Kavango West

Kavango West is a region in northeastern Namibia, along the Okavango River south of the Angolan border. It was split from the former Kavango Region in 2013. The Okavango River supports a ribbon of lush vegetation and agriculture in the otherwise Kalahari landscape. The regional capital, Nkurenkuru, sits on the south-western bank of the river about 140km west of Rundu; it was likely founded around 1820 and became the homestead of the Uukwangali kings under King Mpande in 1880, later serving as the seat of the wider Kavango region's government until 1936 (when that role moved to Rundu) before becoming a regional capital again in 2013. It is the only self-governed settlement in Kavango West, with roughly 10,500 inhabitants as of a 2023 count.

The dry season from May to October offers the best conditions. Summer rains (November to April) are heavy.

The C45 and main gravel roads connect the region's towns. A 4x4 is recommended for secondary roads.

• Nkurenkuru — the regional capital on the Okavango River
• Katwiwi — a settlement in the region
• Tondoro — a village along the Okavango River
• Kapako — a riverine settlement
• Ncamagoro — a rural settlement

Fresh fish from the Okavango River, mahangu porridge, and traditional dishes.

The Kavango people have strong riverine traditions. Woodcarving and basket weaving are important crafts.

• Fish on the Okavango River
• Visit traditional Kavango villages along the river