries and hair salons on the perimeter, and under the main market roof, you can even try your hand at a game of pool, if you are ready to challenge local experts.
Get a haircut
Barber shops and hair salons are scattered all over town and form an essential part of local culture. Even though they are plentiful, there is almost always a queue. People wait patiently for hours, seated or standing in the salon, observing the maestros at work. One of our content team members managed to jump the queue because the barber was so excited to cut caucasian hair. This particular shop was blasting kwaito music and clients could watch a movie on a laptop.
Explore the river
If you choose to stay at one of the above-mentioned lodges, you will have access to loads of activities on and around the river. Boat trips get you closer to spotting crocodiles and hippos, while fishing is also great fun. Because life in this region revolves around the river, it is essential for you as a visitor to experience it.
Charene Labuschagne
TO RUNDU AND BEYOND
FlyNamibia between Eros Airport in Windhoek and Ondangwa, Rundu, Katima Mulilo, Walvis Bay and Oranjemund, as well as between Hosea Kutako International Airport and Cape Town.
