Travel Guide Rundu

This town at the entrance of the Zambezi corridor plays a central role in the economy of the region. You will find all the necessary shops for your supplies (banks, post office, gas stations open 24 hours, supermarkets, restaurants...). Rundu is the last place to go for supplies. There are no supermarkets before Katima Mulilo. There is one in Divundu, but it is small and not very well stocked. Be careful though, in this direction of travel you don't have to worry about the sanitary barriers. On the other hand, don't bring too many goods because at the border with Botswana or Zambia, they can empty the cooler and the vehicle until the last apple seed! If the dusty urban centre of Rundu is at first sight unattractive, the parts of the town along the river are home to lodges surrounded by lush gardens, much to the delight of birdwatchers and local Namibians who like to come at weekends to recharge their batteries, fish in the Okovango for tiger fish, bream, etc., and meet up with friends over the traditional braai. Rundu has seen a significant increase in population in recent years, and the ecosystem seems to be suffering today: hippos have become rare and the fish eagle no longer makes its shrill cry along the river. Local artisans come from neighbouring villages to sell their wares in Rundu: masks, animal sculptures in wild teak, wooden planes, basketry and pottery... Some display their wares near the petrol stations in town or in numerous makeshift kiosks (small reed shelters) on the side of the B8 road, more than 20 km to the east and west of Rundu. The kiosks sometimes look abandoned, but the villagers appear as if by magic as soon as your vehicle stops. Some San tribes (Bushmen) also travel to Rundu to trade bows, arrows and some jewellery made of beads or ostrich eggs.