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Katima Mulilo

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City
—°1
Katima Mulilo (Namibia)
ℹ️

Practical info — Katima Mulilo

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Never walk near the Zambezi riverbank at night due to roaming hippos and crocodiles.
  • Stock up on supplies and fuel here before heading into the Caprivi Strip parks.
  • The border post to Zambia can be chaotic, so cross early in the day.
  • Always carry good insect repellent as this is a malaria-endemic zone.

🍽 Food

🍽
Zambezi Bream

Fresh river fish, usually grilled or fried, served in riverside lodges.

🍽
Kapana

Grilled beef strips with salsa, sold at local open-air markets.

🍽
Mahangu

A traditional pearl millet porridge served as a side to stews.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Katima Mulilo Open Market

Find traditional crafts, food, and daily goods.

🛍
Caprivi Art Centre

A great spot for local wood carvings and intricately woven baskets.

🧘
Riverside Lodge Decks

Excellent for safe and relaxing sunset views over the Zambezi.

🧘
Baobab Tree areas

Rest under the massive ancient baobab trees on the edges of town.

Katima Mulilo is the administrative capital of the Zambezi Region in extreme northeastern Namibia, situated on the southern bank of the mighty Zambezi River. The town was founded in 1935 during the British administration of the Bechuanaland Protectorate as an alternative to the lower-lying Schuckmannsburg. Due to its location in the Caprivi Strip, it is a vital trade hub connecting Namibia with Zambia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. The Katima Mulilo Bridge, opened in 2004, links Namibia directly to Sesheke in Zambia as part of the Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Corridor. The region's tropical climate differs significantly from the rest of Namibia, supporting lush vegetation and diverse wildlife in nearby national parks. The town serves as a gateway for ecotourism and river cruises on the Zambezi, with local culture heavily influenced by the traditions of the Lozi people.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252525242119182126292826
Rain mm18914111343310021276183

Geography

Population
33,615 (2026)
Coordinates
-17.50000, 24.26670

Facts

  • The town was officially established as an administrative center in 1935.
  • The Katima Mulilo Bridge across the Zambezi is 900 meters long.
  • Katima Mulilo means 'extinguish the fire' in the Lozi language.
  • The town is located approximately 1,200 kilometers northeast of Windhoek.
  • The Zambezi River frequently reaches high water levels here during the rainy season.
  • Nearby Lake Liambezi is a significant wetland for the region.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Katima Mulilo (1)

Zambezi State Forest🌿 nature

Zambezi State Forest in Mulilo is a protected forest area along the Zambezi River.

Frequently asked questions

What makes Katima Mulilo so special?
The town lies on the Zambezi River and features a lush, tropical climate in contrast to the dry rest of Namibia.
What animals can I observe here?
The region is rich in hippos, crocodiles, and an enormous variety of birds along the Zambezi.
When is the best time to visit?
The dry season (May to October) is handy for wildlife viewing as animals gather at waterholes.
What is the weather like in Katima Mulilo?
It has a hot, tropical climate all year round with a distinct rainy season from November to March.
Is the region safe for travelers?
Yes, the town is an established starting point for safaris in the Caprivi Strip.
Katima Mulilo: where is it located?
Katima Mulilo is located in Namibia.
Katima Mulilo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.
Katima Mulilo: why is it worth visiting?
Katima Mulilo is the administrative capital of the Zambezi Region in extreme northeastern Namibia, situated on the southern bank of the mighty Zambezi River.
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