Plizio Visual Lab
Rundu
ℹ️Practical info — Rundu
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Book a sunset boat cruise on the Okavango River; it is the absolute best time for hippo and bird sightings.
- Rundu is in a malaria-risk area; ensure you use insect repellent and sleep under a mosquito net.
- Visit 'Rundu Beach' on weekends if you want to experience the lively local socializing and music.
- Be cautious when buying 'ebony' carvings; check that it isn't light wood stained with black shoe polish.
- Shared taxis are affordable and the safest way to get around town after dark.
🍽 Food
Try this freshly caught river fish, which is a specialty at the Tambuti Lodge restaurant.
Sample this traditional porridge made from pearl millet at the Rundu Open Market.
A local wild spinach dish often prepared with river fish, available at authentic local eateries in town.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Visit this cooperative to watch artisans at work and buy authentic Kiaat wood carvings directly.
Look for these colorful traditional African textiles at the Kehemu Open Market.
A prime location for hand-woven baskets and various traditional Kavango crafts.
Located 16km west of town, its lush gardens offer a first-rate escape for a quiet afternoon by the river.
A peaceful bush setting where you can learn about traditional Kavango life in a quiet environment.
Known for its 'oasis' feel, it's a great spot for quiet birdwatching along the riverbanks.
Water temperature…
Rundu is the capital of the Kavango East Region in northern Namibia, strategically located on the southern bank of the Okavango River. The city serves as a major border crossing to Angola and acts as a central trading hub for the entire Kavango region. Originally established as a military and police station in 1910, Rundu has evolved into Namibia's second-largest city, characterized by rapid population growth. Its riverside location enables intensive agriculture by Namibian standards, with fertile banks utilized for cultivating vegetables and grains. Culturally, the city is the heartland of the Kavango people, whose traditional woodcarvings at the local Mbangura market are renowned far beyond national borders. Rundu also serves as a vital gateway for tourists heading to the Caprivi Strip and the Okavango Delta. Infrastructure has significantly improved in recent years with the expansion of the Trans-Caprivi Highway, linking the city more closely to Windhoek and neighboring states. Despite modernization, Rundu maintains a lively, authentically African character with bustling markets and deep ties to river life.
- Location: Namibia
- Top sights: Rundu Urban · Ncuncuni Constituency · Rundu Sports Stadium
- Population: ~75.180 (2026)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 25 | 25 | 23 | 21 | 18 | 17 | 21 | 25 | 29 | 28 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 172 | 112 | 95 | 29 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 55 | 106 |
Geography
Facts
- Rundu is the second most populous city in Namibia.
- The Okavango River marks the international border with Angola here.
- The city lies at an elevation of approximately 1,050 meters.
- Mbangura Woodcarvers Market is famous for traditional crafts.
- Rundu Airport connects the region with the capital, Windhoek.
- The town became the region's administrative center in 1936.
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.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Rundu (3)
Frequently asked questions
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