The Kavango Region includes the politically seperated areas Kavango-East and Kavango-West. Life in the Kavango Region, the natural surrounding and the culture are strongly influenced by the Okavango, a majestic river originating from the Angolan highlands and flowing into the Okavango Delta in Botswana.
The shores of the Okavango are inhabited by the Kavango people, who are divided into five subgroups. In the centre of the Kavango Region lies Rundu, the second largest town of Namibia with more than 60.000 inhabitants.
Climate in the Kavango Region
With an annual average of 500 – 600 mm it rains a lot compared to the rest of the country. In the sand savanna of the Kalahari Basin south of the Okavango the rainfall seeps away quickly thus hardly any surface water is found. During the summer months it can get very hot.
Flora and Fauna of the Kavango Region
The plant and wildlife especially within the national parks along the Okavango is very abundant. Along the large flood plains of the Okavango impressive woodlands and individual baobabs can be found. Amongst many more the abundant wildlife consist of elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, and hydrophilic antelopes like Rietbok and Letchwe, not to forget crocodile and hippo.
Highlights in the Kavango region
Here we provide an overview of activities, highlights and sights of the Kavango region. Touristic attractions are the Mahango National Park and the Buffalo Park, a real insider tip. A visit of Rundu, the capital of the Kavango region, is worthwile as well, not only to buy required groceries for the journey. Also the Living Museum of the Mbunza, situated west of Rundu is an interesting destination where the traveller can learn a lot about the culture of the Kavango people.
Mobola Island Lodge is a small and personal self-catering lodge directly situated at the Okavango river. The lodge provides five African style chalets, three Safari tents and six shady campsites at the river. It is the perfect place to enjoy the unmistakable beauty of the Okavango River as well as the uniqueness of the fauna and flora of this region in Namibia.
Lodge and camping close to the Mahango National Park
Nunda Lodge is situated on the banks of the Okavango River, close to the Mahango National Park, one of the main attractions of the area. The lodge offers accommodation in luxury tents and in luxury chalets and has several campsites. Game drives as well as river related activities like fishing and boat cruises can be booked at the lodge.
Divava Okavango Lodge & Spa is situated only a few hundred metres from the Popa Falls in the Kavango Region. Located on the banks of the Okavango River and only a few kilometres from Mahango Game Reserve the lodge is ideal for bird watching and game viewing.
Hakusembe River Lodge is situated on the south bank of the Okavango River, 16 km west of Rundu. It is a good stopover on the way into the Caprivi Strip and to the Victoria Falls. The lodge has 24 chalets all with views onto the river, a swimming pool, restaurant and bar as well as a campsite. Boat cruises on the Okavango River are being offered.
The comfortable Mahangu Safari Lodge is a popular lodge in the Kavango region of Namibia. The Lodge is located next to the Mahango National Park and comprises of 10 Bungalows and 6 Safari Tents, a bar and swimming pool as well as two wooden decks with view onto the Okavango river.
Kaisosi River Lodge is situated east of Rundu on the banks of the Okavango River and offers 16 rooms, 16 campsites, a restaurant with bar and 2 swimming pools. Several activities can be booked.
The Kavango River Lodge is ideally located as a stop-over for travelers to the Caprivi Strip. Situated in Rundu guests can visit the center of the little town on foot. Several activities on the Okavango River are offered.
Kayova River Lodge offers accommodation in 8 Bungalows, all of them overlooking the Okavango River. The bungalows are thatched, air-conditioned and fitted with mosquito nets. The lodge offers WiFi internet, a swimming pool and a restaurant with bar and outdoor dining area.
A nice place to camp at the Okavango. The Mbamba camping site offers several campsites directly located at the Okavango river, well maintained showers and toilets and the possibility to walk a bit on the small peninsula.
Ndhovu Safari Lodge is situated on the banks of the Okavango River close to Divundu and close to the Mahango National Park and was the first lodge established in the area after Independence in 1990. Apart from numerous activities the lodge offers houseboat safaris - a first on the Okavango River.
Lodge and camping close to the Mahangu National Park
Ngepi Camp is situated on the banks of the Okavango River. Ngepi is known for its relaxed atmosphere, its crocodile-safe swimming pool and its beautiful tree houses along the Okavango river front. Main attractions in the vicinity are the Popa Falls and the Mahango National Park.
A well maintained and friendly communal camping site at the Okavango River close to the Popa Falls. N//goabaca Campsite offers 4 camping sites. The Popa Falls can be visited, relaxation pure!
As the name suggests, the Popa Falls Lodge is situated on the banks of the Okavango River at the Popa Falls. The rapids are one of the main attractions of the area as well as the near-by Mahango National Park. The Lodge offers 10 river cabins as well as several campsites.
Rainbow River Lodge is located on the banks of the Okavango River close to the Popa Falls. The lodge offers 29 en-suite chalets and 20 camping spots directly at the Okavango River, a restaurant, a bar and a swimming pool.
‘RiverDance‘ is situated on the banks of the Okavango river, 180km north east of Rundu, in the Kavango East region and a mere 40 km from the Popa Falls and Bwabwatha National Park. RiverDance Lodge is an owner managed lodge offering 5 luxurious waterfront units tastefully decorated with extra length beds.
Samsitu Riverside Camp is a communal managed campsite situated directly at the banks of the Okavango. The camp offers 4 shady campsites and clean ablution facilities. Boat cruises and canoes can be booked.
Shametu River Lodge is situated directly at the Okavango River. With 11 Chalets and 4 Tented Chalets it offers room for larger groups as well as individual travelers, without compromising its very personal service. Both the Mahango and Buffalo Game Parks are close by and easily reachable by car.
Shamvura Camp is situated between Rundu and Divundu, at the banks of the Okavango River. The camp is ideal for self-catering guests, but it also offers meals on request. Situated high on a prominent sand dune visitor are granted a spectacular view over the river and the Angolan floodplains.
The Tambuti Lodge is situated in northern Namibia in Rundu, overlooking the Okavango River. The bungalows are surrounded by a lush green garden and include telephone, TV, WiFi and a fridge. The lodge restaurant specialises in local traditional cuisine, thus supporting local communities.
Taranga Safari Lodge, located at the banks of the Okavango River west of Rundu, offers 4 luxury en-suite tents and 8 camping sites. Activities include guided river safaris , sunrise and sundowner cruises, mokoro trips or flyfishing.