Divundu lies on the southwest bank of the Okavango in the Kavango East Region, a little over 200 kilometres east of Rundu on the B8. Across the river is Angola. On the long drive from Rundu to Katima Mulilo, Divundu is where you break the journey: just over 200 kilometres on the first day, about 315 on the second. At the 2023 census Divundu had 5,787 residents.
- to Rundu on the B8
- 203 km
- to Katima Mulilo through Bwabwata
- 316 km
- residents, 2023 census
- 5,787
- pitches at the NWR Popa Falls camp
- 10
People have lived here since 1850, and this is the seat of the Hambukushu kings. Divundu has only officially been a village since 2015. You can buy fuel here. Still, fill up in Rundu: in April 2025 the regional governor counted more than 100 potholes on the B8 between the two, and you do not want to crawl along it on an empty tank.
Popa Falls
If you expect a waterfall, you are in for a surprise. Popa Falls are rapids. The Okavango splits into many channels between rock ledges here and tumbles down in cascades. A four-kilometre gravel track leads from the B8 to the falls.
Right on the river is the Popa Falls Resort of the state-run company NWR, with river cabins, chalets, a family house and ten campsites for up to eight people each. A pitch costs N$ 170 per person, a morning or afternoon boat trip N$ 350, as of October 2026. The camp does not appear in the accommodation listings. You book it directly with NWR, in October 2026 by email, because the online system was down. Lodges in the area also offer boat trips.
Bwabwata National Park
Bwabwata National Park begins at Divundu and stretches east to the Kwando River. How big is it? Wikipedia says 6,274 square kilometres, while Travel News Namibia gives a rounder 6,100. The park was created in 2007 from the Caprivi Game Park and the Mahango reserve. About 5,500 people live inside the park. Most are Khwe, a San people.
For wildlife there are three core areas: Mahango, Buffalo and Kwando. Elephants roam. They move back and forth between Namibia, Angola, Botswana and Zambia, and there are also buffalo, hippos, roan and sable antelope and red lechwe. Since April 2026 the parks of the region have charged N$ 200 per adult per day, as of October 2026. NWR and the lodges run game drives.
The B8 runs straight through the park, and travellers in 2011 reported a speed limit of 80 km/h and warning signs. Drive slowly, not least because of the elephants. Beyond the park you can refuel in Kongola before continuing to Katima Mulilo.
Today, as of Bwabwata National Park has existed since 2007; before that the areas were known as the Caprivi Game Park and Mahango. In 2015 Divundu was declared a village. The 2011 census counted 746 residents, the 2023 census 5,787. And malaria is a major issue in the northeast again: the German Foreign Office rates the risk as high all year and reports a sharp rise in cases for 2025 and 2026, as of October 2026.
- Time needed
- one night between Rundu and Katima Mulilo, two with a day in Bwabwata
- From Windhoek
- 888 km, 670 minutes
Our tipArrive in the early afternoon and take the afternoon boat trip. See a doctor about malaria before you travel, and wear long sleeves in the evening.
Places to stay in Divundu and Bwabwata
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Divava Okavango Lodge & Spa
District Road Ndongo
- Pool
- Spa
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
from €314per night on 10 December 2026
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Shametu River Lodge
Shametu River Lodge
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Parking
from €269per night on 23 November 2026
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Ndhovu Safari Lodge
2Km From Mahangu National Park
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Parking
from €195per night on 23 November 2026
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Divundu Guest House
Plot 313, Divundu
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Parking
- Air conditioning
from €51per night on 23 November 2026
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Ruviya Chateau
lot 531
- Kitchen
- Parking
- Air conditioning
- Wi-Fi
from €48per night on 29 June 2027
Check prices on trivagoDivundu and Bwabwata: frequently asked questions
What are Popa Falls?
Popa Falls near Divundu are not a waterfall but rapids on the Okavango, where the river splits into many channels between rock ledges. The state-run NWR camp lies right beside them.
How do you book the Popa Falls Resort?
The Popa Falls Resort belongs to Namibia Wildlife Resorts and is booked directly with NWR. In October 2026 the online system was down and requests went by email to the reservations office.
How big is Bwabwata National Park?
Bwabwata National Park stretches from Divundu on the Okavango to Kongola on the Kwando. Wikipedia gives 6,274 square kilometres, Travel News Namibia 6,100. About 5,500 people live inside the park, mostly Khwe.