Rundu

Rundu sits on the south bank of the Okavango river with Angola on the far side, and it is the second largest town in Namibia by population, a busy regional centre for the Kavango region. Its best-known export is woodcarving: open-air markets along the main road sell carved animals, bowls, masks and furniture made in the surrounding villages, which are where most of the country's carving is actually produced before it travels south to the bigger markets. Lodges along the river bank look across the water.

History

In 1936 Rundu became the seat of the local governor, replacing Nkurenkuru as capital of the Kavango district, and since 1993 St Mary's Cathedral has been the seat of the Catholic vicariate of Rundu; the town had 118,632 people at the 2023 census (Wikipedia, Rundu).

What to look for

• The woodcarving markets - stalls selling work made in the Kavango villages around the town.
• The Okavango - the river running along the town's northern edge.
• The riverside lodges - accommodation strung along the bank looking over the water.
• The regional market - produce and goods for the whole Kavango region.

When to go

May to October is the dry season and most comfortable. The rains from December to March bring heat and humidity. The river is highest between March and May.

Things to know

The town itself is workaday with little sightseeing. Carving quality varies widely and hard bargaining is expected. Crocodiles and hippo are in the river and swimming is not sensible.

Nearby

Popa Falls is east along the river, and Khaudum is south.

Key facts