Most self-drive visitors to northern Namibia go to Etosha and then rush east to the Zambezi Region and Victoria Falls. In between lies the Kavango River, with river lodges, living culture and some of Namibia’s best fishing and birding. Here is how to build it into your route.
This sample 10-day itinerary links Etosha, the Kavango and the Okavango’s Popa Falls. It runs west to east, but works just as well in reverse.
- Length10 days, Windhoek to Divundu
- RoadsTarred main roads throughout
- VehicleA sedan is fine; a 4×4 helps inside some parks
- Best seasonMay to October for game viewing
The route at a glance
- Days 1 to 3: Windhoek to eastern Etosha
- Day 4: Etosha to Simanya River Lodge via Tsumeb and the B15
- Days 5 and 6: the Kavango River at Nkurenkuru
- Day 7: Mbunza Living Museum and Rundu
- Days 8 to 10: Divundu, Popa Falls and Bwabwata National Park
Days 1 to 3: Windhoek to Etosha
Drive north on the B1 through Okahandja and Otjiwarongo towards Tsumeb. For this route, the eastern side of Etosha around Namutoni makes the most sense. According to the Accidental Travel Writer, the Von Lindequist Gate is only about 90 km (56 miles) north of Tsumeb. Spend two full days exploring the waterholes, especially in the dry season, when the animals gather around the remaining water.
Photo to add: wildlife at an Etosha waterhole (landscape). Use one of your own, or leave this out if none is available.
Day 4: Etosha to the Kavango
Leave the park through the Von Lindequist Gate, drive back to Tsumeb to refuel and stock up, then take the B15 north-east into the Kavango woodlands. You will pass the community-run Treesleeper Camp at Tsintsabis and cross the Red Line veterinary checkpoint before turning onto the B10 for the last 40 km to Nkurenkuru. Our B15 road trip guide covers this drive in detail.
Days 5 and 6: the Kavango River
After the dust of Etosha, two nights on the river feel like a reward. Go tiger fishing, take a sunset cruise or a makoro trip, visit Tondoro Mission, or spend a morning birding along the river. Our guide to things to do in Nkurenkuru has more ideas.
Day 7: Mbunza Living Museum and Rundu
Follow the B10 east along the river towards Rundu, about 140 km away. Just before Rundu, stop at the Mbunza Living Museum, a traditional village about 15 km west of the town. Here members of the community demonstrate traditional crafts such as basket weaving, pottery and blacksmithing, along with cooking, music and dance. Rundu itself is the largest town in the region and a good place to refuel and restock.
Photo to add: the Mbunza Living Museum or a craft demonstration (landscape).
Days 8 to 10: Popa Falls and Bwabwata
From Rundu, the B8 runs about 200 km east to Divundu on the Okavango River. Here the river tumbles over the Popa Falls, a series of rapids with a drop of about 4 metres when the water is low. The surrounding Popa Game Park is home to hippos, crocodiles and over 400 bird species.
Divundu is also the gateway to Bwabwata National Park, which Wikipedia describes as known for the diversity of wildlife in its riverine and swampland habitats. Spend your last days on game drives and boat cruises before continuing east through the park towards the Zambezi Region, or south into Botswana.
Photo to add: Popa Falls or the Okavango at Divundu (landscape). Use one of your own, or leave this out if none is available.
Planning tips
- Drive in daylight. Livestock, wildlife and pedestrians make night driving risky in rural Namibia.
- Refuel in towns. Tsumeb and Rundu are the main towns for fuel and supplies on this route, so top up whenever you can.
- Book ahead in peak season. July to October and the December holidays are the busiest periods for lodges and park accommodation.
- Plan for malaria. The Kavango and Zambezi regions are malaria areas. Speak to a doctor or travel clinic before you go.
- Adjust to the season. Our best time to visit guide explains how the seasons change the river and the activities on offer.
Make Simanya your stop on the river
Simanya River Lodge is the natural break between Etosha and the east, with river-facing rooms, Basecamp campsites, a restaurant, pub and infinity pool. Contact us to fit Simanya into your Namibia itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need for northern Namibia?
Ten days is a comfortable minimum to combine Etosha, the Kavango River and Popa Falls without long driving days. Add more time if you are continuing to the Zambezi Region or Botswana.
How do I get from Etosha to the Kavango River?
Leave Etosha through the Von Lindequist Gate, drive about 90 km to Tsumeb, then take the tarred B15 north-east and the B10 to Nkurenkuru.
Is it worth stopping on the Kavango River between Etosha and the Zambezi?
Yes. The Kavango adds river activities, tiger fishing, birding and cultural experiences such as the Mbunza Living Museum, and breaks up a long drive.
Do I need a 4×4 for this itinerary?
No. The main roads on this route are tarred and a sedan is fine. A 4×4 is useful for some game drives and sandy tracks inside the parks.
Sources
- Namibia: on the road from Tsumeb to Etosha National Park, Accidental Travel Writer.
- Nkurenkuru, Wikipedia.
- Mbunza Living Museum, Info Namibia.
- Divundu, Wikipedia.
- Popa Game Park, Wikipedia.
- B15 road (Namibia), Wikipedia.
