Discover Rundu and beyond

Looking to explore Namibia’s northeastern regions? With FlyWestair’s new flights to Rundu and Katima Mulilo, discovering the beauty of Namibia’s wetlands has never been easier. In the issue we get to know the wonders that await in the Kavango Region!

The main town in the Kavango Region is Rundu, situated on the banks of the Okavango River. This is the home of Namibia’s well-known Kavango woodcarvers. Their ancient craft, handed down over generations, is a flourishing industry today. Wood carvings are made and offered for sale at the Mbungura Woodcraft Cooperative, which has its main workshop and office in the town. Another worthwhile stop is the Rundu Open Market to taste some local fare and experience the unique culture of the region. Here you’ll also find the Kavango Basket Project, providing a source of income for local women. Rundu Airport is situated 5 km south-west of the town. FlyWestair offers two flights a week from Windhoek to Rundu. Thirty kilometres east of Rundu is the Sambyu Museum, an art and crafts facility displaying woodcarvings and traditional crafts from the Kavango Region and southern Angola, and stone tools found locally.

Tourism Spots nearby:

Mangetti National Park

Previously managed as a game camp for breeding rare and endangered species such as black and white rhino, the Mangetti conservation area was proclaimed as the Mangetti National Park in 2008 to protect its wildlife and vegetation and provide tangible socio-economic benefits to local communities through careful tourism development.

Situated some 100 km southwest of Rundu, the park extends over some 420 km 2 and is managed jointly by the Ukwangali Traditional Authority and the MEFT. Animals seen here include eland, blue wildebeest, African wild dog, leopard and hyaena. Additional species such as common impala, gemsbok, kudu, giraffe and Burchell’s zebra were translocated through the Enhancing Wildlife-based Economy in Rural Areas Project from Etosha National Park and the private sector.

Bwabwata National Park

Two hours drive east of Rundu you will find the small town of Divundu, home of many tourism establishments and the well-known Popa Falls. Rushing rapids, melodious birdsong and the rustling leaves of shady, riverine trees are sounds that typify Popa Game Park. Located on the Okavango River opposite Bwabwata National Park, Popa Falls is famous for its lush setting and the sound of the rapids cascading down the rocky descents in the river. Over 400 species of birds have been recorded here. Tigerfish, threespot and greenheaded tilapia are just some of the game fish that occur in the Okavango River, making it a popular destination for anglers. Head into the Mahango Core Area of Bwabwata National Park for excellent wildlife viewing.

In 2007 the former Caprivi Game Park, proclaimed in 1968, was incorporated into the 6 100 km2 Bwabwata National Park, inclusive of the Kwando or Golden Triangle, and the Buffalo and Mahango (the former Mahango Game Park) core areas. The park is sanctuary to 35 large game species – including elephant, buffalo, impala, reedbuck, red lechwe, sitatunga, hippo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, Chobe bushbuck, tsessebe, and sable and roan antelope – and numerous small-game species. Predators such as lion, leopard, cheetah and African wild dog also occur in Bwabwata.