Rundu
Northeast of Grootfontein and about 520km west of Katima Mulilo, Rundu sits just above the beautiful Okavango flood plain and comes as a pleasant relief after the long, hot journey to reach it. Perhaps because of this distance, it feels like an outpost. It certainly has few specific attractions. But these distances also make it a prudent stopover, and most of the lodges expect visitors to spend just one night with them. Perhaps because it is across the river from Angola, Rundu has a relaxed, slightly Portuguese atmosphere.

Orientation

The B8 is the main artery on which people arrive and depart, though it actually skirts the town. You must turn off at the buzzing Shell petrol station to get into Rundu itself.

Taking this turning brings you past the sports stadium on your right and to a four-way stop junction. Continue straight on, and you eventually meet the old river road at right angles, opposite the police station and Omashare River Lodge. Turn left here for the Kavango River Lodge, and right for all the others (except Hakusembe). This old road used to be the main gravel road to Katima, and it runs northeast, between the river and the new tar B8, for many miles. Occasionally it connects with the new tar B8 by access roads numbered DR3402, DR3421, etc.

Getting there

The main Engen fuel station is located at the four-way stop between the Shell garage (which is on the corner where you turn off the B8 and into Rundu) and town. If you are hitchhiking, then the Shell garage is the best place for lifts, as most people passing this will stop to fill up, or get a drink or food. Watch for thieves in the crowds here, as several problems have been reported in the past.

The Intercape Mainliner coach service which links Windhoek with Victoria Falls, stops at the Engen garage on Sat and Tue at 04.10, en route for Victoria Falls. On the way back to Windhoek, it stops on Sun and Wed at 18.40.

The airport is signposted off the main road to Grootfontein, but no longer sees any regular, scheduled internal flights.