Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
straight from the trees. Alternatively, head for the
Khemo Open Market
( daily)
where you can shop for both African staples and Kavango handicrafts.
Very reasonably priced woodcarvings from a sustainable source are on offer at
Ncum-
cara Community Forestry Craft Centre
(B8; Mon-Sat, after church Sun)
, a neigh-
bourhood craft shop. The carvings are high quality with proceeds going back to the local
community. It's 35km south of Rundu; if the shop is unattended, just wait for someone to
show up and open the gate.
BORDER CROSSING: RUNDU-ANGOLA
The border crossing here is almost one-way traffic, with plenty of Angolans coming into Namibia to purchase
goods from the shops, seek medical help and visit relatives; however, we heard reports of Namibians getting a lot
of hassle when they try to enter Angola. As for tourists, they are seen as easy pickings for the Angolan authorities,
and you may be asked for a bribe or even arrested. Basic Portuguese-language skills would be a huge bonus, as
English is not widely spoken. Getting an Angolan visa (US$100) in Windhoek is very difficult, and you need time
and patience (one traveller we heard about waited for months with no success). It may just depend on who you
deal with at the Angolan embassy and, of course, your nationality. For one thing, you need a letter of invitation
from somebody in Angola as part of your visa application, as well as a copy of their ID. At the time of writing,
Oshakati in Namibia was the best place to try to lodge an Angolan visa application in Namibia.
There are a few travel agents running basic organised trips into Angola, which consists of you and your guide,
your vehicle and all your own camping equipment; Walvis Bay is a good place to make inquiries. The bonus here
is that they will organise your visa including letter of invitation.
Some lodges, such as N'Kwazi Lodge in Rundu, run boat trips along the Okavango River and will dock on the
Angolan side to give you a chance to get some Angolan soil on the soles of your shoes.
Sleeping & Eating
Lodges in Rundu and the surrounding region offer a variety of excursions, including sun-
set cruises, canoeing and fishing.
Self-caterers will find supplies at the well-stocked
Shoprite Supermarket
in the town
centre.
N'Kwazi Lodge $
( 081 242 4897;
www.nkwazilodge.com
;
campsite/r per person N$120/420)
Situated on the banks of the Okavango, about 20km from Rundu's town centre, this is a
tranquil and good-value riverside retreat where relaxation is a by-product of the owners'
laid-back approach. The entire property blends naturally into the surrounding riverine
LODGE
